Props Supervisor
We are recruiting for a highly experienced Props Supervisor to join our Props & Scenic Workshop on a permanent contract.
Glyndebourne has an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced props supervisor to join our Props & Scenic Workshop team. You will be part of the departments senior team; working alongside the head of department and the workshop supervisor to deliver productions to the highest possible standards. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in prop supervision either in a major theatre or large scale theatrical productions.
In conjunction with the Head of Props & Scenic Workshops, you will supervise the delivery and realization of various productions and projects for Glyndebourne and other external clients. You will be part of the senior team within the department that lead the creative craftspeople to produce stage props and scenic elements to an exceptionally high standard that are fit for purpose. You will project manage new productions, revivals, hires and commercial projects. This will include the provision of props for rehearsals, acting on notes and organising maintenance. You will work closely with the HoD and the Workshop Supervisor and liaise with other production departments and creative teams.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Supervise the production and sourcing of props and set dressing for designated productions
- To be a first point of contact for designers and creative teams, to interpret and advise on the viability of designs and their realization. This will include the creation of samples and other relevant research and development work, where appropriate.
- Responsible for managing budgets where delegated by HoD. Particularly; costing, monitoring spending and ensuring that projects keep within agreed budgets.
- To attend design and production meetings, rehearsals and note sessions as required.
- Responsible for sourcing and buying a wide range of props and some materials.
- Responsible for liaising with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure materials and components are available when required.
- Responsible for the generation and upkeep of props lists, supplier information, images and other relevant production & archive information.
- To be able to contribute to making props as required and workload allows.
- Contribute to the up-keep and organisation of the department stores, including logistics and cataloguing as required.
- Commit to the environmental ambitions of Glyndebourne and consider environmental sustainability as part of the design and realisation process of each production.
- Contribute to production risk assessments and method statements as required
- Required, in conjunction with the workshop supervisor, to deputise for the HoD in their absence.
- To represent Glyndebourne at internal and external events such as open days, careers events and venue/workshop visits
- Travel as required for prop sourcing, workshop visits or to support Glyndebourne productions when offsite on tour or hire.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Extensive experience in prop supervision either in a major theatre or for significant theatrical productions.
- Extensive experience of prop sourcing and buying
- Extensive knowledge of a wide range of key prop making materials, including but not limited to; timbers, metals, paints, EPS, resins, multiple types of casting materials and fabrics, their applications and uses.
- Strong ability to interpret scale models, references, technical drawings and other design information.
- To be an imaginative individual to be able to lead and be part of a cohesive creative team; bringing support to others and sharing knowledge.
- Detailed knowledge of design styles and period details
- Excellent communication skills
- Good computer skills in a range of software packages to include use of spreadsheets.
- Highly organized with good logistical skills
- Good knowledge of risk assessment process, and relevant health and safety practices.
- Ability to work flexibly in response to production demands, this role requires the ability to work some evenings and weekends.
- Theatrical art and design course to degree level or equivalent
- Working knowledge of the ‘Theatre Green Book’
- Full driving licence
- Computer aided drafting skills
Hours of Work
Your working hours will be variable to meet production demand but will not on average, over the year, exceed 48 hours per week
Salary and Benefits
We can offer a salary of c. £53,000 per annum. Salaries are reviewed annually on 1st January.
We offer 33 days / 6.6 weeks holiday inclusive of bank holidays, per annum.
We can offer a beautiful working environment, and the chance to see world-class opera. For those without their own transport we have a free minibus service to and from Lewes railway Station.
We also offer :
- Free Pilates and Zumba classes, once a week
- Corporate Gym memberships
- An onsite Physiotherapist
- Cost price electric car charging
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants
- Free tea and coffee
- Discount at the Glyndebourne shop
- Free on-site parking
- Free minibus service to and from Lewes train station and Ringmer
- Discount at various highstreet retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub
How to Apply
Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies, including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented in our workforce.
To help us monitor the effectiveness of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and our supporting policies and procedures, we ask all job applicants to complete our anonymized and confidential Equal Opportunities monitoring form .
Please then apply by email, sending your CV & Covering Letter to recruitment@glyndebourne.com
The closing date for applications is Sunday 21st September 2025
As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you, please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this or if you would like this advert sent to you in a larger or dyslexia friendly font then please contact a member of the HR team at recruitment@glyndebourne.com.
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