Lead Stage Carpenter

• Department:  Scenery
• Status:  Full Time, IATSE Hourly, Non-Exempt
• Pay:  Department Head Rate, IATSE Local 122 – Currently $31.65/hr
• Location:  La Jolla, CA on the beautiful campus of the University of California, San Diego
• Schedule:  Regular weekday work, occasional overtime, weekend work and/or holiday work
•  Reports to:  Scenery Supervisor
• Works With:  Production Foreman, LJP Staff, Visiting Artists & Designers,
• Supervises:  IATSE Stage Carpenters, , Riggers; IATSE Apprentices & Pre-Apprentices
• Start Date:  April 3, 2023 (flexible)

To Apply:
Submit a cover letter and resume to productionjobs@ljp.org
Please include in the subject line – “Lead Stage Carpenter”

Organization Overview

La Jolla Playhouse is a place where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in the American theatre, from Tony Award-winning productions, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the Playhouse is currently led by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, the Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse, and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. The Playhouse is internationally renowned for the development of new plays and musicals, including mounting 108 world premieres, commissioning 70 new works, and sending 33 productions to Broadway, garnering a total of 38 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. These works include the Broadway hits Come From Away, Diana and Memphis, all directed by Ashley; The Who’s Tommy; the Pulitzer Prize-winning I Am My Own Wife; and Jersey Boys.

La Jolla Playhouse is committed to diversity in all areas of our work, on and off stage. We lead with our values and encourage individuals with unique perspectives to apply. La Jolla Playhouse is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Statement of Job

The Lead Stage Carpenter is the point person for all scenic and rigging load in, notes and load out activities for the assigned show.  They lead carpenters, riggers, and automation techs in the safe and successful execution of all designed scenic elements and electric and sound rigging, and actively communicate across departments to ensure a smooth load in process.  The Lead Production Carpenter collaborates with the Scenery Supervisor & Production Foreman in the development of load-in and strike schedules and crew assignments, and works to carry out those plans in a safe and efficient manner.

Essential Job Duties

• Collaborate with the Scenery Supervisor and Production Foreman to develop load-in, strike, and change-over plans for all La Jolla Playhouse productions, co-productions, presentations, and special events to which they are assigned.
• Lead carpenters, riggers, and automation techs in the installation of shows built by the LJP Scene Shops and elsewhere, following industry best practices with special attention paid to safety, high quality of work, positive productive approach, and efficient use of time and resources.
• Monitor and ensure the safe use of all stage-related facilities and equipment.
• As work requires, fabricate, install, organize, and transport scenery projects for the production.
• Collaborate with other Department Heads on interdepartmental projects.
• Motivate and manage crews to ensure a safe, clean, and efficient stage environment during load-in, change-over, and strike.
• Manage a crew of 1 to 12 people.
• Attend meetings and note sessions as requested by the Scenery Supervisor or Production Management.
• Assist in risk assessments and reviews with Scenery Supervisor and Production Management to achieve workable and safe productions at all levels.
• Participate in the development of an environment that is both nourishing and invigorating for employees, artists and patrons.
• Function in a professional and collegial manner when collaborating with all theatre personnel, professional creative teams, staff, management and other visiting artists.
• Be an active participant in LJP’s work towards being a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace.
• Perform other duties as assigned in collaboration with theatre personnel, professional creative teams, staff, management and other visiting artists.

Requirements and Proficiencies

• 2 plus years of professional experience in theatrical installation, scenic methods, and crew management.
• Demonstrated success in leadership, goal setting, and personnel management.
• Possess strong verbal communication, critical thinking, attention to detail, problem solving, and organizational skills, including when working with competing priorities and time constraints.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge of scenic carpentry, welding, rigging, complex automation solutions, and soft goods/fabric maintenance and repair.
• Working knowledge and experience with specialized tools used in advanced theatrical production operations.
• Knowledge of and dedication to safe work practices; ETCP Certification and OSHA 10 a plus.
• Possess strong critical thinking, attention to detail, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to read and execute scenic design and construction drawings.
• Commitment to uphold and meaningfully engage with the mission, vision, and values of La Jolla Playhouse.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by an FDA approved vaccine is a condition of employment.

Physical Demands

• Frequently ascends/descends and moves about on ladders, lifts, catwalks, and grids.
• Ability to work extended hours including nights and weekends during load in.
• Frequently moves items weighing up to 50lbs and maneuvers heavy items with assistance.

Work Environment:

• Environment varies from dark/quiet backstage to bright/loud on stage.