Overhire Scenic Carpenter

Berkeley Rep; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development support

Paid sick leave

Job summary

A premier theater company located in the heart of California is seeking an Overhire Scenic Carpenter to support productions throughout the 2025-2026 season. This seasonal full-time role involves working directly in the scene shop on various scenic construction projects. Candidates should possess strong woodworking skills and familiarity with metal tools, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment. Safety protocols and physical requirements are emphasized in this hands-on position.

Qualifications

• Must have physical ability and manual dexterity for manual tasks.
• Willing to wear PPE like hard hats and safety glasses.
• Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Interpret technical CAD drafts and construct scenic elements.
• Collaborate with departments like props, paints, stage management.
• Uphold safety processes and participate in load-in and load-out activities.

Skills

Ability to read and interpret theatrical drafts

Experience using wood and metal working tools

Familiarity with CNC machines

Knowledge of theatrical hardware

Understanding of basic theatrical rigging

Critical thinking for scenic challenges

Tools

Wood working tools

Metal working tools

Rigging tools

Job description

Position: Overhire Scenic Carpenter

Department: Scene Shop

Reports To: Technical Director and Associate Technical Director

Supervisors: Jim Smith and Matt Rohner

Status: Seasonal Full-time, Non-exempt

Berkeley Repertory Theatre seeks qualified individuals to fill over hire Carpenter positions in the shop and during load-ins for productions in the 2025-2026 season. Under the direction of the Technical Directors and Assistant Technical Directors, Overhire Carpenters serve as key members of Berkeley Rep’s scene shop. They shall work on scenic construction projects in the scene shop which include fabrication with materials such as lumber, metal, plastics, fabric, and foam. Overhire Scenic Carpenters must work closely and collegially with other production departments as well as visiting designers and artistic staff. The Overhire Carpenter’s essential job duties must be conducted on Berkeley Rep Campus, in person, and cannot be performed remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpreting technical CAD drafts from the Technical Director’s office and following the drafts, fabricate and construct accurate scenic elements for projects as assigned by the Assistant Technical Director.
• Requires both wood working skills and metal working artisan skills creating scenery items such as flats, platforms, doors, molding, stairs and other elements.
• Work closely and collaboratively with other departments such as the prop shop, paints shop, stage management, and facilities to ensure a collaborative environment between the shops.
• Participate in, and uphold, all shop safety processes, policies and practices in all areas of the scene shop.
• Report any repairs and maintenance needs on any shop tools, equipment or low inventory stock, to the Scene Shop Supervisor.
• Participate in all load-in and load-out activities at Berkeley Rep’s theater spaces; the Roda Theater – A proscenium counterweight fly house and the Peet’s Theater, a ¾ thrust stage with fixed grid. As well as any non-traditional performance spaces.
• Instill and nurture an inclusive, safe, efficient, and effective working environment in Scene Shop.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret theatrical drafts. Ability to create accurate material cut lists from drafts.
• Experience using and operating wood and metal working tools.
• Familiarity with CNC machines and fabrication techniques including drilling, cutting, carving, and milling.
• Knowledge of theatrical hardware and appropriate applications.
• Knowledge of basic theatrical rigging including counterweight systems, spot rigging, and soft goods.
• Ability to work both collaboratively as a team and individually on solo projects.
• Be able to think critically and help create solutions for scenic construction, automation and rigging projects.

Physical Requirements

The Overhire Scenic Carpenter position is physical in nature and requires manual dexterity. The following physical requirements are essential to the job functions of an Overhire Scenic Carpenter. The position requires knowledge of, and ability to use, machinery such as scene shop wood working tools, metal working tools, rigging tools, trucks, and genie lifts. While performing the essential duties of the position, the employee must regularly use sight, sit, manually move objects, use hands, talk on the phone, stand for prolonged periods of time, and work from heights. As an Overhire Scenic Carpenter, the employee is required to wear PPE, such as hard hats, safety or welding glasses, close toe shoes, and well-fitted respirators for multiple hours a day. The employee must also push, pull, lift, and move objects up to 50 pounds.

In addition to the duties listed above, Berkeley Rep expects all employees to adhere to company policies and procedures, including all safety protocols, and demonstrate regular and consistent attendance and punctuality. Employees of Berkeley Rep must also participate in company events as needed or required. Any employee who violates Berkeley Rep policies or procedures is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Application Procedure

Berkeley Rep is an equal opportunity employer and offers professional development support and paid sick leave. Position available immediately. Online submissions only. Please include a cover letter and résumé when you submit your application. Persons from diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. Berkeley Rep will contact candidates of interest. Please, no calls. Only complete submissions will be considered.