Assistant Carpenter - PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group; Tour-en-Sologne; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

VStar Entertainment, owner of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group touring productions, seeks an Assistant Carpenter (Touring) to support the rigging, deck operations, and carpentry for live performances. You will assist with grid/truss construction, scenery, and backstage cue tracking, while maintaining safety and show aesthetics.

The role requires hands-on carpentry skills, experience with fly systems, and flexibility for irregular hours, travel, and show schedules across venues.

Qualifications

• Related experience, or combination of training and/or education in carpentry as it relates to live performances.
• Knowledge of theatrical fly systems.
• Knowledge of rigging, hoists, and running motors.
• Experience as a deck hand in backstage settings in live performances.
• Knowledge of hand tools and some power tools.
• Basic understanding of theatrical terms and directions.
• Ability to navigate crowded backstage areas during load ins, performances, and load outs.
• Ability to perform basic math for measurements and unit conversions.
• Willingness to work extensive irregular hours including weekends and holidays.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Assist head carpenter and local crews in constructing grid trussing and hanging elements.
• Maintain the artistic look of the show from performance and operation standpoints.
• Learn and perform backstage deck track operations including scene changes and rope pulling.
• Troubleshoot carpentry elements during performances.
• Participate in projects involving installation of new carpentry elements and interdepartmental tasks.
• Train local crews in deck track assigned to carpentry locals.
• Assist with load-in and load-out directions with local crews.
• Assist with loading/unloading of trailers and show assets.
• Assemble and disassemble carpentry equipment.
• Maintain flexible schedule for calls, events, rehearsals, maintenance, and performances.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance routines and inspections; emphasize life safety and critical show components.
• Adhere to OSHA regulations and participate in safety trainings.

Skills

Carpentry for live performances

Theatrical fly systems

Rigging and hoists

Deck hand experience

Hand and power tools

Theatrical terms and directions

Unit conversion math

Willingness for irregular hours

English fluency

Travel readiness

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Assistant Carpenter (Touring) - PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure

Stage Carpentry & Props

We are looking for our next Assistant Carpenter technician to join VStar Entertainment Group’s Touring Theatrical Crew. The main objective of this role is to assist with ensuring the show’s carpentry department is set up and functioning properly. The position would be responsible for assisting Head Carpenter with all hung elements, including grid and scenery; working as a member of deck crew in scene changes and show presets in relation to the stage set and any staging pieces as determined by supervisors; maintaining cue track documentation; conducting regular maintenance of all department equipment in an effort to maintain the artistic "look" of the event from performance and operational standpoints; and reflecting professionalism of the company and its equipment while adhering to Best Practice Safety Protocols.

The Assistant Carpenter Will Have The Opportunity To

• Assist head carpenter and local crews in the construction of the grid trussing and assembly of all hung elements, soft goods, and scenery;
• Strive to maintain the artistic "look" of the show from performance and operation standpoints;
• Learn, memorize, and effectively perform backstage deck track assigned to role, including scene changes and rope pulling, and participate in cue track rotation as directed by management;
• Assist with troubleshooting operation of all carpentry elements during performances;
• Participate in special projects including the installation of new carpentry show elements, and interdepartmental projects that include carpentry elements or other needs that may fall within the technician’s specialty as directed;
• Train local crews in each venue with backstage deck track assigned to carpentry locals;
• Assist in directing local crews during load in and load out;
• Assist with loading and unloading of trailers and show assets;
• Assemble and disassemble all equipment associated with, but not limited to, the carpentry department;
• Maintain a flexible schedule for work calls, special events, rehearsal/training, maintenance and show performances;
• Work with carpentry department head and tour management to establish and maintain training and backup plans to ensure continuity of performance operations of the department in the event of unexpected failure of a system, component or piece of equipment;
• Coordinate with and provide support as needed for other departments, production management, artistic management, and show support staff during rehearsals, training, load‑in, load‑out, and performances to maintain safe and consistent tour operation;
• Assist with managing inventory of show supplies relevant to the carpentry department, working with department head and tour management to procure replacements and stock as needed;
• Create, update and accurately maintain cue sheets and show documentation, and participate in cue track rotation as directed;
• Ensure all carpentry departmental designs, equipment, systems, functions, procedures, maintenance, and inspection logs, special projects, etc. are properly and adequately documented;
• Assist in the development and implementation of preventative maintenance routines and inspections – particularly life safety and show critical;
• Adhere to and promote all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations as they pertain to the safe operation of all elements related to the show; participate in all required health and safety classes and emergency rescue procedure training;
• Uphold responsibility for own professional standards of conduct, appearance, workmanship, and personal safety as set forth by VStar Entertainment with fellow tour members, outside vendors, local labor, and clients;
• Perform other work‑related tasks and projects as assigned by department head and tour management;
  

Skills

What does it take for this role? The following hard skills are the basics of what’s needed to be successful in this position:

• Related experience, or combination of training and/or education in carpentry as it relates to live performances;
• Knowledge of theatrical fly systems;
• Knowledge of rigging, hoists, and running motors;
• Experience as a deck hand in backstage settings as it relates to a live performance with flying elements;
• Knowledge of hand tools and some power tools;
• Basic understanding of theatrical terms and directions;
• Ability to effectively navigate a crowded theatrical backstage work area during load ins, performances, and load outs;
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals;
• Ability to understand instructions in oral, written and diagram form in order to apply common sense to troubleshoot and solve problems;
• Willingness to work extensive and irregular work hours; early morning, afternoon, evening, late evening, weekend, and holidays is common;
• Experience with loading in and loading out in a theatrical setting preferred;
• Touring experience appreciated but not required;
• If required for position, be an active IATSE union member or willingness to join;
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken;
• If applicable for the tours travel schedule must be and remain in good standing with all proper authorities throughout the Services Period, including maintaining the validity of one’s passport and the ability to travel internationally;
• Verification of the right to work in the United States for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, as demonstrated by completion of the Form I-9 upon hire and the submission of acceptable documentation (as noted on the Form I-9) verifying one’s identity and work authorization;
• Able to pass a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, credit, criminal, DMV, previous employment, education, and personal references, per Company policy, unless prohibited by federal, state, or provincial law;
  

About VStar Entertainment

VStar Entertainment is one of North America’s leading producers and promoters of live family entertainment. With decades of experience bringing beloved brands to life on stage, VStar creates immersive, high-quality touring productions that captivate audiences of all ages. VStar Entertainment is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible and inclusive workplace. Proud ambassador of equality in employment, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is committed to eliminating discrimination based on age, skin color, origins, religion, sex, sexual orientation and any other characteristic. Neutral and inclusive writing is now preferred for all new job postings.

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