Now Hiring: Carpenter I / II

Department: Scene Shop | Reports to: Shop Operations Manager
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Union – IATSE Local 154
Expected Start Date: November 2, 2026
Pay Rate: $24.91/hour – Carpenter I | $27.25/hour – Carpenter II
Location: Ashland, OR

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is seeking skilled and collaborative Carpenters to join our Scene Shop. Candidates may be hired as Carpenter I or Carpenter II based on their demonstrated skills and qualifications. Both levels work hands-on to construct, install, transport, maintain, and strike scenic elements across OSF productions. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Build scenic elements and rehearsal scenery for OSF projects including, for example: platform and flat construction using wood and metal, trim detail fabrication, automation projects, sewing, painting, and carving.
2. Models and supports the IDEA values of OSF by:
   1. Demonstrating inclusive behavior and creating an environment of belonging.
   2. Maintaining a safe and anti-racist working environment
   3. Recognizing micro-aggressions and interrupting othering behaviors.
3. Participate in the daily clean-up of all shop areas at the end of each workday and keep a clean and efficient workspace and tool cart.
4. Assist in maintaining the stock material inventories. Adheres to OSF Safety and Scene Shop Safety procedures/protocols.
5. Safely transport and deliver scenic elements using company vehicles. 
6. Install and fine tune scenery (load-ins and notes) including rigging and softgoods.
7. Maintain and repair scenic elements during the performance run.
8. Strike and restore scenic elements at the end of the production run.  When the productions are co-productions, purchased, or rented, Carpenters will assist in packaging, labeling and loading scenic elements for transport.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Construction of multi-disciplinary elements (prop-scenery, lighting-scenery, etc).
2. Attends company, department, shop meetings, and safety trainings as assigned.
3. Pick up and deliver supplies.
4. Engages with OSF patrons
5. Support Marketing and Development efforts.
6. Mentor colleagues as requested
7. Perform other duties as assigned by scene shop management staff.

Supervision Received:

Shop Operations Manager, other shop managers

Supervision Exercised:

no direct reports

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Work Experience: Two years of experience in professional theatrical scenic construction. One year of combined training and technical experience will be considered in lieu of professional work experience.

Physical Ability: Must be able to lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds, wear fall arrest harnesses, wear a respirator, regularly squat and maintain position, crawl and kneel, reach above shoulders, climb and work from ladders and personnel lifts. Ability to stand and walk for up to 6 hours.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

Carpenter I will have basic demonstrated skills in the following areas. Carpenter II will have advanced demonstrated skills in the following areas. This is a non-comprehensive list:

• Theatrical woodworking
• Metal welding and metal working
• Trim and detail fabrication
• Sewing
• Foam carving/sculpting
• Theatrical rigging

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Ability:

• Basic ability to work with computers (email, spreadsheets, cloud-based information services, open and review CAD drawings).
• Comfortable with standard wood working hand and power tools such as saws, routers, staple guns, metal forming tools, and lathes.
• Ability to do shop math (an understanding of mathematical calculations in the construction world for building elements).
• Truck loading and securing of materials
• The ability to create positive working relationships with designers, colleagues, and staff in other departments.
• An understanding that identity informs every individual’s human experience in a way that may differ from one’s own personal experience.

Special Qualifications: Valid driver’s license with good driving record and ability to drive OSF trucks. Ability to drive a forklift, operate CNC machine and personnel lifts (OSF to provide training). Ability to pass and maintain a clear background check. 

Special Hours Requirements: Standard work week is Monday – Friday. Occasional night-time and weekend hours are required for load-ins, load-outs, and technical rehearsal support.

Organizational Background

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 in Ashland, OR, and has grown from a three-day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to 10 plays and musicals, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, other enduring classics, and new works. OSF productions have been presented on Broadway, internationally, and at regional, community, and high school theatres across the country. OSF received the 1983 Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is one of the largest nonprofit theatres in the nation with three stages, including an outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.

Statement of Purpose

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival creates world-class theatre, revealing our collective humanity through illuminating interpretations of new and classic plays, and inspiring a love of our art form for current and future generations.

Company Values

• We are committed to working toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, creating a space of belonging for all audiences and employees—through concrete actions and systemic improvements.
• We nurture and support our artists, attracting and retaining diverse, innovative talent across the organization.
• We believe in the transformational power of collaborative artmaking and performance.
• We recognize the importance of responsible stewardship of resources and sustainable business, financial, and environmental practices.
• We serve the public good and engage with and respect our community of artists, audiences, staff, local citizens, patrons, donors, and the greater theatre community worldwide.