Production Carpenter (FTC)

English National Opera; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

English National Opera in London Coliseum is seeking an experienced Production Carpenter to plan, install and maintain scenery for our 26/27 opera season. This hands-on role requires carpentry skills, strong organisation, and the ability to supervise teams during fit-ups, performances, changeovers and get-outs.

You will work with colleagues across technical teams to deliver safe, efficient and high-quality scenic solutions in a fast-paced live performance environment.

Qualifications

• Proven professional, large-scale theatre experience at a senior level in a stage capacity.
• Excellent knowledge of scenic construction practice and equipment.
• Excellent knowledge and practical experience of safe working practices within a theatrical environment.
• Reading and interpreting ground and stage plans using CAD and other software.
• Ability to work at height and use PPE.

Responsibilities

• Plan, construct, install and maintain scenery for our opera season.
• Supervise teams during fit-ups, performances, changeovers and get-outs.
• Collaborate with technical teams to deliver safe, efficient and high-quality scenic solutions.
• Turn technical drawings and creative ideas into reality in a fast-paced live environment.

Skills

Stage Carpentry

Team Leadership

Health & Safety

Tools

CAD

Job description

Salary: £937.20 per week

Location: London Coliseum & other locations as required

We're hiring an experienced Production Carpenter to support the planning, construction, installation and maintenance of scenery for our 26/27 opera season at the London Coliseum. This is a hands-on role requiring excellent carpentry and scenic construction skills, strong organisational abilities, and the confidence to supervise teams during fit-ups, performances, changeovers and get-outs. Working as part of a highly skilled team, you will collaborate with colleagues across technical teams to deliver safe, efficient and high-quality scenic solutions.

If you thrive in a fast-paced live performance environment and enjoy turning technical drawings and creative ideas into reality, we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements:

• Previous professional, large-scale theatre experience at a senior level in a stage capacity and an excellent understanding of stagecraft and theatre practice.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of current scenic construction practice and scenic equipment.
• Excellent knowledge and practical experience of safe working practices within a theatrical environment.
• Working knowledge of Health & Safety legislation including LOLER and PUWER with the ability to carry out effective risk assessments, method statements.
• The ability to read and interpret ground and stage plans using CAD and other software.
• The ability to work at height, use stage-related access equipment and PPE.
• The ability to work as part of a team and independently, under minimum supervision.
• A proactive, flexible, collaborative and conscientious approach to work with an open mind to new or different ways of working.
• Good punctuality and the ability to set an example to others, always exhibiting a professional attitude.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work well under pressure.
• The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with colleagues and staff at all levels.
• Supervisory and team leadership skills.

Please see our recruitment pack for full details of the role.

Application deadline: 5pm, Sunday 27 September 2026

Interviews: 30 September- 2 October 2026, London Coliseum

Reasonable adjustments: If you require any reasonable adjustments for the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail]

Feedback: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide individual feedback to those candidates who reach the interview stage

English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we particularly encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.