Job Description: Set Decor Supervisor

The Set Decor Supervisor is the person who oversees procurement of furniture and any deco-rative, non-prop items used to finish the set’s appearance. Sometimes these duties are under-taken by the Set Designer or Props Supervisor.

PRE-PRODUCTION

  • Read the script for the show to familiarize yourself with its story and production needs.
  • Discuss with the Director and Set Designer the type, size, color and time period of furniture required for the show.
  • Get budget figure from Production Manager.
  • Get an idea from Set Designer the amount of wall space the set will have as well as shelves, tabletops, bookcases, etc., for which decora-tive items will be needed.
  • Determine with Set Construction Supervisor exactly what is expected of you … painting the set, hanging draperies, etc. Set deadlines with Set Construction Supervisor and Director for completion of set and its decoration.

REHEARSAL PERIOD

  • Oversee the borrowing, buying or making of all furniture items and set decorations.
  • Work with ACT Theatrical Properties Com-mittee Chairperson to locate and use any ACT furniture or decor items.
  • Ask Operations Manager for permission to offer any complimentary tickets or advertising to businesses or individuals donating furniture or decor items.
  • Assume responsibility or make arrangements for picking up and returning all borrowed items. Arrange for the theatre to be unlocked for delivery or pickup. If furniture is being delivered to the theatre, the ideal is to have delivery made on the Monday following load-in; some furniture stores may prefer to deliver the Monday a few days prior to opening night.
  • Pick-up of furniture should be scheduled for the Monday following the final performance.

IN THE THEATRE

  • Ensure the safe storage of any furniture and decor items delivered to the Mishler before completion of set. Keep everything away from paint, sawdust, etc. It’s good to ask furniture stores lending items to also provide pads or covers to protect furniture backstage.
  • Remove and keep any price-tags or other literature that arrive with borrowed furniture.
  • Review any care concerns for borrowed items with Props Run Supervisor and Stage Manager.
  • Perform Set Decoration duties and complete by pre-determined deadline.
  • Submit to the Operations Manager a list of all businesses and individuals who lent furniture and decor items to for acknowledgement in the production’s playbill. Deadline for this generally is the Sunday of load-in weekend.

POST-PRODUCTION

  • Oversee strike of all furniture and decor items.
  • Arrange for all borrowed items to be returned within one week of strike.
  • Work with ACT Theatrical Properties Com-mittee Chairperson for return of any ACT furniture or decor items to storage and to add new items to inventory.
  • Complete production report and return it to Production Manager within one week of strike with receipts attached as appropriate.
  • Submit necessary forms for reimbursement of expenditures within one week of strike, with receipts attached as appropriate.
  • Send thank you notes to businesses and individuals who lent items for the show.