Master Carpenter / Set Designer

Haugh Performing Arts Center; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Haugh Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, CA, seeks a Master Carpenter / Set Designer to lead the construction and realization of scenic designs for stage productions. You will interpret drawings, draft build plans, select materials, and build, install, and strike sets with the production team.

The role requires ensuring safety, maintaining the shop and inventory, and coordinating timelines to meet production schedules. Leadership of assistants and volunteers is expected.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in scenic construction for stage sets and structures.
• Ability to read and create technical drawings and build plans.
• Commitment to safety standards and teamwork in a fast-paced theatre environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead construction and realization of scenic designs for stage productions.
• Interpret design drawings and draft build plans.
• Select materials and fabricate, install, and strike sets.
• Coordinate with technical director and production team on timelines and safety.
• Maintain scene shop, inventory, and working areas; supervise crew and volunteers.

Skills

Carpentry & Framing

Finish Carpentry

Reading drawings/technical plans

Rigging basics

Team leadership

Problem solving

Education

Technical theater/Scenic design coursework

Tools

Power Tools

Hand Tools

Shop equipment

Job description

Company Description Haugh Performing Arts Center is a established performing arts venue based in Glendora, California, serving audiences from the greater Los Angeles area. The center hosts a wide range of theatrical, musical, and live performance events throughout the year. It offers professional facilities and technical resources that support high-quality stage productions. Team members collaborate with artists, production staff, and community partners to deliver engaging experiences for diverse audiences. The environment is fast-paced, creative, and focused on professional standards in performing arts.
Role Description The Master Carpenter / Set Designer is a full-time, on-site role based in Los Angeles, CA, responsible for leading the construction and realization of scenic designs for stage productions. Day-to-day tasks include interpreting design drawings, drafting build plans, selecting materials, and constructing, installing, and striking sets in coordination with the technical director and production team. The role oversees carpentry workflows, ensures safe and efficient use of shop tools and equipment, and maintains the scene shop, inventory, and work areas. This position also contributes to set design concepts, collaborates with directors and designers to refine scenic elements, and ensures that all sets meet artistic, safety, and budget expectations. The Master Carpenter / Set Designer may supervise and train assistants, crew members, and volunteers while coordinating timelines to meet production schedules.
Qualifications

• Strong foundation in scenic construction, including Carpentry and Framing for stage sets and structures.
• Proficiency with shop equipment and Power Tools, along with safe, skilled use of Hand Tools in a theatrical environment.
• Experience with Finish Carpentry to produce precise, durable, and visually polished scenic elements.
• Knowledge of theatrical set design principles, materials, and construction methods; ability to read and create technical drawings.
• Understanding of stage safety standards, rigging basics, and shop best practices; commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects under production deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with directors, designers, and production teams, and to supervise and mentor crew members.
• Previous experience as a lead carpenter or set builder in theater, live events, or related fields; formal training or coursework in technical theater or scenic design is beneficial.