Live Arts ASSISTANT PROPS DESIGNER Role Description . 2015.2016
Hello!
Welcome to Live Arts! We’re thrilled to have you on board the production team as ASSISTANT PROPERTIES DESIGNER for this show. Thank you for volunteering your time, energy, and creativity to this process. We hope its fun, challenging (in a good way!), and rewarding, and we are here to help you.
The document you’re reading is a brief description of the role of Assistant Props Designer on a Live Arts show. If you are familiar with the concepts of properties design but have never worked here before (or just need a brush-up), the following should give you a good idea of your role and responsibilities for this production. If you have never designed props before, this may not teach you everything. Ask for help if you need it! The Live Arts staff members are here to support and train you, along with other experienced volunteers who may be able to offer you support or mentorship.
Always feel free to ask your Director of Engagement, Tracie Skipper, for more information: 434-977-4177x107 / [email protected]
All right! Let’s get started.
Goals of the Assistant Props Designer:
You will be heading up the design and collection of props for this show. Every show is different: some may require vintage items, some may need food props, some may need 500 stacks of newspaper. Starting early, asking questions, and making sure you have clear instructions from your director are good rules to follow. Here are some other things to think about as you get started:
— What We Have: Get acquainted with the Live Arts Props Storage. We don’t have a ton, but we may have just what you’re looking for. Ask a staff member or a member of your production team to show you the props storage space.
— Borrowing: There are several stores in town that are sometimes willing to lend to us for a program credit or a free ticket. Circa and the Habitat Store are examples, and it’s always worth asking at other places. We also have a relationship with organizations like UVa and Four County Theater.
— Talk to our Director of Engagement, Tracie Skipper ([email protected]), who is our in- house expert on what we have in-house and where to go to borrow props and great places to source items. Your Producer may be able to assist in procuring a specialty item as an in-kind donation, as well.
You’ll be working primarily with the Director to create the feel of the production. Weekly design meetings (as well as any meetings you and the director will want to have on your own) will provide you with an opportunity to share your ideas with the director and to hear his/her feedback. The goal is to build a collaborative working relationship and to work towards a unified aesthetic and (of course!) a great show.
There are often multiple prop designers on a show, or multiple members of a prop design team. If you are a prop team member or the Properties Master, stay in touch with your fellow teammates and remember: good communication = good collaboration.
Your biggest practical goal is to be aware of the production timeline and to remain within your budget as you design and collect props.
— The Director of Production is your go-to man for any and all production-related issues.
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— Receipts should be turned in as the money is spent. Your Producer will need to keep tabs on our overall budget expenditures.
— If you require lump sum monies for special purchases or need money up front, please request this from the Producer or Director of Production in advance so they can get you funds in a timely manner.
Responsibilities of the Assistant Props Designer:
Attend weekly design/production meetings when necessary. If you can, share imagery or notes you’ve made on the script to help communicate your design.
Work with the Director to create a comprehensive props list. Going through the script is of course the best place to start, but your director or fellow designers might also have items they want to incorporate that aren’t mentioned in the script.
— We generally define “props” as hand props (only items that can be carried on and off stage). Therefore, furniture and set dressing go under the Set Designer’s purview and budget.
Provide rehearsal props promptly and when requested by the director. These props are often substitutions for “the real thing” so that the actors can get used to working with a real object.
Create and assemble all props, either through purchase, loan, or craft.
Submit receipts for any purchases at weekly production meetings. You will usually give these receipts to your Producer.
— To prepare your receipts: please affix these receipts to 8 ½ X 11 paper, label each with a description of the item’s purpose (i.e. “silver vase”); and tally the total.
Help to set up a prop table or prop area backstage and work with the Stage Manager to train the cast in correct use of props and, if necessary, to store valuable/fragile props in a secure location (a good example of this is rented stage weaponry).
When necessary, repair props during the run of the show.
Collaborate with the Artistic Director, Julie Hamberg ([email protected]), to ensure the highest quality production possible.
Participate in table tech, Q2Q, and tech rehearsals.
Help with strike.
Return any borrowed props within a week of the show closing. If there are props new to Live Arts, please photograph and submit descriptions to Tracie, to ensure that we are keeping up with our ever growing inventory.
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Assistant Props Designer Agreement
Okay, here’s the official part. It lets us know that you’ve read the Assistant Props Designer Role Description and that you’re able to commit fully to this process.
Please read and sign the following page and return it to the Director of Engagement, Tracie Skipper. If you have any questions, need any help, or would like more information on anything at all, speak to a member of the Live Arts staff. We can’t say it enough: we are here to help you.
Trust
Yes, in theatre we sometimes like to 'break the rules' to make great art -- but in this real-life community, trust is imperative.
NO illegal drugs here; NO under-age drinking here; NO working or volunteering here while 'under the influence' of same.
YES to rockin-legal parties here; YES to respecting each other; YES to a safe space to make art here; YES to respecting each other’s time and each other’s abilities.
Weather
Have you heard the phrase “the show must go on”? This holds true in all types of weather. The decision to cancel a performance is left up to the Artistic and Executive directors. Our number one goal is everyone’s safety and we will do what we can to insure that. With that said, unless the city declares the roads closed and you hear from the Director of Production, Artistic Director, or Executive Director, the show will go on.
See Timeline Attachment … Important dates for your production!
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I have read the description for this position at Live Arts and I agree to fulfill my production obligations as Assistant Props Designer for the show I am participating in. I have reviewed the timeline and understand my commitment to the dates requesting my participation. I understand that I will not receive financial compensation for this volunteer effort. I agree to allow my image to be used for non-commercial purposes in the photographs/video for the show I am participating in. I understand that these photos will be used for the promotion and marketing of Live Arts and the production of the show I am participating in.
I am participating in the Live Arts Production of:
I have read and understand the role description for Assistant Props Designer.
Live Arts Rep Signature Assistant Props Designer Signature
Print Name Print Name
Title Address
City, State, Zip
Date Date
RETURN SIGNED PAGE TO: Tracie Skipper – before production meetings have begun Your Producer or Stage Manager – after production meetings have begun
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