Lead Carpenter

Milwaukee-Repertory-Theater; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Milwaukee Repertory Theater is seeking a Lead Carpenter to supervise the scenic shop and a team of carpenters and over-hire personnel. You will lead fabrication, install and removal of scenic elements, and ensure timely delivery while maintaining safety and quality.

Working with the Technical Director and Scenic Charge Artist, you will translate designs into actionable plans, oversee materials and methods, and coordinate with the Union to track hours and compliance.

Qualifications

• Ideal candidates have theatrical scenic fabrication experience and prior crew leadership.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and production docs.
• Experience with wood, steel, and non-traditional materials; proficient with scene-shop tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead carpenters and over-hire personnel during install and removal of scenic elements.
• Assign and prioritize fabrication projects; monitor workflow and quality.
• Consult on materials, construction methods, and fabrication approaches.
• Translate drawings into fabrication plans and tasks for the team.
• Identify fabrication conflicts and communicate them promptly.
• Track material usage and report needs to Technical Director.
• Record carpentry hours for the Union Steward; ensure safety and cleanliness.
• Attend meetings and uphold Milwaukee Rep safety procedures.
• Support other duties in venues or studios as required.

Skills

Crew leadership

Reading technical drawings

Project coordination

Safety compliance

Communication

Tools

CNC equipment

Digital fabrication

Woodworking

Metalworking

Job description

Position: Lead Carpenter

Status: Non-exempt

Employment Type: Seasonal Full-Time

Department: Scenic

Reports To: Technical Director

Position Summary

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.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, non-exempt, seasonal, hourly position. The bulk of the work hours will happen during normal business hours, and the duration of the position runs from July to April, exact dates TBD. Work rules, benefits, and compensation are governed by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between Milwaukee Rep and IATSE Local 18. The hourly rate for the 26/27 season starts at $34.51.

Requirements

Major Duties and Responsibilities Include

• 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

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have 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


• Experience with CNC equipment and digital fabrication processes is preferred


• Familiarity with theatrical automation systems is a plus


• Willingness to learn and expand capabilities in all areas of technical production

Physical Conditions

• 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

Milwaukee Repertory Theater is committed to creating a culturally diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.