Welcome to Careers @ Ampa!

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

• Lead Ampa’s inventory management efforts, with several dedicated team members to assist with the organization, maintenance, and movement of the 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 the 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 and 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 and 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 and 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.
• 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 lbs, 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 or welding 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.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• 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.

Education: Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Experience:

• Event or theatrical: 5 years (Required)
• Prop making: 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 safety: 5 years (Required)
• Event production: 5 years (Required)
• Box truck driving: 1 year (Required)

Responsibilities

• Assist the Props Master in developing design concepts using SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, and other design software to visualize props and set pieces.
• Support the construction and fabrication of props utilizing carpentry skills, woodworking tools, heavy lifting techniques, and hand tools to create durable and visually appealing elements.
• Help coordinate the use of power tools, rigging equipment, and construction painting techniques to ensure safe and high-quality production standards.
• Read blueprints and technical drawings accurately to assist in building complex structures aligned with production specifications.
• Participate in fabricating custom props using materials such as wood, fabric, foam, and other specialty items while adhering to safety protocols.
• Assist with interior design elements like lighting design or visual arts painting that enhance overall production aesthetics.
• Support the organization of props inventory, tracking items with CAD systems or other inventory management tools, and prepare props for transport or installation.
• Will be part of the crew on event installations as needed.
• Will assist in the warehouse: pulling, prepping, loading trucks, and returning inventory to stock.
• Other assigned tasks, as needed.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, and familiarity with CAD software is highly desirable.
• Experience or strong interest in art direction, theater production, or set design will be advantageous.
• Hands-on skills with hand tools, power tools, carpentry, woodworking, construction painting, rigging, fabrication methods, and heavy lifting are essential.
• Knowledge of blueprint reading and technical drawings is important for supporting accurate construction efforts.
• Familiarity with lighting design or interior design concepts can enhance your contribution to production aesthetics.
• A background in visual arts painting or sewing is a plus for creating detailed props or costume elements.
• Ability to work safely with heavy equipment and adhere to safety standards during all phases of fabrication.

Join our team as an Assistant Props Master if you’re passionate about craftsmanship, eager to learn new skills in a collaborative environment, and ready to help craft unforgettable events!

Benefits: 401(k) matching, paid time off, health care

Education: Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

• Prop master: 3 years (Required)
• Box truck driving: 1 year (Preferred)
• Fabrication/carpenter: 3 years (Required)
• Reading blueprints/renderings: 3 years (Required)
• Theater production: 3 years (Required)
• SketchUp: 3 years (Required)
• AutoCAD: 3 years (Required)
• Adobe Photoshop: 3 years (Required)
• Hands-on tools: 3 years (Required)
• Lighting design: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

This manager will help Ampa Events, a 30-year-old established professional event company based in Richmond, VA, achieve higher profit goals through better management of personnel, assuring that each employee accomplishes a reasonable amount of work per day based on historic information and thus the elimination of waste in payroll. Through better controls, this manager will continue our goal of being a better and more competitive event production services company in the DC, mid-Atlantic, and national markets. The manager should have experience in hiring and firing, employee evaluation, and general business oversight. The candidate must be a positive, team-oriented person and willing to work nights and weekends as needed.

CANDIDATES MUST MEET ALL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS LISTED BELOW TO BE CONSIDERED. EVENT INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE IS PREFERRED.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations & Logistics: Oversee daily warehouse activities, including receiving, storage, picking, packing, and dispatching event inventory; manage inventory control and ensure accuracy.
• Maintenance: Equipment repair.
• Event Support: Collaborate with event planning teams to stage, set up, and tear down event equipment, ensuring timely execution.
• Scheduling: Scheduling of trucks and warehouse crew; fabrication schedules.
• Team Leadership: Assist in recruiting, training, motivating, and evaluating warehouse staff; foster a positive, high-performance work culture; hiring and firing.
• Budget: Assist in managing budgets, tracking expenses, and preparing operational reports for management; regularly scheduled plan vs. actual reporting.
• Safety & Compliance: Implement and enforce all safety protocols in the warehouse and on event sites, ensuring a secure working environment and compliance with regulations.
• Vendor & Client Relations: Liaise with vendors and suppliers as needed to meet event requirements and provide high-level customer service.
• Process Improvement: Work with upper management to identify and implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and streamline workflows.
• Will participate on installs, as needed.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Event industry experience is preferred.
• Experience: Proven experience in warehouse/logistics, event operations, or a similar management role.
• Must have carpentry skills.
• Leadership: Strong ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with MS Teams.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication, organization, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Physical: Ability to lift heavy items (e.g., 50-75 lbs) and work flexible hours (evenings, weekends).
• Attributes: Self-starter, accountable, able to work under pressure, nights and weekends as needed, in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to drive a 16 ft and 24 ft box truck.

Education: Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

• Event industry experience: 4 years (Preferred)
• General warehouse management: 4 years (Required)
• Carpentry skills: 3 years (Required)
• Manual labor warehouse: 3 years (Required)

Benefits: 401(k) matching, health insurance, paid time off

Work Location: In person

This is a full-time position with 50% of time on event installations. Candidate must have at least 5 years of carpentry or event construction and a theater degree. This position combines the job responsibilities of a carpenter who provides solutions for building a variety of props, scenery, theme decor, and marketing activations with those of an event installer. They are a general event operations team member who will work for Ampa Events, a 30-year-old established professional event company based in Richmond, VA. Ampa Events seeks to exceed client expectations with every program and manages programs throughout the mid-Atlantic region. The candidate must be a positive, team-oriented person.

Responsibilities

• Construct, install, and dismantle temporary structures, staging, and scenic elements for special events
• Build and modify custom set pieces, platforms, risers, and other wooden structures according to designs, floor plans, and specifications
• Install and secure rigging systems and equipment
• Operate power tools and specialized theatrical construction equipment safely and efficiently
• Collaborate with designers, technical directors, and other departments to realize creative visions
• Transport, load in, and load out event materials and equipment at event venues
• Maintain inventory of tools, hardware, and construction materials
• Troubleshoot and perform on-site repairs during events
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes
• Document construction processes and maintain detailed work records
• Will participate on installs, as needed
• Other tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in carpentry or event construction
• Scenic painting skills
• Proficient in reading and working from designs and floor plans
• Expert knowledge of wood construction techniques, materials, and finishing methods
• Experience with theatrical rigging systems and safety protocols
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate box trucks
• Physical ability to lift 50+ pounds and work at heights
• Available to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in theatrical production or live events
• Experience with metal fabrication
• Knowledge of CAD software
• Box truck driver
• Lighting design skills

Physical Requirements

• Stand for extended periods
• Regularly lift and move heavy objects
• Climb ladders and work at heights
• Operate power tools and construction equipment
• Manual dexterity for detailed construction work

Work Environment

• Mix of shop, warehouse, and 50% event venue installs
• Fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Exposure to wood dust, paint fumes, and construction materials
• Travel to different event locations required

Benefits: 401(k) matching, health insurance, paid time off

Education: Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

• Event construction: 5 years (Required)
• Box truck driver: 3 years (Preferred)
• Scenic painting: 5 years (Required)
• Lighting design: 5 years (Preferred)
• Theater degree: 4 years (Required)

Ampa is seeking a skilled Lighting Technician/Event Installer. The candidate will be in charge of our lighting gear and the first person to be called for event lighting installation. When not doing lights at events, they will help with regular event installation.

Responsibilities

• Install, program, and operate lighting equipment including conventional and automated fixtures, control consoles, dimmers, and networked lighting systems
• Collaborate with lighting designers to implement creative visions while maintaining technical excellence
• Perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting of lighting equipment
• Create and maintain detailed documentation of lighting equipment
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and electrical codes
• Assist in training and supervising junior technicians and stagehands
• Participate in production meetings
• Handle load-in and load-out procedures
• Maintain organization of lighting storage areas and equipment
• Assist in props and scenery installs not requiring theater lighting, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 4-year degree and minimum 3 years of experience in theatrical or event lighting and props and scenery
• Working knowledge of electrical theory and practice
• Experience with automated lighting fixtures and their maintenance
• Ability to read and create lighting plots using industry-standard software
• Valid driver’s license and ability to lift 50+ pounds
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities
• Experience with Vectorworks or similar CAD software
• Ability to work nights and weekends, as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of color theory and lighting design principles
• Experience with projection systems
• Knowledge of rigging safety and practices

Working Conditions

• Must be available to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Physical demands include climbing ladders, working at heights, and lifting heavy equipment
• Fast-paced environment requiring quick decision-making and problem-solving
• Will require travel

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off

Education: Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

• Rigging: 4 years (Required)
• Theater lighting: 4 years (Required)

Ampa Events is looking for a Shop Assistant/Event Associate to help a Prop Master and Theater Carpenter in the scene shop. Be a part of an established event design and production company while having fun using your shop skills and have unlimited opportunities for growth within the company.

Scene Shop Operations

• Scenery Fabrication: Assist scene shop staff in building, assembling, and finishing stages, sets, and props using hand and power tools.
• Shop Maintenance: Keep the scene shop clean, organized, and stocked with materials, lumber, and hardware.
• Inventory & Prep: Track consumable supplies, organize prop/scenic storage areas, and pull items needed for upcoming builds.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow shop safety protocols, properly wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and handle tools with care.

Event Support & Execution

• Load-In & Strike: Assist in transporting scenic pieces, furniture, and equipment to event venues; build/install structures on-site and tear them down (strike) post-event.
• On-Site Logistics: Assist with arranging seating, staging, and event layout configurations.
• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Collaborate with event planners, AV techs, and crew members to ensure smooth show execution.

Warehouse Assistance, Only As Needed

• Will assist with pulling inventory for events
• Assist in loading/unloading inventory to/from trucks

Requirements

• Punctual
• Reliable
• Positive attitude
• Knowledge of power tools, measuring tapes, and other shop-related equipment
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
• Schedule flexibility, depending on college classes
• Willing to work occasional weekends, depending on college schedule

Other tasks as assigned.

Work Location: In person

Do you have experience with creative work, theater carpentry, scenic, painting, organizational skills, moving companies, lighting, design, sound engineering, AV, catering/hospitality industry experience? Join the exciting and fun event industry. Be a part of a creative team. Produce glamorous events in lavish hotels, historic venues, and convention centers. Travel to regional and national sites for marketing and programs. If you are looking for a fun and exciting career with limitless career growth, this job could be perfect for you. Ampa Events seeks career-minded, long-term employees, who have a broad mix of skills: general mechanical skills with tools of all types, creative and/or artistic skills with an eye for detail, organizational skills, detail-oriented people.

Job Location: Richmond, VA (relocation to Richmond required).

Responsibilities:

• Entry level warehouse and event installer
• Assist in loading of event equipment then packaging and return of equipment after strike of event.
• Aid in installations of basic theatrical lighting including hanging, focusing, and circuiting of lighting equipment. We will train.
• Pull and Load orders in the warehouse as instructed for the event and then return to stock always keeping a clean warehouse.
• In charge of recycling and the trash
• Upkeep of the floors and cleanliness of all warehouses
• The cleanliness of all driveways and the use of the magnet rake to pick up any nails in the driveways
• Spraying all grass growing through the parking lot
• Physically working with inventory and creating the shelves and shelf decks throughout the warehouse, including inventory tasks, such as sprain, our stencil on equipment and shipping boxes
• Helping organize the tour room, nuts, and bolts
• Some nights and weekends required
• Driving box trucks

Skills/Qualifications:

• A positive individual who’s eager to learn and grow with the company.
• Carpentry skills, theater carpenter preferred
• Good driving record. Must be able to drive small box trucks, or willing to learn.
• Good written/verbal communications.
• Customer service skills – good with people and able to interact positively with clients on-site.
• Ability to lift and move 100 lbs from warehouse shelves on a ladder, unassisted with material handling equipment.

Work Days:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Preferred)