Duluth Playhouse
Duluth , MN
US

CONTACT NAME

Charles Sutton

DESCRIPTION

RESIDENT PROPS DESIGNER AND INVENTORY MANAGER

Full-Time, Onsite Position

Duluth Playhouse – NorShor Theatre, Duluth MN

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Resident Props Designer & Inventory Manager is a full-time staff member who designs, sources and builds all properties for Duluth Playhouse productions. This position serves the Main Stage, Underground and Youth Theatre programs and works closely with directors, designers, production management, and stage management from first design meeting through strike. Additionally, this person will manage the inventory of Duluth Playhouse’s scenic, costume and properties storage facility.

SEASON SCOPE

Each season, the Resident Props Designer designs and manages props for:

• Six Main Stage productions (four musicals, two plays)

• Four Youth Theatre productions

• Two Underground productions

• Occasional special projects, fundraisers and events

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Design, Collaboration, and Planning

• Read all scripts and prepare initial prop questions, research, and early lists before the first concept meeting

• Attend all scheduled design and production meetings, including scenic and costume focused sessions, to maintain a unified visual world across departments

• Build and maintain detailed initial and final prop lists, including hand props, furniture, set dressing, consumables, weapons, and special effects

• Upload research, prop lists, photos, links, and budgets to the production Google Drive folder in agreed formats (Docs, PDFs, slide decks, or similar)

• Schedule one-on-one meetings with directors outside group production meetings and share outcomes with the full team via email

Sourcing, Fabrication, and Budget

• Pull props and furniture from Duluth Playhouse storage and warehouse locations in coordination with Production Management and the storage schedule

• Build or modify props as needed, including basic carpentry, painting, soft goods work, and creative problem solving under the director’s guidance

• Source items from rentals, loans, and purchases within approved budgets; track all prop expenses in collaboration with the Production Manager

• Maintain an organized workflow between rehearsal props and show props, ensuring durable and safe pieces for performance use

Rehearsal, Tech, and Performance Support

• Provide rehearsal props by first rehearsal and attend the meet and greet to share a brief overview of props, special items, and safety concerns with the company

• Coordinate with stage management on rehearsal needs, prop presets, and prop adjustments requested in rehearsal reports

• Confirm all consumables, weapons, and fire effects in collaboration with Production Management and, when applicable, fight or intimacy directors

• Complete and deliver final prop package by the “cast takes stage” deadline and support integration during spacing, cue-to-cue, and early tech as assigned

• Attend strike for each production; pack props safely, coordinate transport to storage, and return items to assigned locations within agreed timelines

Storage, and Rental Management

• Maintain accurate prop inventories and checklists for storage and future reuse

• Allocate set hours weekly to help maintain scenic and costume storage.

• Track all rental props that leave Duluth Playhouse, including contracts, condition notes, and return dates

• Pull, adapt, and return props for internal special events and programs as needed

Communication and Administration

• Conduct all show-related communication through email, ensuring clear records and professional tone

• Partner with Production Management on safety plans connected to props, including potential hazards in rehearsal and performance

QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional props design or props management experience for live theatre or closely related performance settings

• Proven experience pulling and organizing props from a large stock, along with strong fabrication skills for both small hand props and larger items

• Experience supporting musicals and plays across a full season schedule

• Strong collaboration with directors, designers, and stage management, including the ability to interpret director concepts and align props to a shared production vision

• Familiarity with theatre safety practices involving weapons, consumables, flame, and specialty effects.

• High proficiency with email, Google Drive, and basic spreadsheet use

• Independent and resourceful theatre artist, comfortable working solo as well as collaboratively.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through across multiple overlapping productions

• Ability to lift, carry, and move props and furniture, work on ladders, and work in storage environments for extended periods

Location Requirement

• Position is full-time and onsite in Duluth, Minnesota

• Candidate must reside in or relocate to Duluth or nearby surrounding area

• Duluth Playhouse will provide reasonable relocation assistance for out-of-town hires

SCHEDULE AND START DATE

• Full-time schedule aligned with production calendar, including some evenings and weekends during rehearsals, tech, openings, and strikes

• Preferred start date in May, with overlap and training support from the outgoing props designer through May, June, and July

• Full responsibilities shift to the new Props Designer with the start of the new season in September

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Full-time, year-round staff position

• Salary: $40,000

• Health insurance and additional benefits per Duluth Playhouse employee handbook

TO APPLY

Please submit the following to [email protected] with subject line “Props Designer – Duluth Playhouse”

• Resume

• Portfolio or work samples highlighting props design, builds, and stock organization

• Brief cover letter describing experience with seasonal production calendars and collaboration with directors and production teams

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

DURATION

May 4, 2026 -

SALARY

$40,000.00 – $40,000.00 per year

APPLY BY EMAIL

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