HEAD CARPENTER

The HEAD CARPENTER is responsible for the planning, construction, installation and strike of all scenic elements of the production. They also supervise the efficient operation of the Carpentry Shop and the Carpentry crew. On certain, large-scale productions, this position may be split between a HEAD SCENIC CARPENTER, responsible for the shop and building aspects of the set, and a HEAD STAGE CARPENTER, responsible for the on-stage set-up and running aspects of the scenic elements.

The responsibilities of the HEAD CARPENTER, in addition to those of a HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, shall include but not be limited to:

GENERAL

• Contributes to the assessment of the costs of building and mounting the scenic elements of the production, in consultation with the Resident Staff, PRODUCTION MANAGER, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR and DESIGNER
• Creates and costs, in conjunction with the RESIDENT SHOP SUPERVISOR, an item-by- item breakdown of all scenic elements, and whether these items can be stock or will need to be built
• Determines the methods and materials to be used to realize the DESIGNER‘s design, in consultation with the DESIGNER, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR and Resident Staff
• Liaises frequently with other HEADS OF DEPARTMENT, especially of Props, Paint and Flys, to co-ordinate scenic construction, installation issues, and delivery times
• Works closely with the DESIGNER and TECHNICAL DIRECTOR to ensure the timely delivery and smooth installation of all scenic components; NOTE: scenic elements include all drapery and soft goods
• Draws or drafts working drawings, as required
• Ensures all venue measurements are correct and documents corrections prior to starting construction
• Co-ordinates all scenic construction and installation, and participates actively in the building process, where required
• Co-ordinates the construction of, or repair to, other venue-related projects as required
• Considers the use of the piece on-stage, and is aware of all blocking on or around the piece; reinforces or otherwise modifies the piece for specific actor use
• Provides for rehearsal set pieces, as required
• Arranges for, and stocks, an on-deck tool chest, to be used during set-ups and strikes
• Restores wall, floors and other materials to pre-show condition after the production
• Ensures that all stock scenery pieces are returned to storage in a good and safe condition
• Ensures that the Scene Storage area is left in a neat and tidy configuration, ready for the next show
• Ensures all garbage wood and materials are transported to designated dumpsters for disposal

ADMINISTRATION AND SCHEDULING

• Contributes to the creation of a detailed WEEKLY AND DAILY SCHEDULE, produced by the PRODUCTION MANAGER
• Attends all production meetings and organizes department meetings as required

This information is intended as a guideline only. It is not intended to replace the required reading or research in your area, or information gained in the classroom.

To be used in conjunction with the HEAD OF DEPARTMENT job description.

The demands of this position, and the hours worked, will vary with each production.

THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION MAY BE ALTERED WITHOUT NOTICE BY THE RESIDENT STAFF AND FACULTY