TheatreSquared
Lead Carpenter
TheatreSquared is Northwest Arkansas's professional, non-profit theatre, recognized nationally for its bold new plays, intimate setting, and transformative community impact. Welcoming more than 80,000 patrons annually to over 350 performances and events, TheatreSquared is the largest theatre in the state and a proud champion of storytelling that uplifts, challenges, and connects. With a commitment to arts education, the company reaches thousands of students and educators across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Honored with the 2022 Obie Award and praised by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR, TheatreSquared continues to grow as a home for both innovative new works and world-class productions, rooted in the belief that theatre, done well and with passion, can truly transform lives and communities. Position Summary
TheatreSquared seeks a skilled and collaborative Lead Carpenter to join its professional Production Team. This full-time role is responsible for leading the construction, installation, and maintenance of all scenic elements for TheatreSquared's productions. Reporting to the Co-Technical Director, the Lead Carpenter works closely with production staff, overhire labor, designers, and stage management to ensure each set is built safely, accurately, and on time, while maintaining a safe and well-equipped shop. Key Responsibilities
Lead the construction and installation of all scenic elements for productions, in accordance with technical drawings and build plans. Assign and oversee projects for full-time and overhire carpenters, matching skill sets with build requirements. Directly supports the Technical Director during scenery load-ins and changeovers, assisting with coordination of installations and troubleshooting as needed. Orient and train carpenters on shop protocols, tools, and safety procedures. Ensure the shop and work areas remain clean, organized, and hazard-free at all times. Maintain and report on inventory of key materials and shop supplies, including fasteners, adhesives, and lumber. Monitor and enforce safety standards in all build spaces and during technical rehearsals. Collaborate cross-departmentally to support shared production goals and maintain high-quality standards. Track, maintain, and perform minor repairs on shop tools and equipment; communicate larger maintenance needs to the Co-Technical Directors. Qualifications
Professional experience in theatrical scenic construction, finish carpentry, and stage rigging. Demonstrated leadership experience in a scene shop or equivalent environment. Strong understanding of OSHA, ANSI, and standard safety practices, with the ability to train and supervise others. Training is provided. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and build plans. Comfortable working at heights, lifting up to 50 pounds, and operating lifts and ladders. Team-oriented with a flexible, positive attitude and strong problem-solving skills. Willingness to work a non-traditional schedule, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays as production demands require. Experience with MIG welding required; TIG welding is a plus. Candidates should be comfortable with structural and decorative welding, which may exceed light welding depending on production needs. Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar drafting software, or scenic painting is a plus. Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, hourly position averaging 3540 hours per week at a rate of $21$23/hour. Overtime is paid for hours worked over 40 per week. TheatreSquared offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, paid parental leave, professional development allowance, employer-sponsored long-term and short-term disability, employer-sponsored term life insurance, and a voluntary 401(k) plan. TheatreSquared is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and celebrates diversity in all its forms. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
TheatreSquared is Northwest Arkansas's professional, non-profit theatre, recognized nationally for its bold new plays, intimate setting, and transformative community impact. Welcoming more than 80,000 patrons annually to over 350 performances and events, TheatreSquared is the largest theatre in the state and a proud champion of storytelling that uplifts, challenges, and connects. With a commitment to arts education, the company reaches thousands of students and educators across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Honored with the 2022 Obie Award and praised by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR, TheatreSquared continues to grow as a home for both innovative new works and world-class productions, rooted in the belief that theatre, done well and with passion, can truly transform lives and communities. Position Summary
TheatreSquared seeks a skilled and collaborative Lead Carpenter to join its professional Production Team. This full-time role is responsible for leading the construction, installation, and maintenance of all scenic elements for TheatreSquared's productions. Reporting to the Co-Technical Director, the Lead Carpenter works closely with production staff, overhire labor, designers, and stage management to ensure each set is built safely, accurately, and on time, while maintaining a safe and well-equipped shop. Key Responsibilities
Lead the construction and installation of all scenic elements for productions, in accordance with technical drawings and build plans. Assign and oversee projects for full-time and overhire carpenters, matching skill sets with build requirements. Directly supports the Technical Director during scenery load-ins and changeovers, assisting with coordination of installations and troubleshooting as needed. Orient and train carpenters on shop protocols, tools, and safety procedures. Ensure the shop and work areas remain clean, organized, and hazard-free at all times. Maintain and report on inventory of key materials and shop supplies, including fasteners, adhesives, and lumber. Monitor and enforce safety standards in all build spaces and during technical rehearsals. Collaborate cross-departmentally to support shared production goals and maintain high-quality standards. Track, maintain, and perform minor repairs on shop tools and equipment; communicate larger maintenance needs to the Co-Technical Directors. Qualifications
Professional experience in theatrical scenic construction, finish carpentry, and stage rigging. Demonstrated leadership experience in a scene shop or equivalent environment. Strong understanding of OSHA, ANSI, and standard safety practices, with the ability to train and supervise others. Training is provided. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and build plans. Comfortable working at heights, lifting up to 50 pounds, and operating lifts and ladders. Team-oriented with a flexible, positive attitude and strong problem-solving skills. Willingness to work a non-traditional schedule, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays as production demands require. Experience with MIG welding required; TIG welding is a plus. Candidates should be comfortable with structural and decorative welding, which may exceed light welding depending on production needs. Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar drafting software, or scenic painting is a plus. Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, hourly position averaging 3540 hours per week at a rate of $21$23/hour. Overtime is paid for hours worked over 40 per week. TheatreSquared offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, paid parental leave, professional development allowance, employer-sponsored long-term and short-term disability, employer-sponsored term life insurance, and a voluntary 401(k) plan. TheatreSquared is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and celebrates diversity in all its forms. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.