Lead Carpenter/Shop Supervisor

Position Overview

Keegan Theatre is seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Lead Carpenter/Shop Supervisor to join our production team. This part-time position will focus primarily on scenic construction, carpentry, and finish work. The role is ideal for an organized and hands-on theatre professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and has deep experience in scenic construction and shop supervision.

The Lead Carpenter/Shop Supervisor will be responsible for interpreting scenic designs, developing build plans, managing budgets and materials, supervising overhire crews, and ensuring the safe and efficient execution of scenic elements for all Keegan productions. Reports to the Technical Director and Director of Production.

Key Responsibilities

Scenic Planning & Execution

• Interpret scenic design drawings and translate them into build plans.
• Price out scenic plans, prepare estimates, and manage scenic budgets.
• Order and schedule delivery of scenic materials, hardware, and supplies.
• Create build schedules and oversee construction timelines.
• Supervise and participate in scenic builds, load-ins, strikes, and finish work.
• Ensure high-quality craftsmanship, artistic finish, and safe construction practices.

Workshop & Crew Management

• Maintain and organize Keegan’s workshop, tools, and equipment.
• Oversee safety protocols, including tool use and shop procedures.
• Hire, train, and supervise overhire carpenters, artisans, and interns.
• Lead by example as a working carpenter while delegating tasks effectively.
• Coordinate with production management, stage management, and designers.

Logistics & Facility Care

• Schedule and manage scenic installations, strikes, and storage.
• Drive, park, and maneuver up to a 20-foot box truck for deliveries and pick-ups.
• Ensure care, safety, and cleanliness of the workshop and theatre spaces.
• Track scenic inventory and repurpose/reuse stock as appropriate.

Additional Industry Standard Duties

• Collaborate with designers to resolve technical challenges while maintaining artistic integrity.
• Draft or modify technical drawings as needed.
• Generate construction drawings, cut lists, and material pull sheets.
• Uphold OSHA and industry safety standards at all times.
• Attend production meetings and tech rehearsals as needed.
• Communicate regularly with Keegan’s Artistic and Production leadership regarding progress, challenges, and budget status.
• Demonstrate clean and precise painting technique, tidiness, and experience with color mixing and other scenic painting methods.

Qualifications

• Strong background in theatrical carpentry, scenic construction, and finishing.
• Knowledge of theatrical stick-built structures and construction safety.
• Experience supervising crews and managing a shop.
• Proficiency with standard carpentry tools, safety equipment, and scenic materials.
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs and work safely at heights (ladders, scaffolds).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate up to a 20-foot box truck.
• Strong organizational, budgeting, and time-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with designers, directors, and production staff.
• Familiarity with scenic painting, rigging, welding, and automation a plus (but not required).

Contract Dates/Compensation

Contract Dates: June 15, 2026 - June 4, 2027

June 15-19 BUILD Show #1

June 22-26 BUILD Show #1

July 13-17 STRIKE/MAINTENANCE Show #8

July 20-24 BUILD Show #2

July 27-31 INSTALL Show #1

Aug 3-7 INSTALL Show #1

Aug 10 - Sept 6 (On Call for Fixes) Show #1

Sept 8-11 BUILD Show #3

Sept 14-18 STRIKE/INSTALL Show #2

Sept 21-25 INSTALL Show #2

Sept 28 - Nov 15 (On Call for Fixes) Show #2

Nov 2-6 BUILD Show #4

Nov 9-13 BUILD Show #4

Nov 16-20 STRIKE/INSTALL Show #3

Nov 23 & 24 INSTALL Show #3

Nov 30 - Dec 27 (On Call for Fixes) Show #3

Dec 14-18 BUILD Show #5

Dec 21 & 22 BUILD Show #5

Dec 28-30 STRIKE Show #3

Jan 4-8 INSTALL Show #4

Jan 11-15 INSTALL Show #4

Jan 19 - Feb 28 (On Call for Fixes) Show #4

Feb 16-19 BUILD Show #6

Feb 22-26 BUILD Show #6

Mar 1-5 STRIKE/INSTALL Show #5

Mar 8-12 INSTALL Show #5

Mar 15 - Apr 18 (On Call for Fixes) Show #5

Apr 5-9 BUILD Show #7

Apr 12-16 BUILD Show #7

Apr 19-23 STRIKE/INSTALL Show #6

Apr 26-30 INSTALL Show #6

May 3 - Jun 6 (On Call for Fixes) Show #6

May 24-28 BUILD Show #1 (31st Season)

Jun 1-4 BUILD Show #1 (31st Season)

Contract Compensation: $32,500 – paid semi-monthly

Estimated Total Contract Hours:

Weekly schedule/hours per week will vary based on production cycle, with some weeks heavier/lighter than others. Full production and build schedule will be reviewed and discussed during the interview and contracting process.

• This position includes an initial three (3) month trial period, during which performance, collaboration, and overall fit will be evaluated by Keegan Theatre.
• On a weekly basis, hours worked in excess of 37 hours shall be compensated at an overtime rate of $45/hr, in accordance with applicable labor standards.

Additional compensation negotiable for workload beyond the contract and there is an option to start sooner on an hourly basis. At the end of the contract, the successful part-time employee will have the right of first refusal to continue for the next year’s contract.

Application Information

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and references to jobs@keegantheatre.com with the subject line: Lead Carpenter/Shop Supervisor Application – [Your Name].

Note on Candidate Background

Keegan Theatre values a diversity of professional experiences. While theatrical scenic experience is ideal, we encourage applications from candidates with non-traditional backgrounds in scenic work, including construction, stick-built carpentry, woodworking, fabrication, or related fields.