Head of Props Manufacturing

About the Role

The Head of Props Manufacturing oversees the supervision coordination and of all prop manufacturing and refurbishment for Opera Australia productions. This role plays a crucial part in bringing designers prop concepts to life ensuring creative visions are realised to the highest standard. As a key leader within the props department the Head of Props Manufacturing is responsible for managing the workshop budget staying up to date with innovative construction techniques and materials and ensuring props are built to be safe durable and costeffective. This position requires a strong blend of technical expertise leadership and creative problemsolving to support the successful delivery of worldclass productions.

This is a fulltime permanent position.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee the full construction process of props set dressing and armoury.

Collaborate with designers and directors to bring creative visions to life.

Manage budgets create cost estimates and ensure financial accountability.

Lead and coordinate workshop staff ensuring safety and efficiency.

Oversee sourcing hiring and training of skilled personnel.

Ensure WHS compliance risk assessment and licensing for all props and weapons.

Manage props workshop schedules storage and disposals.

Maintain security and legal compliance for prohibited weapons.

Foster a highperforming team culture and drive continuous improvement.

All Opera Australia employees are expected to act and advocate for the highest levels of ethical standards and integrity including compliance with Opera Australia policy and relevant legislation as well as comply with OA Work Health & Safety policies.

About You

Tertiary Qualifications in props manufacture or equivalent experience

Be able to qualify and be Authorised for NSW Prohibited Weapons and Theatrical Armourer Permits

The ability to accurately cost the manufacture of new productions

710 years prop making skills across all disciplines of props manufacture

Current drivers license

About Opera Australia

Opera Australia is one of the worlds most celebrated opera companies with an ambition to bring an Australian stamp to sharing great stories through music and song and with a commitment to develop and nurture new generations of Australian talent on and off the stage. Opera Australia currently presents up to 500 performances to more than 650000 people annually including operas musicals and concerts predominantly in our two performance homes: the Sydney Opera House on Gadigal land and the Arts Centre Melbourne on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung land. Opera Australia also stages exceptional and critically acclaimed performances in other venues in Australias major cities and regional communities across the country from Warrnambool to Wyong and Burnie to Bendigo. Opera Australia is one of the biggest performing arts employers in Australias $14.7 billion arts and entertainment sector. Our company includes opera singers conductors orchestral musicians coaches and repetiteurs with teams also working in the areas of scenic construction and painting lighting design direction wardrobe wigmaking management and administration. Opera Australia is resident at the Sydney Opera House and our Orchestra performs in the Joan Sutherland Theatre with both Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet.

For more information about OA please visit opera

Appointment to this position is subject to the position holder having residency status and/or possessing a visa with work rights.

What We Offer

Being Australias National opera company we are committed to fostering a safe and collaborative environment for all. Our values are Curious Creative Collaborative Brave and Inclusive and we are dedicated to supporting your journey at OA.

Strong diversity and inclusion priority

Generous Leave Policy including First Nations Cultural & Ceremonial Leave Cultural & Religious Holiday Leave Education Leave Womens Health Leave Gender Affirmation Leave and more

Employee Assistance Program

Employee discounts through our Swag Rewards platform and other affiliated businesses

Complimentary tickets to select Opera Australia shows

If this sounds like you please click Apply and include your CV and cover letter outlining your interest in working for Opera Australia and the skills & experience you bring to the role.

For any enquiries about this role or a copy of the full position description please contact our People team at

Opera Australia is committed to enabling and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. Our team come from all walks of life. We acknowledge that all individual differences life experiences selfexpression and talent represent our culture and reputation of Opera Australia. In recruiting for our team we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education opinions culture ethnicity race sex gender identity and expression.