Union Carpenter

Opera Stl; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 57,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is seeking a skilled Carpenter to support scenic construction for the 2027 Festival Season. You will work primarily in the scene shop, building, modifying, repairing, and maintaining scenery according to drawings and shop practices under the direction of Technical Direction and shop supervision.

The role follows a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with potential additional work in theatre, warehouse, or rehearsal spaces as production needs require.

Qualifications

• Read and interpret technical drawings and production paperwork.
• Proficiency with hand tools and power tools used in scenic construction.
• Safe, accurate construction and quality-focused workmanship.
• Clear communication and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret technical drawings, schedules, and cut lists.
• Construct, modify, repair, and maintain theatrical scenery.
• Operate hand tools and power tools safely.
• Support load-in, changeover, strike, and inventory activities.
• Maintain organized workspaces and follow safety procedures.
• Communicate with supervisors about needs and issues.

Skills

Read drawings

Safe tool use

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Independent work

Safety awareness

Union awareness

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Shop equipment

Job description

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Work With Us

Position Summary

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is seeking a skilled and collaborative Carpenter to support scenic construction for the 2027 Festival Season. Working primarily in the OTSL scene shop, the Carpenter builds, modifies, repairs, and maintains scenery and other production elements according to technical drawings, established shop practices, and direction from Technical Direction and shop supervision.

This position is centered on scenic fabrication during the standard shop schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Carpenters may also be assigned work in the theatre, warehouse, rehearsal spaces, or other OTSL locations, including limited load-in, maintenance, changeover, and strike work as production needs require. The position requires safe tool use, accurate construction, clear communication, and effective collaboration in a fast-paced professional opera environment.

IATSE Union affiliation is required.

Duties & Responsibilities

Job Duties / Technical Competencies

• Reading and interpreting technical drawings, construction drawings, schedules, cut lists, and other production paperwork.
• Constructing, assembling, modifying, repairing, and maintaining theatrical scenery and related production elements.
• Working with wood, metal, plastics, fabrics, hardware, and other standard scenic-construction materials as assigned.
• Safely operating hand tools, portable power tools, stationary shop equipment, and material-handling equipment for which the employee has been trained and authorized.
• Completing assigned work accurately and efficiently while maintaining established quality and safety standards.
• Communicating material needs, technical concerns, drawing discrepancies, damaged equipment, and incomplete work to the appropriate supervisor.
• Participating in layout, fabrication, assembly, finishing preparation, installation, maintenance, disassembly, storage, and inventory of scenic elements.
• Maintaining organized work areas and supporting the safe storage of tools, materials, hardware, and completed scenic units.
• Following established procedures for personal protective equipment, machine guarding, dust collection, ventilation, material handling, hot work, and access control.
• Pausing work and notifying the appropriate supervisor when a safety concern, equipment irregularity, unclear instruction, or hazardous condition is identified.
• Working cooperatively with Technical Direction, shop supervision, other carpenters, scenic artists, properties staff, and additional production departments.
• Assisting with production work in the scene shop, theatre, warehouse, rehearsal spaces, and other OTSL work locations as assigned.
• Participating in limited load-in, maintenance, changeover, and strike work when assigned.
• Supporting and following OTSL safety policies, production procedures, and applicable IATSE Local No. 6 working rules.
• Performing other duties as assigned in support of safe and efficient production operations.

Professional Qualities

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, construction drawings, schedules, and production paperwork
• Working knowledge of theatrical scenic construction methods, materials, hardware, and shop practices
• Proficiency with standard carpentry hand tools, portable power tools, and stationary shop equipment
• Ability to measure, lay out, fabricate, assemble, and repair scenic elements accurately
• Clear, direct, and professional communication
• Demonstrated commitment to safe working practices and proper use of personal protective equipment
• Strong technical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under established supervision
• Ability to adapt to changing production priorities while maintaining quality and safety
• Respect for departmental responsibilities, union jurisdiction, and established chains of communication
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and position tools, materials, and scenic elements appropriate to assigned work
• Ability to safely access work areas that may include stairs, ladders, uneven surfaces, elevated locations, limited lighting, and active shop or backstage environments
• Ability to work around moving equipment, suspended elements, dust, noise, theatrical materials, and active production operations while properly using required personal protective equipment
• Ability to work the standard shop schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with additional production calls as assigned

Compensation

Dates: March 22, 2027 – May 30, 2027

Compensation: $50.49/hour

Reports To: Technical Director / Lead Carpenter

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. The company offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from zip codes throughout the metropolitan area, as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2026, OTSL has presented 45 world premieres, which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American company. In addition to the spring Festival Season, OTSL operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17,000 local children and adults. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 45, which grows to nearly 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatre’s work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The company’s annual budget size is approximately $13 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of budget.

At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value equity, diversity, and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. OTSL will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; age; sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; physical, mental, or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. OTSL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

If you need assistance or accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact [phone] or [e-mail] .