Properties Grants for Internships
The Society of Props Managers awards three $1000 grants annually to individuals who wish to build a career in theatrical properties. The grants are intended to assist with transportation, housing, or other necessities while completing an internship, fellowship, or apprenticeship or with educational costs associated with building a career in props.
The members of S*P*M recognize the lack of diversity in our ranks and strive to support and promote a healthier racial makeup for our future membership. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, especially BIPOC and other underrepresented communities. The grant decision committee will be made up of at least five professional members of S*P*M from as diverse a range of backgrounds and experiences as can be achieved.
Jen Trieloff Summer Internship Grant
Jen Trieloff was Properties Director for American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin and Forward Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin and has served as Prop Master and Prop Designer for Madison Rep and Madison Opera and Ballet among others. He was an accomplished craftsman and scene designer whose work was seen on stages inside and outside of Wisconsin.
Summer grant application deadline is April 15, 2023 at midnight and will be awarded May 15, 2023.
Edie Whitsett Summer Internship Grant
Edie Whitsett was the longtime property shop manager and a frequent designer at Seattle Children’s Theatre. She also created sets for Village Theatre, Seattle Opera, ACT Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet and other arts entities. Whitsett’s honors included an Artist Trust fellowship, a commission for an art installation at the Seattle Public Library’s central branch and two Seattle Times Footlight Awards.
To honor Edie’s commitment to children’s theatre, the goal of this grant is to award it to someone who is interested in furthering their career by working in theatrical properties in children’s theater.
Summer grant application deadline is April 15, 2023 at midnight and will be awarded May 15, 2023.
Herb Camburn Fall Internship Grant
Herb Camburn was a talented artist, actor, designer, and director who had a passion for teaching. Herb started his arts career by spending 4 years with the Air Force Art and Motion Picture departments. Following that he spent years designing for various regional theatres in the U.S. and London, including The Missouri Repertory Theatre among others. His design work extended to corporate events and even Disneyland Parades. He spent 30 years teaching in the CSU Long Beach Theatre Arts Department serving for some time as the Head of Design. Following retirement, Herb reincarnated himself and started “Mother Camburn’s Paper Props”, a series of digital property CDs which have been a staple of many S*P*M members toolboxes for years. He was a friend and mentor to many S*P*M members and one of the earliest supporters of the organization.
Fall grant application deadline is June 15, 2023 at midnight and will be awarded July 15, 2023.
To Apply
All grants are overseen and awarded by the Society of Properties Artisan Managers. Individuals wishing to apply for one of the grants should submit the following:
- Cover Letter that includes details on your internship or educational plans and your goals in props.
- Your Resume
- Portfolio or digital images of recent properties and/or related projects.
