Assistant Carpenter

• Position: Assistant Carpenter
• Department: Production
• Reports to:  Head Carpenter
• FLSA Classification: Hourly; work schedule varies with the production schedule and includes periodic overtime, evening, and weekend hours.
• Compensation: The base pay rate is set by the current IATSE Local 15 CBA contract rate, currently at $43.93.
• Benefits: Benefits are provided through Local 15 according to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Work Locations: Downtown Seattle. The 5^th Avenue Theatre and administrative office located within Skinner Building (1326 5^th Avenue, Suite 735), The 5^th Avenue Scene Shop (860 S Cambridge St, Seattle, WA 98108), and our Kent, WA warehouse (22703 72^nd Ave S.)

Company Overview:

The 5th Avenue Theatre is one of America’s leading musical theaters.

As a nonprofit company and our region’s largest performing arts employer, we spread the joy of great musicals, enrich the community with this art form, and give the Pacific Northwest a front-row seat to original powerhouse productions that light up marquees and audiences all the way to Broadway.  Through our nationally acclaimed education programs, we reach more than 75,000 young people with programs designed to develop new musicals and ensure the next generation of great musical storytelling.

We share a core belief that Musical Theatre is critical to uplifting and reflecting the humanity around us, and that The 5th Avenue is a vital resource for Seattle, Downtown, and The Pacific Northwest.  Our diversity of people and talents are unified behind these truths, working hard to make great art and sustain a great work culture of belonging & inclusion.

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 & influences.

Position Summary

The Assistant Carpenter assists the Head Carpenter in running the carpentry department, staff, and overhire labor as well as supporting some administrative duties. During the load in/load out period the Assistant Carpenter takes direction from the Head Carpenter and the Production Carpenter and is primarily responsible for leading and supervising the IATSE Carpentry crew in the loading, unloading, installation, assembly, and removal of production elements that traditionally fall under the jurisdiction of the carpentry department. Throughout the production period and run of shows, the Assistant Carpenter is responsible for the operation, maintenance, supervision, and safety of the carpentry running crew on one side of the stage. The Assistant Carpenter is the primary cover when the Head Carpenter is unavailable and will be expected to perform those duties when elevated to that position.

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

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist the Head Carpenter with supervision of staff and overhire crews during load in/load out of 5^th Avenue produced productions as well as outside tours included in the 5^th Avenue Theatre’s season.
• Maintain established 5^th Avenue Theatre safety policies while working with staff and overhire
• Lead, direct, and delegate tasks to crews in order to accomplish responsibilities and stay on schedule.
• Troubleshoot and solve technical problems when encountered and inform the Head Carpenter.
• Work with the Head Carpenter and Stage Management to assign backstage carpentry department cues during the technical rehearsal period. Continue to implement corrections, as directed, necessary to maintain and /or improve the look of the production from both performance and crew standards.
• Direct the safe loading/unloading of box trucks and semi-trailers from both a loading dock and the alley into and out of the theatre space, as well as coordinate and clearly communicate with forklift operators.
• Maintain a stock and inventory of hardware, tools, and logistical support equipment at the theatre and warehouse locations.
• Work in conjunction with other departments (Electrics, Sound, Props) and sub departments (Rigging, Automation, Rail etc.) on projects that cross multiple jurisdictions.
• Maintain a calm and cool manner when dealing with stressful situations and approaching deadlines.
• Assist the Head Carpenter with administrative tasks when necessary, such as staffing and payroll.
• Fill in when the Head Carpenter is unavailable or working in another location.
• Comply with all safety and security procedures related to the show and The 5^th Avenue Theatres’ safety policies.
• Comply with the policies and procedures of The 5^th Avenue Theatre, including personnel rules and collective bargaining agreements.
• Uphold the artistic standards and achieve the artistic vision of The 5^th Avenue Theatre.
• Model and support the mission and values of The 5^th Avenue Theatre.

Essential Knowledge & Qualifications:

Work Experience

• 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.
• Familiarity with working in theatrical venues with a counterweight fly system, understanding the components and the principles of how that system operates.
• Recent exposure to working on productions utilizing various automated systems to move scenic elements, understanding the components and the principles of how that system operates.
• Proficiency with packing, loading/unloading box trucks and semi-trailers and working around forklifts.
• Experience safely working with various personal lifts, ladders, and safety gear associated with overhead work.

Competencies

• Ability to perform assigned duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision, recognizing when assistance is required.
• Expertise in task switching, leading multiple crews simultaneously, and time management skills to complete tasks on tight and stressful schedules.
• Aptitude to develop and maintain a sufficient working knowledge of associated fields to effectively perform assigned responsibilities.
• Work at The 5th Avenue Theatre requires collegial and positive collaborations with staff across multiple departments. A successful candidate will exhibit excellent interpersonal diplomacy and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work as a team member and independently.
• Strong working knowledge of software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) on a Windows computer. Basic knowledge of using AutoCAD is a bonus.
• General knowledge of theatrical safety.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (English primarily).
• Analyze and understand issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Physical Requirements

• Candidate should be able to stand and work for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift, move, push, pull 20-4 lbs. occasionally, alone or with assistance
• Duties will require stooping, bending, and reaching.
• Candidate will occasionally be required to work at height from a ladder, fixed position or platform, or mobile personnel lift.

Application Information & Timeline:

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume & 3 references by September 16, 2024, to careers@5thavenue.org 

Please include “Assistant Carpenter” in the subject line.