Head of Properties, Senior Academic Assistant

Company Overview

About This Opportunity:

The Department of Theatre at the University of Victoria is hiring a Head of Properties. This position will support one of the most comprehensive and immersive theatre programs in Canada. Our four-year undergraduate BFA program engages students in a wide range of theatre and performance approaches during the first and second years, followed by an opportunity to specialize in one of four areas (acting, performance, design, production) in the upper years. Additionally, our department serves students from across the University who pursue theatre and performance classes to complement and enrich their studies. The Head of Properties contributes expertise to this dynamic program, including departmental mainstage productions (the Phoenix Theatre season), as well as other artistic and creative-research activities and initiatives.

The Department of Theatre’s values are guided by the University of Victoria’s and Faculty of Fine Arts’ strategic commitments; they are: 1) to deliver innovative and cutting-edge theatre and performance training that will support the artistic, personal and professional growth of students from across the UVIC community, as well as the health and well-being of our communities; 2) to grow the Department’s international reputation as a gathering place for innovative, relational and collaborative arts-based research and creative practice; and 3) to support the ongoing growth and visioning of the Department’s passionate and courageous creative community (the Phoenix Theatre). We invite applications from colleagues who share a strong commitment to supporting the next generation of theatre artists, to join our department in realizing these values.

For more information about the Department of Theatre at the University of Victoria, please visit our website at https://www.uvic.ca/finearts/theatre/

Job Description

1.   POSITION IDENTIFICATION

Position Number

998485

Position Title:

Senior Academic Assistant, Head of Properties

Department:

Theatre

Reports to:

Operations and Production Manager

Number of Direct/Indirect Reports

Indirect: up to 5

Classification Level       

SG 10

Last Updated

April 2026

2.  POSITION SUMMARY

The Department of Theatre, home of the Phoenix Theatre, is a nationally acclaimed learning institution for theatre arts with a highly regarded focus on experiential, hands-on learning through the production process. The Phoenix Theatre Building includes three fully equipped theatre spaces, support shops, and modern theatre equipment. The Head of Properties, as a member of the professional staff team and in collaboration with Department faculty, will provide production support to maintain and advance the experiential learning opportunities embedded in core undergraduate and graduate courses.

As the Head of Properties, this position is responsible for all properties requirements for Theatre Department productions and events including:

·       evaluating properties requirements for theatrical productions and providing cost and resource analysis.

·       acquiring properties through established industry procedures: designing and building, renting or buying.

·       teaching theatrical properties construction techniques in a laboratory setting.

·       managing the Theatre properties inventory including its maintenance, restoration and rental/loan process for the Department and external community.

This position will require extended working hours, weekend and evening work.

 3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Key Responsibilities:      

Expectations:

Core Program Support

·       Maintain, develop, and improve the Theatre Department properties collection.

·       Collaborate with the Department faculty (directors and designers), professional designers, professional staff (Operations and Production Manager, Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, Head of Scenic Construction, Head of Wardrobe, Audience Services Manager, and Marketing and Communications Manager) to respectfully contribute expertise to production objectives and resource allocations.

·       Collaborate with faculty to provide supportive and inclusive supervision and mentorship for undergraduate and graduate student designers.

·       Evaluate the properties requirements for Department productions, and determine the source of properties (e.g. purchase, rent, borrow, build).

·       Develop a comprehensive properties acquisition plan for each production, including cost estimates, safety considerations, construction drawings and schedules, resources and skills required.

·       Manage and promote the reciprocal exchange of properties between the local theatre community and the Theatre Department.

·       Respond to and manage inquiries about properties rentals from other departments within Fine Arts and across the University community.

·       Uphold Department safe working procedures and standards for students, faculty and staff working in properties, and scenic art.

·       Execute the properties plan by assigning specific tasks to students, or in collaboration with professional staff, and supervising and guiding the process with adaptability and flexibility according to the dynamic demands of the departmental production schedule.

Technical Instruction

·       Contribute to and expand the pedagogical goals and learning outcomes in an experiential learning environment; this position will provide technical expertise and support to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and professional staff and professional guest artists, working on course based in-house projects, and mainstage public productions.

·       Develop and instruct technical practice-based curriculum, (e.g. THEA 205, 305 and 405) that encompass innovative and experiential learning opportunities, supporting students from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

·       Maintain up-to-date knowledge of software, equipment, and techniques used in properties design and construction.

·       Prepare marking/grading schemes for technical practice-based classes, in alignment with University policies and advised practices.

·       Mark/grade class assignments.

·       Prepare information materials for designated classes and provide one or two guest lectures for first and second year classes.

·       Develop practical exercises and prepare experiential set ups for teaching.

·       Assess student practical skill levels and provide appropriate training and specific support and solutions to build skill levels.

·       Assist with production program delivery, including the development of pedagogical goals and learning outcomes for student learning on mainstage properties production activity, and other events.

·       Demonstrate and apply industry standard safety procedures and practices, including the use of weapons in stage combat and special effects.

Properties Management

·       Research, evaluate and recommend updates and new properties purchases.

·       Devise and implement maintenance and restoration protocols and procedures.

·       Review and remove items from the properties inventory.

·       Maintain the properties construction shop, tools, supplies and equipment.

·       Manage the Department access to the properties stock, and the community use rental process.

4.  SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s degree in Theatre with at least 5 years of experience providing technical theatre support in a professional and educational environment, and demonstrated in-depth knowledge, and understanding of:

·       Theatre production practice including safety standards.

·       Use of properties construction techniques, including furniture design and construction, upholstery techniques, scenic painting, and special effects.

·       Replica weapons use and management according to entertainment industry best practices and procedures, and stage fighting techniques and process.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

This position works in a unique teaching and event-based environment and must be able and willing to work split shifts, more than 7 hours per day, and evenings and weekends as required.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

·       Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.

·       Ability to identify and analyze issues, develop solutions, and implement effective strategies to achieve desired outcomes. 

·       Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact respectfully with diverse communities.

·       Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic team environment

·       Proven track record achieving project goals on time and producing deliverables of a high quality.

·       Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills.  

·       Ability to repeatedly lift and carry a minimum of 20 kilograms.

Assets:

·       Education, training and/or experience working in a post-secondary environment.

·       History of Art knowledge and understanding.

·       Drafting and drawing skills (both by-hand and computer drafting and drawing).

·       Scenic painting skills and experience.

·       Valid PAL certification for the handling of replica firearms or ability to obtain such.

·       Budget management, including estimates and expenditure tracking and reporting.

·       Research experience and/or skills.