Lead Carpenter

Milwaukee Repertory Theater•Milwaukee, WI

21h•$35•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Carpenter works directly with the Technical Director and Scenic Charge Artist to ensure information is communicated effectively to the shop floor and scenic elements are completed safely, accurately, and on schedule. Serving as the day-to-day shop-floor lead for a team of Carpenters and over-hire personnel, the Lead Carpenter manages fabrication workflow, assigns and prioritizes work, monitors quality and progress, and leads the fabrication, installation, and removal of scenic elements for Milwaukee Rep productions.

Requirements

Significant professional experience in theatrical scenic fabrication or an equivalent environment, including demonstrated experience leading crews and coordinating multiple fabrication projects
Demonstrated ability to lead crews, delegate work effectively, communicate priorities, and maintain productivity and quality under changing deadlines
Strong theatrical layout and fabrication skills using wood, steel, and non-traditional materials, including proficiency with common scene-shop tools and equipment
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings
Advanced knowledge of theatrical construction techniques and demonstrated ability to select and execute appropriate fabrication methods
Vision abilities required by the job include: close vision, and the ability to discern fine detail
Prolonged standing; bending; crouching; kneeling; reaching; pushing/pulling scenic elements; climbing ladders/stairs; working at height as needed; and repetitive use of hand and power tools
Able to lift and carry 50 Lbs. unassisted
Able to work around ventilated wood dust and fumes

Nice To Haves

Experience with CNC equipment and digital fabrication processes is preferred
Familiarity with theatrical automation systems is a plus

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Technical Director, assign and prioritize fabrication projects among members of the scenic team; monitor workflow, progress, and quality to ensure projects are completed safely, accurately, and according to production schedules
Consult with the Technical Director regarding the fabrication of scenic designs and recommend materials, construction methods, and fabrication approaches that safely and efficiently achieve the designer’s vision
Read and interpret technical drawings and other production documentation; translate technical information into fabrication plans, layouts, work assignments, and construction processes for the scenic team
Identify fabrication conflicts, missing information, material concerns, or technical challenges and communicate them promptly to the Technical Director
Lead Carpenters and over-hire personnel during the installation and removal of scenic elements in all Milwaukee Rep performance venues, delegating work and coordinating activities to ensure safe and efficient load-ins and strikes
Track material usage by production and communicate material, stock, and consumable needs to the Technical Director in a timely manner
Track and report carpentry hours to the Union Steward
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe scene shop; identify damaged or unsafe tools and equipment and communicate maintenance, repair, and replacement needs to the Technical Director
Attend departmental, production coordination, and full company meetings as required
Promote and maintain safe working practices in the scene shop and performance venues, including proper use of tools and equipment, appropriate PPE, safe material handling, and adherence to established Milwaukee Rep safety procedures. Identify and address unsafe conditions and immediately communicate significant safety concerns to the Technical Director.
As outlined in the CBA; at times you may be assigned to other duties in any of our performance venues or at the Dorothy Inbusch Foundation Scenic Studio