PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE, LOS ANGELES, CA
ASSOCIATE PROPERTIES MASTER

2021 - Present

Work alongside Properties Master to realize all scenic and prop designs for an 8-show season across 2 theatre spaces.
Responsibilities include research, prop shopping, set dressing, prop rentals, and construction of props as needed including upholstery, paper props and craft work.
Assisted with disbursement of all props following show closings utilizing online selling platforms to sell props.
Organized the prop workspace to increase efficiency and maximize workflow.
Manage overhire prop crews in the build and alteration of props for productions, as well as the maintenance of all prop work areas.

2020 - Present

Design and create unique items to sell on Etsy.com and at local markets, including embroidered goods, jewelry, and other durable goods.
Utilized social media platforms to drive traffic to ecommerce site, Etsy.com
Worked with local homeowners and their designers on furniture refinishing, custom window dressings, and upholstery projects.
Specialty Prop Building for various local theatres and retail establishments.

2004 - 2020

Managed team of six responsible for building, shopping, and altering props for 12-15 productions, 2 touring education productions, and a new play festival per season, including many world and national premieres.
Collaborated with directors, designers, production management and other production departments to create agile plans for each production while serving as a design assistant for many scenic designers.
Balanced competing, simultaneous priorities for two theatre spaces while remaining within annual budget of $100-$160K.
Designed prop builds to be flexible regarding timeline, budget, and process with appropriate contingency plans to ensure on-time and on-budget completion.
Ensured successful project completion within the prop shop by supporting talented team; actively listened, encouraged collaboration, and utilized individual strengths.
Managed and grew properties collection of 24,000 square feet including onsite and offsite storage spaces to allow for greater budget flexibility in productions.
Established and fostered strong vendor relationships; sourced new vendors, including identifying local opportunities to cut down on wait time and shipping costs.
Collaborated with the marketing and development departments to create interactive displays and exhibits for theatre patrons and events.

Select Achievements

Led prop inventory recovery projects and team of 20+ after Hurricane Harvey flooding, including serving as a Subject Matter Expert conducting an in-depth valuation for all 88,000+ damaged/lost props to ensure company received full insurance claim. More details on the Harvey recovery process can be found under the Harvey tab on the menu bar.
Drove positive changes within a team that previously had limited procedural improvements or hands-on leadership. Focused on team morale and dedication while establishing clear expectations.
Reduced project completion times by ~4 weeks by identifying team’s strengths and weaknesses before implementing incremental changes regarding efficiency and budget optimization.
Managed department logistics for several prop stock transfers to new storage locations, including moving furniture storage to a new warehouse and a temporary hand prop stock relocation during a building renovation. Ensured access to all necessary stock through all transitions to keep productions moving forward.

Selected to join Texas Collections Emergency Response Alliance (TX-CERA); trained to support heritage & museum collections’ recovery efforts after disasters.

1999 - 2004

Led team of three while collaborating with entire production department to support ~7 productions per year for theater with weekly sales of $70K and $109K.
Supported large scale building improvement projects as well as program development & implementation.
Coordinated with Development department regarding annual gala, auction, and special events; volunteered during events in support of fundraising efforts.

Select Achievements

Improved team engagement and performance by building trusting relationships and open communication after team experienced five managers in three years.
Responsible for redesign of façade and signage during $50K renovation project. Identified new sign company to finish creation within budget after original vendor closed mid-project.
Collaborated with Production Manager to design new safety program. Successfully implemented new procedures amongst originally resistant crew and in compliance with OSHA and IATSE requirements.

1997 - 1999

Served as entire Properties team; responsible for constructing furniture and completing or procuring all craft work, upholstery, drapery, and hand props for theater with weekly sales of up to $45K.
Established strong vendor relationships to remain within ~$7K annual budget. Negotiated deal with local vendor/antique shop owner to trade temporary use of inventory for refurbishing work.
Saved time and money by collaborating with Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer on project completion and use of resources.

Summers 1998, 1999, 2001

Assisted with daily operations, including payroll, finances, buying, and craft work, for staff of 22 during Summer performance seasons, May through August of each year.
Created thorough job descriptions for ~11 different positions, enhancing recruiting/hiring abilities and providing clear expectations for current employees

Resume: CV