Production Carpenter

Position: Production Carpenter 

Department: Production 

Reports to:  Head Carpenter 

FLSA Classification: Hourly 

Salary: The base pay rate is set by the current IATSE Local 15 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) contract rate, currently at $43.11 + 10% ($47.42).  

Benefits: Benefits are provided through Local 15 according to the terms of the CBA.  

Work Locations: Downtown Seattle. The 5th Avenue Theatre auditorium and production spaces are located within the Skinner Building. This role will also be required for occasional off-site travel, including but not limited to the build shop and/or warehouse, both located in South Seattle. 

Company Overview

The 5th Avenue Theatre’s mission is to nurture, advance, and celebrate all aspects of the great art form: the musical. As one of America’s premier musical theater companies, The 5th is a major economic driver, playing a key role in the revitalization of downtown Seattle. We produce multiple musicals annually and proudly employ local talent, with 90%+ of our 700 artists living in Washington. Our renowned education programs serve 35,000 K-12 students annually, and our engagement programs facilitate connections between people, organizations, different cultures, and various art forms. The 5th is an invaluable treasure to Seattle, and central to America’s theatrical landscape; we have originated 26 new musicals, 11 of which have gone on to Broadway and garnered 15 Tony Awards®, including two for Best Musical.

Position Summary

The Production Carpenter supports the Technical Direction team and Head Carpenter in planning and executing all production needs for 5th Avenue Theatre shows. Responsibilities include assessing automation needs, creating load-in/out paperwork, representing run crew needs during construction, and understanding scenic assembly to guide the load-in/out process. The role also assists in drafting key documents such as ground plans, sections, motor plots, and storage layouts.

This position leads weekly Production Heads meetings, prepares agendas, and advises on specialized equipment or infrastructure needs. The Production Carpenter is also responsible for updating technical paperwork for archival purposes and helping determine which scenic elements are salvaged or discarded. The job often requires overtime, evening, and weekend work during load-in and technical rehearsals.

This position is represented by IATSE, Local No. 15.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in conjunction with the Technical Direction team and Scenic Designer to determine the overall scenic and automation specifications for productions produced by The 5th Avenue Theatre Association.

• Comply with established theatre safety policies while working with staff and overhire crews and actively identify and report potential workplace hazards to help prevent accidents.

• Coordinate with the Head Builder, Head Carpenter, and automation programmer(s) to execute the fabrication, modification, installation, and operation of production automation systems and associated scenery and infrastructure related to productions produced by The 5th Avenue Theatre Association.

• Be responsible for the necessary updates, maintenance, and organization of stock automation gear owned by the theatre to make sure it is in safe working order.

• Support the visions of the creative team including directors, designers and choreographers while maintaining the level of excellence expected from productions presented by The 5th Avenue Theatre Association.

• Troubleshoot and solve technical problems when encountered and inform appropriate staff members of those solutions.

• Work with the Technical Direction team, Head Carpenter, and other affected departments to generate and manage drawings and documents such as: line set schedules, unit lists, scene by scene documents, scene shift plots, storage plans, truck packs, automation gear lists, and scenic installation assembly information.

• Ensure all necessary installation hardware is accounted for and properly labeled, and that all scenic elements are clearly labeled before being loaded into transport vehicles to expedite the load-in/out process.

• Generate load in/out plans in conjunction with the Head Carpenter and affected department heads.

• Maintain and organize an inventory of stock scenic equipment utilized for shows produced by The 5th Avenue Theatre Association.

• Solve technical issues that arise during the planning, build, load-in, technical rehearsal, and changeover processes in conjunction with the Technical Direction team, Head Carpenter, Head Builder and other affected department heads.

• Attend meetings, run-throughs, technical and dress rehearsals, previews and performances as required to execute the production.

• Work with Carpenters and Builders to prepare, maintain, install and/or remove scenery, rigging or automation systems and equipment for all shows produced by The 5th Avenue Theatre Association.

• Work in conjunction with other departments (Electrics, Sound, Props etc.) and sub departments (Rigging, Automation, Rail etc.) on projects that cross multiple jurisdictions.

• Comply with the policies and procedures of The 5th Avenue Theatre Association, including personnel rules and collective bargaining agreements.

• Model and support the mission and values of The 5th Avenue Theatre Association.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position will possess most of these skills and qualifications, or relevant experience and achievements to help them meet the needs of the role.
 

• At least four years of experience working with tools and materials traditionally used in theatrical environments, installing/running, and loading out large scale theatrical productions with union crews.

• At least two years of experience leading, directing, and delegating tasks to union crews, and full-scope project management from planning to implementation and removal.

• Experience working with automated scenic movement systems, with a strong understanding of their components and operation. Ideal candidates have hands-on experience with Creative Conners automation, including installation, troubleshooting, and programming in Spikemark.

• Familiarity with working in venues that use a counterweight fly system, including an understanding of its components and operating principles.

• Strong proficiency in reading and generating technical drawings with Auto-CAD and/or Vectorworks, as well as understanding and interpreting designer drawings.

• Proficiency with packing, loading/unloading box trucks and 53-foot trailers and working around forklifts.

• Experience safely working with various personal lifts, ladders, and safety gear associated with overhead work.

• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of theatrical safety practices to ensure personal and collective safety while operating within the theatre, shop and warehouse environments.

• Strong working knowledge of software such as Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel), Zoom, and other applications as needed on a Windows computer.

• Ability to perform assigned duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision and recognizing when assistance is required.

• Expertise in task switching, leading multiple projects simultaneously, and time management skills to complete tasks on demanding schedules.

• The ideal candidate will be able to collaborate regularly with staff across multiple teams and demonstrate effective communication, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills (fluency in English is required).

• Willingness and ability to engage in collaborative and positive interactions with designers, directors, stage managers, and personnel from various departments.

• Ability to foster a work environment that reflects The 5th Avenue Theatre’s core values, including analyzing and understanding issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Special Considerations

Work schedule varies with the production schedule and includes overtime, evening, and weekend hours.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.  

• Ability to perform administrative tasks using a computer, such as creating and reviewing documents, entering data, and communicating electronically. This may involve sitting at a workstation for extended periods and can be done using a keyboard, mouse, or assistive technology.

• Ability to communicate in person with colleagues across a multi-level facility (including offices, theater, and workshop spaces). This may involve moving between spaces with varied lighting and sound, or asking others to come to a central office location as needed.

• Ability to safely use hand and power tools requiring manual dexterity and fine motor control, and to lift, pull, push, and carry up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. This work may involve climbing ladders, working at heights, standing for extended periods, and performing repetitive physical tasks during load-ins, strikes, and technical rehearsals.

• The 5th Avenue Theatre is located in the historic Skinner Building and is non-ADA compliant. This role must be able to navigate the backstage, basement, alleyway and stage door areas without significant assistance.

Application information & Timeline

Applications from those who have been traditionally underrepresented in the theatrical industry are strongly encouraged. We are striving for our staff to be inclusive of a diverse and vibrant community that represents multiple identities, perspectives and influences.

Union membership is not required to apply for this position, however this is a position represented by IATSE Local No 15 and is subject to the dues and responsibilities as laid out in the collective bargaining agreement.

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume and three references that explains your qualifications for the position to careers@5thavenue.org.
Please include Production Carpenter in the subject line.

A background check will be required upon offer of the position. The 5th Avenue Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer.