This summer (June–August 2025), Bard SummerScape returns with a vibrant season of dance, theater, opera, music, and the beloved Spiegeltent. Presented by the Fisher Center at Bard, this celebrated multi-arts festival takes place in person on Bard’s idyllic 1,000-acre campus, featuring performances in the stunning Frank Gehry-designed performing arts center.

The Lead Carpenter is a part of the Scenic team in the Production Department and will support the construction and installation of all scenic elements. They report to the Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director and work closely with other production team members and scenic designers.

We are seeking Lead Carpenters to supervise and run teams of carpenters/stagehands in the building, installation, and maintenance of scenic elements on stage. The Lead Carpenters take ownership of specific projects as assigned by the Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director and help train early-career carpenters.

This is a seasonal position from June 6 through August 21, non-exempt (overtime eligible), paid hourly at a rate range of $23-27/hr depending on experience. Hours will average 35–40 hours/week, with the potential for overtime.

Local residence is required during the dates listed above; campus housing will be provided free of charge if needed, including a single bedroom and shared amenities based on availability. Employees will have access to three (3) meals per weekday and two (2) meals per weekend day on campus during the residency period. Should campus dining agreements or options change from the time of the agreement, an equivalent per diem will be provided. PLEASE NOTE: Room and board may differ for current Bard College students.

Job Responsibilities

Maintain a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace at all times

Work with the Technical Director and/or Assistant Technical Director to engineer build plans as needed

Construct and assemble scenic pieces

Support scenic load-ins

Assist with handling ropes, wires, or other rigging

Teach carpentry techniques to the Carpenters

Support all productions and special events as assigned by the Technical Director or Assistant Technical Director

Company-Wide Responsibilities:

The Fisher Center is currently undergoing an organization-wide process of change toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural institution. All on staff are expected to:

Commit to anti-racism and inclusivity at the Fisher Center. This includes participating in any trainings when scheduled, supporting departmental, company-wide, and cross-departmental collaboration in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and furthering your own independent journey with anti-racism

Contribute in meaningful ways to the organizational culture

Previous experience in a theatrical scene shop

Some previous professional leadership experience

Ability and experience working with hand and power tools

Knowledge of general woodworking and construction techniques

Familiarity with theatrical rigging, welding, and basic paint techniques

Ability to work in an organized, self-directed, and detailed manner

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively

Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as determined by the production schedule

Ability to climb stairs and ladders

Ability to move and lift up to 50 lbs.

Ability to safely use hand and power tools

Ability to push, pull, hang, reach, lean, and balance

Ability to stand or sit for extended periods

Ability to remain calm during high-pressure backstage situations

Ability to work while wearing appropriate PPE for the task at hand

Successful candidates possess strong communication skills and keen attention to detail, are collaborative and self-motivated, and bring a positive, can-do attitude

Previous experience working with metal and plastics

Experience with theatrical fly systems

Extensive with theatrical rigging, welding, and basic paint techniques

Regularly exposed to vibrations and noises from machinery

Frequently works at heights above 6 feet

Frequently works in show conditions with theatrical and atmospheric elements including but not limited to haze, strobes, dim lights, loud sounds, dry ice, and more

Complete the application form here: https://near.tl/sm/Sud1kW27r

For any access-related requests, questions, or issues with the application form, please contact [email protected].

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

The Fisher Center develops, produces, and presents performing arts across disciplines through new productions and context-rich programs that challenge and inspire. As a premier professional performing arts center and a hub for research and education, the Fisher Center supports artists, students, and audiences in the development and examination of artistic ideas, offering perspectives from the past and present, as well as visions of the future. The Fisher Center demonstrates Bard’s commitment to the performing arts as a cultural and educational necessity. Home is the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, designed by Frank Gehry and located on the Bard College campus in New York’s Hudson Valley. The Fisher Center offers outstanding programs to many communities, including the students and faculty of Bard College and audiences in the Hudson Valley, New York City, across the country, and around the world. Building on a 165-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard is committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow’s thought leaders. Learn more about the Fisher Center, its programs, and its values at fishercenter.bard.edu/about.

Founded in 1860, Bard College is a four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences located 90 miles north of New York City. With the addition of the Montgomery Place estate, Bard’s campus consists of nearly 1,000 park-like acres in the Hudson River Valley. It offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of music degrees, with majors in nearly 40 academic programs, graduate degrees in 11 programs, nine early colleges, and numerous dual-degree programs nationally and internationally. Building on its 165-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College has expanded its mission as a private institution acting in the public interest across the country and around the world to meet broader student needs and increase access to liberal education. The undergraduate program at our main campus in upstate New York has a reputation for scholarly excellence, a focus on the arts, and civic engagement. Bard is committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow’s thought leaders. For more information about Bard College, visit bard.edu.