DEPARTMENT: Scene Shop

POSITION: Lead Carpenter

REPORTS TO: Co-Technical Directors

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday. Schedule will change during load-in or tech, which includes weekends.

CLASSIFICATION: Seasonal full-time, non-exempt.

COMPENSATION: $29.52 per hour.

Position Summary
Berkeley Repertory Theatre (Berkeley Rep) has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its ambition, relevance, and excellence, as well as its adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968. Over 6 million people have enjoyed more than 500 shows at Berkeley Rep, including 85 world premieres. Berkeley Rep shows have gone on to win 8 Tony Awards, 9 Obie Awards, 11 Drama Desk Awards, 1 Grammy Award, 1 Pulitzer Prize, and many other honors. In recognition of its place on the national stage, Berkeley Rep received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1997. Through its annual seven-play season, together with up to four special event presentations, Berkeley Rep invites audiences to enjoy an eclectic range of theatrical experiences featuring diverse artistic voices, themes, and perspectives.

Berkeley Rep (LORT B) is seeking a lead carpenter to join our team. Under the direction of the technical directors, the lead carpenter serves as the senior fabricator in Berkeley Rep’s scene shop. The lead carpenter supervises and manages staff and over-hire carpenters on basic and advanced scenic construction projects and actively contributes to the safety and quality of Berkeley Rep’s scene shop.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interpret technical CAD drafts from the technical directors’ office and, following the drafts, fabricate and construct accurate scenic elements for projects as assigned by assistant technical directors.
• Guide staff carpenters and over-hire carpenters on fabrication projects.
• Lead, research, develop, and manage special projects, as assigned.
• Help guide load-in and load-out tasks at the theater, as assigned.
• Work closely and collaboratively with other departments, including the properties shop, paints shop, stage management, electrics, video, sound, and operations to ensure workflow and lay out space around shops, warehouses, rehearsal rooms, and load-in areas.
• Participate in and uphold all shop safety processes, policies, and practices in all areas of the scene shop. Model best practices. Analyze and mitigate risks by conducting risk assessments for projects in the scene shop and in load-in and out to achieve a workable and safe production.
• Participate in training as required, including fly system training, fall arrest training, harassment prevention, bystander intervention, anti-bias training, antiracism training, and workshops as scheduled by Berkeley Rep.
• Create and maintain an inclusive, safe, efficient, and effective working environment.
• Act as a mentor for staff, over hire carpenters, and the scenic construction fellow.
• All other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications and skills

• Deep understanding and working knowledge of using and fixing scene shop tools, such as saws (table, compound miter, bandsaw), metal working tools, welding, CNC, and hand tools.
• Proficient in woodworking and metalworking skills. Experience creating scenery items such as flats, platforms, doors, molding, stairs, and other elements.
• Ability to research, build, and assemble specific tools and custom jigs.
• Knowledge of automation equipment, motors, and drives.
• Experience with theatrical rigging and fabrication techniques.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities in high stress situations.
• Ability to identify critical issues, prioritize, and work collaboratively across multiple departments.
• Demonstrated inclusive behavior and commitment to antiracism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access.
• Firm understanding and working knowledge of production departments, including scenery, proprieties, paints, sound, lighting, costumes, and stage management.
• Knowledge of theatrical rigging.
• Knowledge of tools, hardware, and theatrical fabrication techniques.
• Active driving license and ability to drive 24’ box trucks and forklifts.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to organize and communicate verbal and written information clearly.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and execute them accurately.
• Ability to establish positive, effective working relationships and maintain a positive and productive atmosphere in group environments.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull objects that are 50lbs.
• Ability to work at heights and in cramped spaces.
• Proficiency in finish carpenter a plus.

Application Procedure

Berkeley Rep is an equal opportunity employer and offers a full range of employee benefits including 85% employer-paid health and dental insurance, optional vision, FSA, and 403(b) plans, professional development support, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

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.