Lead Carpenter

Department: Production

Reporting Relationship:  Associate Technical Director 

Compensation: $31.63 per hour 

Grade Range/Job Status: Full-Time Non-Exempt - CBA Article IX - Level 3

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13.

The Lead Carpenter participates in and oversees production builds, load-in, strike and maintenance of scenic elements and effects for all Guthrie productions. In addition, this role works with the Scene Shop Coordinator to assist in the maintenance and upkeep of the Scene Shop and storage areas to provide a safe and efficient work environment. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Construction, Installation and Maintenance of Scenery & Effects

• Build, create, modify, and install scenery, effects and rigging to convey the designer’s vision, meet the functional requirements of the play, and ensure durability and safety standards. 
• Interpret design and working drawings. 
• Work individually or as part of a team on projects as assigned.
• Maintain a running dialogue with the Scene Shop Coordinator, fellow Carpenters, Technical Direction (TD) team and other members of the organization as needed.
• Provide technical assistance and solutions to address issues of safety, function, aesthetics, and fabrication.
• Communicate with other production departments to clarify plans for the efficient integration of scenic elements and report any relevant information back to the TD team.
• Become familiar with design concepts and construction drawings in order to efficiently address questions from full-time and overhire staff.
• Transition between tasks and projects when designs or priorities shift.
• Revise elements as directed by the TD team.
• Assist with or perform standard rigging installations in a safe and efficient manner as necessary for any Guthrie productions or presentation.
• Create prototypes when necessary to determine the most appropriate construction method and material needed.
• Evaluate elements for artistic quality and design and ensure proper and safe functionality can be maintained. 

2. Leadership

• Lead crews, including full-time and overhire staff, on build, load-in and strike of scenic elements as assigned by the TD team.
• Monitor all work for safety, quality, and best practices. Coach or direct other carpenters as needed. 
• Work within the production schedule and with the TD team to ensure daily/weekly targets are being met.
• Communicate with the TD team daily on project progress.
• Actively engage in daily shop meetings to ensure pertinent information is communicated to carpentry staff and the TD team.
• Actively participate in team building, fostering a work environment incorporating the Guthrie values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

3. Maintenance Of Spaces and Supplies

• Work with the Scene Shop Coordinator to ensure that tools and equipment are restored to the proper location when no longer in use. Assist with leading end of day clean up. 
• Communicate with Shopper/Buyer and Scene Shop Coordinator any material needs in order to maintain build and shop operations.
• Actively assist the Scene Shop Coordinator in maintaining safe conditions and operable shop tools, notifying TD team as needed.
• Clean and organize workspaces, tools, raw materials, and scenic elements.

• Extensive experience in theatrical carpentry.
• Demonstrated leadership experience. 
• Advanced skill in interpreting drawings in order to reproduce designs accurately.
• Advanced skill in metal and wood working.
• Intermediate knowledge of construction techniques to build scenery.
• Intermediate rigging knowledge. Advanced rigging knowledge and skill preferred.
• Basic sewing skills.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of materials to offer greater flexibility in executing designs.
• Forklift experience preferred.
• Chain hoist experience preferred.
• Flexible, collaborative and able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Fosters a positive work environment.
• Problem solves creatively.
• Can lift 50 lbs. continuously throughout an assigned shift. 
• Strong commitment to health and safety in the workplace.
• Must be willing to occasionally work additional hours beyond typical schedule, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.