Head Carpenter Royal Winnipeg Ballet Deadline: Open until filled

Creative Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the performing arts seeks a Head Carpenter to oversee the technical execution of productions. This role involves managing a team, ensuring safety and efficiency in installations, and maintaining production equipment. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in carpentry and stage rigging, alongside strong leadership and organizational skills. Join a vibrant arts community that values creativity and collaboration, and contribute to captivating performances that inspire audiences. If you are passionate about theatre and have a knack for precision in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Employer-paid health & dental benefits

Matching RRSP program

Subsidized bus pass

Complimentary tickets to performances

Goodlife Fitness Membership discount

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 5+ years touring experience in a theatre or ballet environment.
• Strong understanding of stage rigging practices and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical execution of scenic elements for productions.
• Supervise crew and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Carpentry

Stage Rigging

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Post-secondary education in Theatre Production

Tools

Woodworking Tools

Theatrical Tools and Equipment

Microsoft Office

Vectorworks CAD

Job description

Head Carpenter:
Department: Production
Reports To: Production Manager
Status: Full-time, Seasonal
Hours: 40/week

This seasonal position is approximately from July to May each year.

Are you a master of carpentry with a passion for the performing arts? The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is looking for a Head Carpenter to oversee the technical integrity of RWB productions. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and are driven by precision, this could be the right role for you.

About Us:
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet enriches the human experience by teaching, creating, and performing outstanding dance. Located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, the RWB plays an integral role in the city’s vibrant arts community. Founded in 1939, the RWB holds the double distinction of being Canada’s premiere ballet company and the longest continuously operating ballet company in North America. In 1953, the Company received its royal title, the first granted under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

The RWB is a leader, renowned for classical ballet and for pushing the boundaries of dance, including through the prestigious RWB School and its Professional and Recreational divisions. A fully integrated company and school, the RWB builds on strengths, challenges conventions, inspires artists, moves audiences, and builds connections locally and globally that unite us all through the universal language of dance.

The Role:
As the Head Carpenter, you manage the technical execution and integrity of all scenic and support elements for RWB events and productions, both locally and on tour. In this role, you will supervise touring and local crews, ensuring the safe, efficient, and professional installation, rigging, and operation of productions. Alongside the Production Manager, you will maintain the RWB warehouse, shop, and associated inventories, and serve as a critical liaison between technical teams, Stage Management, and Artistic staff.

Key Duties:

• Foster and maintain a safe work environment aligned with Workplace Safety and Health, and regulations and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with the Company and Stage Management to ensure a cohesive touring environment.
• Manage and direct the work of union and non-union production personnel of various technical departments in the theatre, shop, and studio.
• Supervise the load in/out process, installs, and strikes for all productions.
• Schedule and oversee crew calls.
• Manage production preparation process, construction projects, and miscellaneous warehouse projects.
• Coordinate truck scheduling and call times.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, agreements, and contracts.
• Organize and oversee maintenance of production equipment and proactively troubleshoot issues..
• Create, maintain, and distribute complete and accurate show records including show notes, stage plots, crew tracks, and technical notes.
• Transport equipment between RWB facilities and venues.
• Submit payroll information for local and touring crew including overtime when applicable.

Work Setting:
In this role you are required to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, with extensive travel. This position requires the ability to lift and carry heavy loads of up to 50lbs, stand/sit for extended periods of time, and work at heights requiring access by ladder, scaffold, and aerial work platform.

What You Bring:

• Post-secondary education in Theatre Production, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum five (5) years’ touring experience in a theatre or ballet environment with knowledge of professional work standards.
• Experience with woodworking tools, set construction, and standard theatrical tools and equipment.
• Strong understanding of stage rigging practices and safety standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office; experience with Vectorworks CAD software an asset.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license or willing and eligible to obtain within three (3) months of employment; clean driving record desirable.
• I.A.T.S.E. Membership or ability to join.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Detail oriented, adaptable, and resourceful with strong multitasking abilities.
• Effective leadership and team management across varying skill levels.
• Strong written, mathematical, and analytical skills.
• Able to interpret and produce technical drawings, plots, and blueprints.

What’s In It For You:

• Employer-paid health & dental benefits.
• Matching RRSP program.
• Subsidized bus pass.
• Complimentary tickets to RWB performances.
• Goodlife Fitness Membership discount.
• Employee Assistance Program.

How To Apply:
Ready to join us? Tell us about yourself! Submit your cover letter and resume directly to People Services at [e-mail]. While we’d like to connect with each applicant, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. To view a full job description, visit www.rwb.org/about/careers/.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is committed to an inclusive and diverse environment that values, respects and supports all individuals. We aim to have a workforce representative of the diversity within our community, and welcome and encourage applicants from various backgrounds including women, Indigenous people, racialized people, disabled people, people of all sexual and gender identities and others who may contribute to further diversification endeavors.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is committed to providing accessible employment while ensuring our recruitment process is barrier free. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the assessment and selection process. Requests for accommodation can be sent to [e-mail].

Closing Date: Open until filled.

As part of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet hiring process, successful candidates will be required to submit a satisfactory Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse Registry Check.