About the Position:
Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University seeks skilled and dependable Scenic Carpenters to support theatrical and operatic productions on an as-needed basis. This role is an on-campus, in-person, temporary overhire position supporting productions within the Theatre, Dance, and Opera programs of the Meadows School of the Arts.

The Overhire Stage Carpenter assists the Technical Director and production staff with the construction, installation, maintenance, and strike of scenic elements for productions and special events. Typical work calls are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend calls as production schedules require. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
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Essential Functions:
- Assist with scenic construction, load-in, maintenance, and strike calls.
- Cut, assemble, fasten, and install scenic elements under the direction of the Technical Director and scene shop staff.
- Assist with basic troubleshooting, cleaning, repairs, and preventative maintenance of scene shop tools, equipment, and stock scenery.
- Move, load, unload, organize, and transport scenic elements, raw materials, lumber, tools, ladders, personnel lifts, and other production equipment.
- Safely operate ladders, Genie lifts, and other production equipment in accordance with established safety practices.
- Read and follow scenic construction drawings, material lists, and production documentation.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in the scene shop, tool rooms, material storage areas, onstage, and performance spaces.
- Support technical rehearsals, performances, production changeovers, strikes, and special events as assigned.
- Perform other production-related duties as assigned.
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Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous experience in theatre, live events, concerts, or related production work is preferred but not required.
- Applicants with experience in carpentry, commercial construction, metalworking, theatrical rigging, or other hands-on technical fields are encouraged to apply.
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The successful candidate should have:
- A willingness to learn and follow established safety procedures.
- The ability to work well as part of a team.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, comfort using hand tools, and proficiency with standard stationary and handheld woodworking power tools (including drills, pneumatic staplers, table saws, and miter saws).
- The ability to read and interpret construction drawings and scenic drafts.
- The ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Dependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
- Comfort working at heights, including on ladders, personnel lifts, catwalks, and a tension grid approximately 60 feet above the stage floor.
- Comfort working around moving scenery, heavy machinery, and theatrical rigging systems while following established shop safety procedures.
- The ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment and adapt to changing production priorities.
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Preferred Technical Experience:
- Experience with MIG welding and steel fabrication.
- Experience with theatrical fly systems and stage rigging.
- Experience with CNC router operation.
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Physical and Environmental Demands:
The successful candidate must be able to:
- Lift and carry equipment and scenic materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Push and pull loaded road cases, material carts, and other production equipment.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, crawl, reach overhead, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
- Work from ladders, personnel lifts, catwalks, and elevated work platforms.
- Work occasional evenings and weekends during production periods as required.

SMU is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

To apply, please submit a resume and brief summary of relevant production experience. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and retained for future production staffing needs.