Head Carpenter

Position Overview:
We’re looking for a passionate, hands-on Head Carpenter to join our creative team! This part-time, year-round role offers the opportunity to be an integral part of producing high-quality theater in a collaborative and dynamic environment. As the Head Carpenter, you will oversee carpentry for a variety of productions, ensuring that each set is constructed and installed safely, efficiently, and to high-quality standards. We don’t build our own sets, but the Head Carpenter will work closely with outside fabrication shops to make sure the sets are built according to design plans and on schedule. You’ll also collaborate with designers, the production manager, and a team of carpenters to oversee the building process, make adjustments during technical rehearsals, and manage the set throughout the show’s run.

This role requires a blend of leadership skills, technical expertise, and a passion for the arts. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy working with a talented, dedicated team, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the construction and installation of theatrical sets, ensuring quality, accuracy, and safety at all stages of production.
• Lead and manage carpentry crews, guiding them through each build and ensuring tasks are completed on schedule.
• Collaborate with fabrication shops and other departments to ensure smooth coordination and communication of design specifications.
• Enforce safety standards, maintain tools, and ensure a safe working environment for all crew members.
• Work with the Production Manager to create effective production schedules and crew calls.
• Manage carpentry adjustments during tech rehearsals and throughout the show’s run.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in theatrical carpentry: Proven ability to build and maintain sets, with a strong background in technical theater environments.
• Rigging skills: Experience with theatrical rigging and the ability to safely handle complex tasks.
• Leadership: Ability to lead a team, communicate clearly, and ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently.
• Attention to detail: Strong organizational skills and the ability to interpret technical drawings and plans.
• Flexibility and collaboration: Comfortable working under tight deadlines and collaborating across departments to achieve production goals.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods (75% of the time) and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and working in varying positions as required.

Schedule & Hours

This part-time position requires flexibility, with hours varying based on production needs. The Head Carpenter can expect to work:

• 9 full-time weeks (40 hours/week)
• 6 part-time weeks (20-40 hours/week)
• 20 weeks of occasional work (4-16 hours/week) for show maintenance, presented events, and rental needs.

Estimated pay: Over the course of the year, the Head Carpenter could earn approximately $20,000, depending on actual hours worked.

Benefits

• 12% contribution to the IATSE National Benefits Fund.
• Overtime pay after 8 hours daily and 40 hours weekly, as well as on predetermined holidays.

Why Join Us?

• Supportive work environment: Work with a dedicated team of professionals who share your passion for theater.
• Creativity and collaboration: Bring your ideas to life in a space that encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving.
• Flexible schedule: Enjoy a part-time role with a balance between full-time and part-time hours.
• Union benefits: Access to IATSE Local 8 membership and benefits.

Bristol Riverside Theatre is a mid-sized regional theatre whose mission is to engage audiences and artists alike with exceptional performances, inspired writing, and superior productions that motivate us to think harder, to feel more deeply, to laugh more joyfully, and to reflect on ourselves and the world in which we live. Located in the historic district of Bristol Borough, the theatre has a full-time staff of 12 employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives and reflects our community. We offer over 200 performances per year including 5 mainstage theatre productions, 3-8 presented theatre productions, and 4-8 concerts. BRT operates under a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 8, representing the stagehands employed at the theatre.

How to Apply

·       Interested candidates should email their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position to [email protected] with "Head Carpenter" in the subject line. Please tell us why you’re excited about the opportunity and how your skills align with this role.

·       Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Bristol Riverside Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.