Carpenter
What does a Carpenter do?
What does a Carpenter do?
The CARPENTER maintains theater stage equipment and may also serve as a production carpenter, building sets and moving all scenery on and off stage for the installation and run of a production.
Skills
Knowledge and Experience with carpentry tools | Welding | Attention to detail | Ability to lift heavy pieces of set | Works well with a team | Good at building things/painting things | Knowledge of safety procedures
Pathways
Volunteer | Assist | Backstage Work | Degree in production and/or design | Internships | Technical School
How to become a Carpenter
How to become a Carpenter
Some colleges and universities offer degrees and concentrations in production and design, as well as opportunities for students to work on the production crew for special events, shows, and concerts. Carpenters are usually brought on for an individual show and gain the most experience by doing the work. They become head carpenters when they have gained enough experience to lead other carpenters. Those just starting out may want to explore volunteer opportunities available in their region on Stage Crew, as well as master their craft through classes or freelance work.
Union/Organization Affiliation
Resources
- Playbill’s “A LIFE IN THE THEATRE: Broadway Carpenter Charlie Rasmussen”
- The New York Times’ “Backstage and Now the Boss: ‘The Only Girl in the Building’”
Center Theatre Group’s “Working In Theatre: The Carpenters who Set the Scene”