Seeking Properties Design Apprentice for HMONG FUTURES

HMONG FUTURES soul lock

HMONG FUTURES

by KATIE KA VANG
directed by REENA DUTT

Theater Mu is seeking an emerging or early-career artist, designer, or technician with an interest in properties design to work with props designer Sarah Harris during the world premiere production Hmong Futures. During the apprenticeship, they will gain a working knowledge of the design timeline, ideation arc, and deliverables; the artistic relationships between the props designer, the director, the technical director, and other production team members; and strategies for research and design dramaturgy.

Stipend: $500

Application process: Send a resume and cover letter to info@theatermu.org (subject: HMONG FUTURES Properties Design Apprentice). Applicants must submit by Dec 28, 2025, but eligible candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

If you have any questions about the position, please direct them to the same email.

SYNOPSIS

The Hmong Futures theater project commemorates 50 years of Hmong communities in the Twin Cities and dreams about what it looks like for these communities to thrive in the next 50. Playwright Katie Ka Vang created this with the Hmong community, including interviews, story circles, workshop readings, family-style dinners, and facilitated conversations. 

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE DATES

  • Pre-Production Meetings: January and Onward

  • First Rehearsal: Mar 11, 2026

  • Tech Rehearsals: April 1-10, 2026

  • Previews: April 9-10, 2026

  • Opening Night: April 11, 2026

  • Closing Performance: May 3, 2026

Rehearsals will take place at the Theater Mu studio (755 Prior Ave N #107, Saint Paul, MN 55104), and tech and performances will take place at Gremlin Theater (Annex Building, 550 Vandalia St #177, St. Paul, MN 55114).

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN AND DO

  • Work with the properties designer on researching, compiling, and sourcing props.

  • Work to ensure the props are consistent with the overall visual aesthetic of the production.

  • Possibly learn skills in sewing, carpentry, painting, and repair based on the needs of the production.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Deep cultural knowledge of the Hmong community. 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.

  • Excellent observation, listening, attentiveness, and awareness skills.

  • The ability to work well under pressure and to respond calmly and efficiently to frequent changes during the production and rehearsal process.

REQUIRED  QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.

  • Reliability: While hours can be flexible, you must be open to evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.

  • Access to personal or public transportation to get to meetings, rehearsals, etc.

  • A commitment to Theater Mu’s mission and values as an arts organization built upon social justice, exemplary theater, and Asian American stories.

  • Must be 18 or older to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ensure familiarity with the play (a script will be provided).

  • View the role from a learning perspective and share thoughts on the production if elicited by the designer.

  • Work with the design mentor to set learning objectives and complete designated projects.

  • Attend at least one production meeting, half of the technical rehearsals, and one preview. Along with meetings and shopping with the Props Designer for a total of roughly 70 hours. 

  • Attend orientation, mid-process evaluation, and final reflection meeting after the apprenticeship concludes.

  • Complete Theater Mu’s post-show apprenticeship survey.

 

Meet the Designer

Sarah Harris

SARAH HARRIS (she/her) recently moved from Phoenix, AZ, where she was the properties manager for the Phoenix Theatre Company. Sarah spent eight years in NYC working for such companies as Jerard Studio, Theater for the New City, Bergdorf Goodman, Pip’s Island, and Bone Simple Designs. She was the properties master at Stages St. Louis for three seasons. As a designer, she has worked for the Dallas Theater Center, the Phoenix Theatre Company, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, the Constructivists in Milwaukee, Lincoln Community Playhouse, and Southern Methodist University, where she received her MFA in stage design in 2019. Sending all her love to Rich. | sharrisdesigns.com

Theater Mu