Position: Lead Carpenter
Department: Scene Shop
Reports to: Technical Director
Classification: Full-time, seasonal, hourly non-exempt
Dates: August 3, 2026, to April 18, 2027,
plus an additional week for season strike
Wage: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour
The position
IRT+rsquo;s scene shop is looking for a Lead Carpenter to supervise all staff carpenters and
overhire personnel during construction, load-ins, and strikes. Working closely with
the Technical Director, you+rsquo;ll supervise staff carpenters and overhire through build,
load-in, and strike, and help keep six productions a year moving through the shop.
This is a hands-on leadership role in a professional theatre housed in one of
downtown Indianapolis+rsquo;s most beloved buildings. The season runs from August
through April, with repertoire ranging from world premieres to classics.
What you+rsquo;ll do
+bull; Serve as floor supervisor for staff carpenters and overhire through build, load-in,
and strike
+bull; Partner with the Technical Director to keep work flowing smoothly through the
shop
+bull; Help onboard new shop staff and overhire; be a day-to-day resource on shop
policies, methods, and construction standards
+bull; Call breaks and set appropriate end-of-day and end-of-week cleanup time
+bull; Build scenery alongside the team for all IRT productions and special projects
What we+rsquo;re looking for
+bull; 3+ndash;5 years of experience with scenery construction and woodworking tools
+bull; 3+ndash;5 years of experience with metalworking tools, including welders
+bull; 3+ndash;5 years of experience with theatrical rigging and rigging safety best practices
+bull; Experience supervising multiple crews working on different projects at the same
time
+bull; Comfort running a shared Scene Shop and performance space safely
+bull; Ability to read designer and construction drawings
+bull; A clear communicator who can manage people and keep a team pulling in the
same direction
+bull; Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as production schedules
require
This is a physically active role. You+rsquo;ll be on your feet for much of the day, operating
power tools, lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing ladders and personnel lifts, occasionally
working in confined spaces or in darkened performance spaces, and stooping,
kneeling, or crouching as the work requires. We will make reasonable
accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
About IRT
The Indiana Repertory Theatre is Indiana's flagship LORT theatre, founded in 1972
and is located in the historic Indiana Theatre building in downtown Indianapolis. We
produce nine productions annually across three stages, with repertoire spanning
world premieres to classics. IRT is financially stable with a significant endowment and
is actively working to diversify its staff and programming.
IRT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a hiring process free from
discrimination on any basis protected by law. We strongly encourage applications
from people historically underrepresented in the theatre field.
About Indianapolis
Located in the heart of Indiana, Indianapolis is a vibrant, affordable, and genuinely
livable city. Indy is big enough to explore on weekends and cozy enough to call
home. IRT is in the heart of downtown in the historic Indiana Theatre building, steps
from the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and easily navigable by foot, bike, or bus.
Beyond the theatre, Indy offers a thriving arts and cultural scene, including the
Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and The Children's Museum of
Indianapolis, plus the Indianapolis 500, the Pacers, the Colts, and a bustling music
and restaurant scene. And the airport is genuinely great.
For those relocating, the cost of living is a real draw. Forbes recently named
Indianapolis America's Best City for Renters, and Good Housekeeping called it one of
the best cities for first-time homeowners. Cond+eacute; Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure
have both named it one of the best places to travel in recent years.
To apply
Apply online at https://www.irtlive.com/about/employment
