POSITION OVERVIEW
Charlottesville Opera is seeking a skilled and hands-on Technical Director / Head Carpenter for our 2026 summer season. This role will serve as the primary scenic builder for our mainstage productions, while also overseeing the execution and installation of all scenic elements.
The Technical Director / Head Carpenter will work closely with the Director of Production, designers, and production staff to translate scenic designs into buildable, efficient, and safe solutions, and will take a lead role in physically constructing the scenery.
PRODUCTIONS
Rodgers and Hammerstein+rsquo;s Cinderella (Original)
Rossini+rsquo;s Il barbiere di Siviglia (sung in Italian)
DATES + SCHEDULE
Build, June 1-15, 2026, Charlottesville, VA
Production Load-In, June 16-19, 2026, Charlottesville, VA
Technical Rehearsals, June 20-24, 2026, Charlottesville, VA
Cinderella Performances, June 26-28, 2026, Charlottesville, VA
Production Load-In, July 8-10, 2026, Charlottesville, VA
Technical Rehearsals, July 11-15, 2026, Charlottesville, VA
Barber Performances July 17-19, 2026, Charlottesville, VA
COMPENSATION
$8,000+ndash;$10,000, dependent on experience.
TRAVEL + HOUSING
Housing provided (homestay or shared housing, private bedroom).
Travel reimbursement up to $300 (with receipts).
Applicants must have their own transportation or arrange local travel.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as the primary builder for all scenic elements in the shop
Translate scenic designs into construction drawings and build plans
Create materials lists and assist with budgeting and sourcing
Lead and participate in all aspects of scenic construction
Supervise any overhire carpenters during build and load-in periods
Serve as Head Carpenter during technical rehearsals and performances
Coordinate transportation of scenery between shop and venue
Ensure safe working practices in both shop and theater environments
Collaborate with other departments to support overall production needs
IDEAL EXPERIENCE
3+ndash;5+ years of professional experience in scenic construction, with demonstrated experience as a lead or primary builder
Previous experience serving as a Technical Director, Head Carpenter, or Lead Carpenter in a small to mid-sized theater or opera company
Proven ability to take a scenic design from concept or draft to fully realized build with minimal oversight
Strong working knowledge of common scenic construction methods, materials, and hardware
Experience working in a fast-paced production environment with multiple overlapping deadlines
Ability to manage build priorities while maintaining attention to detail and finish quality
Experience supervising small teams or overhire carpenters during build and load-in
Familiarity with drafting software (Vectorworks preferred) and ability to generate or interpret construction drawings
Experience with load-in, tech, and strike in a repertory or festival setting
Comfortable working independently in a shop environment while maintaining clear communication with production leadership
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly, and up to 75 lbs with assistance
Ability to stand, walk, and work on feet for extended periods of time
Ability to bend, kneel, climb, and work in various positions throughout the day
Comfortable working on ladders, personnel lifts, and at heights
Ability to safely operate standard scenic shop tools and equipment
Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures and conditions
Sufficient vision, hearing, and mobility to safely navigate shop and stage environments
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Charlottesville Opera is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful working environment and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
