Props Junior Builder

Company Overview

Who We Are:

Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.

The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.

Why You Should Apply:

• Creative work environment     
• Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
• Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
• Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
• Being a part of the magic of live theatre!

Job Description

The Junior Builder is responsible for assisting with all aspects of props building under the guidance of Senior Props Builders and the Head of Properties. This role involves supporting projects that may include carving, sculpting, welding, metalwork, fiberglassing, soft props, 3D printing, graphics, and woodworking, ensuring quality and adherence to design specifications. Reporting to the Head of Properties, the Junior Builder collaborates closely with designers, assistant designers, production staff, and craftspeople to understand design requirements and contribute to basic prop construction tasks. 

Responsibilities:

• Assist with all aspects of props building and buying under the supervision of Senior Props Builders, Buyers and Head of Properties 
• Projects may include carving, sculpting, welding & metal work, fibreglassing, soft props, 3D printing, graphics, woodworking and more  
• Work under close supervision with Designers, Assistant Designers, production staff and craftspeople to understand design requirements and assist in basic prop construction tasks.
• Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures, and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post-secondary diploma program, typically a two year program, or equivalent, (i.e. Community college, Technical Institute or Trade School, etc.) in Fine Arts, Theatre Arts or related field 
• 1 to 2 years of related experience
• Experience in theatrical construction and techniques
• Basic tool handling and safety awareness and comfortable with power tools 
• Manual material lifting of Props or building materials up to 50 lbs.
• General prop making skills: mold making, carving, sculpting, woodworking, sewing (soft props), welding, painting and finishing (including breakdown and specialty techniques), paper props, upholstery.
• Demonstrated interest in theatrical production 

Behavioural Competencies:

• Teamwork: readily work with others towards a shared goal, actively support teammates and recognize everyone’s contributions
• Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information
• Time Management: efficiently allocate and use time to meet goals and deadlines, prioritize tasks as necessary.
• Attention to Detail: meticulously review work and ensure accuracy and precision in all tasks.

This seasonal full-time posting is for an existing vacancy located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin January 5, 2026. This position requires the candidate to work onsite. Regular work hours for this position are Monday to Friday, but may require the candidate to work holiday and weekend hours as scheduled. 

Job Type:  Seasonal Full-Time

Hourly Rate: $23.37