2027 SEASONAL UNION CARPENTER
JOB SUMMARY
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is seeking skilled and collaborative Seasonal Carpenters to support scenic construction for the 2027 Festival Season. Working primarily in the OTSL scene shop, the Carpenter builds, modifies, repairs, and maintains scenery and other production elements according to technical drawings, established shop practices, and direction from Technical Direction and shop supervision.
This position is centered on scenic fabrication during the standard shop schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Carpenters may also be assigned work in the theatre, warehouse, rehearsal spaces, or other OTSL locations, including limited load-in, maintenance, changeover, and strike work as production needs require. The position requires safe tool use, accurate construction, clear communication, and effective collaboration in a fast-paced professional opera environment.
JOB DUTIES / TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
+ Reading and interpreting technical drawings, construction drawings, schedules, cut lists, and other production paperwork.
+ Constructing, assembling, modifying, repairing, and maintaining theatrical scenery and related production elements.
+ Working with wood, metal, plastics, fabrics, hardware, and other standard scenic-construction materials as assigned.
+ Safely operating hand tools, portable power tools, stationary shop equipment, and material-handling equipment for which the employee has been trained and authorized.
+ Completing assigned work accurately and efficiently while maintaining established quality and safety standards.
+ Communicating material needs, technical concerns, drawing discrepancies, damaged equipment, and incomplete work to the appropriate supervisor.
+ Participating in layout, fabrication, assembly, finishing preparation, installation, maintenance, disassembly, storage, and inventory of scenic elements.
+ Maintaining organized work areas and supporting the safe storage of tools, materials, hardware, and completed scenic units.
+ Following established procedures for personal protective equipment, machine guarding, dust collection, ventilation, material handling, hot work, and access control.
+ Pausing work and notifying the appropriate supervisor when a safety concern, equipment irregularity, unclear instruction, or hazardous condition is identified.
+ Working cooperatively with Technical Direction, shop supervision, other carpenters, scenic artists, properties staff, and additional production departments.
+ Assisting with production work in the scene shop, theatre, warehouse, rehearsal spaces, and other OTSL work locations as assigned.
+ Participating in limited load-in, maintenance, changeover, and strike work when assigned.
+ Supporting and following OTSL safety policies, production procedures, and applicable IATSE Local No. 6 working rules.
+ Performing other duties as assigned in support of safe and efficient production operations.
PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES
+ Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, construction drawings, schedules, and production paperwork
+ Working knowledge of theatrical scenic construction methods, materials, hardware, and shop practices
+ Proficiency with standard carpentry hand tools, portable power tools, and stationary shop equipment
+ Ability to measure, lay out, fabricate, assemble, and repair scenic elements accurately
+ Clear, direct, and professional communication
+ Demonstrated commitment to safe working practices and proper use of personal protective equipment
+ Strong technical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment
+ Ability to work independently and collaboratively under established supervision
+ Ability to adapt to changing production priorities while maintaining quality and safety
+ Respect for departmental responsibilities, union jurisdiction, and established chains of communication
+ Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and position tools, materials, and scenic elements appropriate to assigned work
+ Ability to safely access work areas that may include stairs, ladders, uneven surfaces, elevated locations, limited lighting, and active shop or backstage environments
+ Ability to work around moving equipment, suspended elements, dust, noise, theatrical materials, and active production operations while properly using required personal protective equipment
+ Ability to work the standard shop schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with additional production calls as assigned
ABOUT OPERA THEATRE OF SAINT LOUIS
At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, our four-show repertory season creates a fast-paced and collaborative production environment unlike any other. Our 987-seat theater brings together experienced professionals, nationally recognized designers, and emerging artists and technicians in a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and learning all while creating world-class opera. OTSL has long been a training ground for the next generation of arts professionals, offering meaningful opportunities for mentorship, hands-on experience, and artistic growth. We are committed to developing the next generation of production professionals while producing work of the highest artistic quality.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
TO APPLY:
https://fill.formnx.com/f/27-carpenter-application-15dr38
