Head Carpenter - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

The Ordway: The Ordway, recognized as one of the U.S.’s leading not-for-profit performing arts centers, is home to a wide variety of performances throughout the year that encompass the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance, and vocal artists. Performances take place in the 1,900-seat Music Theater and a 1,100-seat Concert Hall. The Ordway is committed to providing a welcome and inclusive environment for all patrons, artists, and employees.



Position Purpose: The Head Carpenter is a full-time, non-exempt position. The Head of Carpentry supervises the Assistant Carpenter in the accomplishment of responsibilities pertaining to the department. The Head Carpenter provides work direction to all Extra Crew personnel assigned to the Carpentry Department and other personnel as circumstances dictate. The Head Carpenter is required to communicate and interact with management, clients and Extra Crew members and presenting a positive and supportive attitude, as well as, a strong work ethic. This position will be assigned tasks based on work needed and activity in the building. The department’s tasks and scope of work will be assigned by the Production Department.



The work responsibilities, conditions of employment, and wage conditions of the Head Carpenter are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local No. 13, St. Paul, Minnesota and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. The position is also governed by all Ordway Center for the Performing Arts personnel policies for full-time employees, where such policies do not conflict with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.



Position Details:

• Closing Date: Open until filled, this position will remain open until the Ordway has seen a diverse pool of candidates

• Employee Type: Full-time, non-exempt

• Department: Production

• Reports to: Andy Luft, VP of Production and Building Operations



Key Performance Areas

• Head Carpenter works in both the Music Theater and Concert Hall, as schedule and needs require, providing pre-production, production and post-production and maintenance services related to either facility as assigned. Additional tasks, as required in other event or rehearsal spaces within the Ordway may be assigned.

• Assist other production department personnel when engaged non-jurisdictionally in the set-up, operations, technical production, maintenance of the facility and equipment, and other circumstances as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

• Work with the Production Department Staff and other departments to accomplish the following:

o Analyze and implement improvements on department related systems for efficiency, operations effectiveness, and safety.

o Provide input on equipment purchases, rentals, repairs, and upgrades.

o Maintain an inventory of department spare parts, tools, and supplies.

o Maintain a maintenance log of service and equipment history for items in the inventory.

o Inform Management when perishable supplies need to be replenished on a timely basis.

o Provide recommendations to Production Department management regarding personnel required, both in number and skills, to meet department schedules and responsibilities.

• Maintain a professional work ethic and attitude as a representative of the Ordway Center.

• Must be able to operate standard theatrical equipment (platforms, genies, rigging systems, automation systems).

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.



Other Qualifications

• Ability to provide leadership for department personnel and to analyze department schedules and responsibilities in order to best utilize personnel.

• Ability to delegate work responsibilities to other production personnel working within the department.

• The Head Carpenter position is a “working” position.

• Provide information and training to related systems and equipment to temporary personnel.

• Must possess a working knowledge, a professional skill level, and trade "craftsmanship" associated with the duties and responsibilities of a Head Carpenter in regard to touring productions, concerts of all genre, dance events, Musical Theater productions and other live events that may be booked at the facility.

• Must be familiar with and keep up to date with current professional theatre practices and techniques, as well as, current equipment operation and maintenance.

• Ability to work cooperatively with a variety of clients, and serve as liaison with departments to coordinate and plan efficient work schedules.

• Must have physical ability to work long hours, weekends, evenings and holidays.

• Adhere to Standard OSHA and Theatrical Safety Practices.

• Experience with large staffs and complex schedules.

• Ability to draft 2D in AutoCAD 2012 or higher and/or VectorWorks 2012 or higher.

• Must have functional understanding and use of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word, as information at The Ordway is communicated digitally.



Specific Skills Required:

• Possess a working knowledge and be responsible for the proper maintenance, repair, handling, placement, movement, setting, striking, and storage of scenic/set pieces.

• Possess a working knowledge and be responsible for handling, movement, placement, setting, striking and storage of resident and touring orchestra musical equipment, instruments, trunks, cases and related items; and of keyboard instruments such as concert grand and rehearsal pianos, harpsichord, synthesizer and electronic keyboards, organ, etc.

• Be responsible for the general “upkeep” and cleanliness of the stage(s) and associated production areas. This includes the stage proper, offstage and backstage areas and other associated areas not typically the responsibility of building housekeeping.

• Possess a working knowledge and be responsible for the construction, maintenance, repair, placement, handling, operation, striking, and dismantling of scenery, backgrounds, drops, portals, platforms, screens, cycloramas, masking curtains, turntables, traps, lifts, stage and scenic floors, railings, dollies, theatrical scaffolding, and any structures integral to the stage and/or being used on the stage.

• Possess a working knowledge and be responsible for the proper maintenance, repair, handling, operation, and supervision of the theatrical rigging systems at Ordway Center. This includes gridiron structures, head blocks, loft blocks, line set components, hardware, and rigging; house and fire curtain components, hardware, and rigging; spot line hardware and rigging; electromechanical devices, control and rigging; and other system elements.

• Possess a working knowledge of touring and portable rigging systems. This includes chain hoist devices, hardware, and rigging practices; various types of automated devices, control and hardware; blocks and falls; and other rigging elements.

• Possess a working knowledge and be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of production facilities and equipment at Ordway Center. This includes the orchestra shell enclosure and associated towers, ceiling, and machinery; orchestra pit lifts and associated wagon units, railing and machinery; proscenium tormentor towers, motorized trusses and battens; acoustical devices and associated machinery; and other elements.

• Possess a working knowledge and be responsible for the safe and proper use of standard scene shop tools, such as table saw, radial arm saw, drill press, circular saws, drills etc.

• Provide technical support for resident organizations and endeavor to meet the needs and requests of all clients in the production and presentation of events as it pertains to the Carpentry Department. Such support would also include the interpretation and layout of scenic design drawings, production ground plans, and hanging plots; the coordination, layout and execution of theatrical productions and general stage operations; the supervision of production shop work and facilities; and other necessary and/or appropriate areas of support.

• Assist other production department personnel when engaged non-jurisdictionally in the set-up, operations, technical production and strike of concerts, recitals and events.

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required and/or assigned.



Experience:

• A minimum of seven years working experience, as a professional Head or First Assistant Carpenter in a road house presenting first run National Broadway Tours and/or seven years as a Touring Head Carpenter or Assistant Carpenter with first run Broadway National Tours and seven years as a Head or Assistant Carpenter (Stage Operations not Scenic Shop) in a LORT A or B House producing five to seven shows per season.

• Membership in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.) is highly desirable. Must be able and willing to become and remain a member of Union Local 13 or tender periodic dues and initiation fees to the union. Must have working experience with and be able to operate all equipment listed above. Must have working familiarity with all other standard theatrical equipment.



Education:

• Seven years’ experience working in professional theatre required. Degree preferred: MFA or B.F.A. accepted or equivalent professional experience as outlined above.

• ETCP certification is ideal.



To Apply: To apply, visit Ordway.org/employment. The Ordway is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people with disabilities, and people of color are encouraged to apply for positions.