About Ampa Events
Ampa Events is a full-service professional event production company with over 30 years of experience creating extraordinary experiences throughout the mid Atlantic region and beyond. From large-scale corporate galas and brand activations to immersive themed environments and cutting-edge marketing installations, Ampa is known for creativity, craftsmanship and years of reliability. Our team is the backbone of everything we build - and we are looking for an exceptional individual to join us in a key leadership and hands-on production role.
Position Overview
Ampa Events seeks a skilled, versatile, and enthusiastic Prop Master / Technical Director /
Fabricator with prop mastery, scenic technical direction, and skilled fabrication. The right
candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, creative production environment, moving seamlessly between detailed hands-on shop work and high-level organizational and logistical planning.
This position is central to how Ampa delivers its events. You will be responsible for building and sourcing props, scenery, themed decor, and marketing activations; managing and curating Ampa's extensive inventory of props and scenic elements; overseeing the day-to-day operations of the fabrication shop; and playing an active leadership role in the overall operational execution of programs. This is a full-time, salaried position with significant room for creative contribution and career growth.
Key Responsibilities
Fabrication & Construction
* Design, build, and finish props, scenic pieces, themed decor, and marketing activation elements to a high standard of quality and craftsmanship.
* Work with a wide variety of materials including wood, metal, foam, fabric, plastics, fiberglass, and found objects.
* Interpret design concepts, sketches, and renderings and translate them into physical builds within budget and timeline constraints, having equal comfort with blueprints and napkin drawings.
* Apply scenic painting, finishing, and texturing techniques to achieve a wide range of aesthetic results.
* Collaborate with creative directors and event designers to develop and refine buildable solutions that bring to life the client's visions.
* Maintain proficiency in relevant tools and shop equipment, including power tools, welding equipment, and rigging hardware.
Prop & Scenic Inventory Management
* The Prop Master / Technical Director will lead Ampa's inventory management efforts and will have several dedicated team members to assist with the organization, maintenance, and movement of prop and scenic collection.
* Lead the stewardship of Ampa's large inventory of props, scenic elements, and decor - one of the company's most valuable assets.
* Maintain accurate, up-to-date inventory records using current CRM digital inventory system including condition tracking, photography, categorization, and storage location data.
* Establish and enforce systems for pulling, prepping, transporting, returning, cleaning, and repairing inventory items after each event.
* Assess wear and damage to inventory regularly and coordinate repair, refurbishment, or retirement/recycling of items as appropriate.
* Identify gaps in inventory and make recommendations for new fabrication & acquisitions that align with Ampa's aesthetic and client demand.
* Ensure the prop and scenic warehouse is organized, safe, clean, and efficiently laid out for rapid retrieval and loading.
Technical Direction & Event Planning:
*Function as Technical Director for assigned programs, developing load-in schedules, crew call sheets, and production timelines as part of the scheduling team.
* Prepare and review venue surveys, CAD drawings, or scaled floor plans to plan scenic and prop placement, rigging points, and installation logistics.
* Identify and communicate structural, electrical, weight, safety, or logistical requirements to internal teams and venue contacts.
* Coordinate with vendors, subcontractors, and rental houses on delivery logistics, and installation requirements.
* Develop and maintain budgets for fabrication projects, tracking actuals against estimates. * Ensure that all builds and installations comply with applicable safety codes, weight limits, and venue regulations.
* Installation & On-Site Execution: Lead or participate actively in the load-in, installation, and strike of props, scenic elements, themed decor, and marketing activations on-site as needed. * Manage and direct crew during installations, clearly communicating priorities, sequences, and safety protocols.
* Problem-solve on-site with composure and creativity when conditions differ from plan.
* Serve as a key point of contact for production and operations staff during event execution.
* Ensure that all scenic and prop elements are safely secured, properly finished, and beautifully presented before guest arrival.
* Lead takedown as needed, packing & securing equipment safely in the truck for return.
Shop & Operational Management
◦ Oversee the day-to-day management and organization of Ampa's fabrication shop, maintaining a safe, efficient, and productive work environment.
◦ Manage shop schedules, project queues, and fabrication priorities in coordination with the account manager & scheduling.
* Maintain shop equipment, tools, and supplies; coordinate maintenance, repair, and replacement as needed.
◦ Develop and enforce safety protocols, training procedures, and best practices for all shop personnel.
◦ Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and mentoring shop staff, part-time fabricators, and production assistants.
◦ Track shop supply inventory and manage purchasing for materials, hardware, and consumables
OTHER TASKS AS ASSIGNED
.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
◦ Serve as a positive, proactive, solutions-oriented member of Ampa's management team, contributing to the company's culture of excellence and professionalism.
◦ Participate in pre-production planning meetings, production calls, and post-event debriefs.
And all other tasks, as assigned.
Qualifications & Experience Required
* Minimum 5 years of professional experience in theatrical or event production, prop making, scenic fabrication, or a closely related field.
* Formal training or degree in Technical Theatre, Scenic Design, Industrial Design, or a related discipline preferred and highly desired but not absolutely required
* Demonstrated proficiency in scenic and prop construction using a wide range of materials and techniques.
* Working knowledge of rigging, structural safety, weight loads, and event production safety standards.
* Proven ability to read and work from technical drawings, CAD files, or scaled plans.
* Experience managing or coordinating crews during installation and strike.
* Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects under deadline pressure.
* Excellent communication skills — verbal, written, and interpersonal.
* Valid driver's license; ability to operate vehicles including box trucks and cargo vans.
* Physical ability to lift up to 50 Ibs, stand for extended periods, and work in varied site conditions.preferred
* Experience as a Prop Master or Technical Director in professional theatre, film/TV, or events.
* Proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or SketchUp for drafting and space planning.
* Metalworking, welding, or experience.
* Experience with scenic painting, finishing, and surface treatments.
* Familiarity with themed entertainment, experiential marketing, or large-scale event production.
* Experience with inventory management software or production management platforms.
Work Environment & Conditions
This is a full-time, exempt salaried position based in Ampa's Richmond, Virginia facility. The role operates across multiple settings: fabrication shop, warehouse, administrative office, and event sites throughout the region. Hours fluctuate based on the production calendar, with evenings and weekends required during peak periods. Travel may be required for destination events. This is a hands-on leadership role — you will be equally comfortable behind a workbench and in front
Compensation & Benefits:
* Health Insurance
* Paid Time Off
* Simple IRA retirement plan with 3% company matching contributions
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a resume, a brief cover letter describing your relevant experience, and any portfolio materials (photos, video links, or project descriptions) that showcase your fabrication and production work. We want to see what you've built.
Ampa Events is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and the people with qualified skills.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $72,500.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Education:
Experience:
- Event or Theatrical: 5 years (Required)
- Prop Makeing: 5 years (Required)
- scenic design: 5 years (Required)
- Knowledge of rigging: 5 years (Required)
- reading of CAD files: 5 years (Required)
- Coordinating crew & install: 5 years (Required)
- knowledge of structural safty: 5 years (Required)
- event production: 5 years (Required)
- box truck driving: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
