Scenic Carpenter

Company Overview

The Grand is known for world-class theatre created and built in London, Ontario. As southwest Ontario’s premiere producing theatre and one of the most beautiful theatre spaces in Canada, the company has deep ties to the community and to its artists, artisans, and technicians.

As a vibrant cultural hub and not-for-profit regional theatre, the Grand serves to gather, inspire and entertain audiences with performances in London and beyond. At our home in downtown London, we create productions on two stages: the Spriet Stage (839 seats) and the Auburn Stage (144 seats). The Grand season of theatrical offerings runs from September to May, and we collaborate with companies and artists across the country through our co-productions, taking the work we make here in London out to the nation. Our company is a home for new play development through our successful COMPASS program, and our recently renovated venue boasts several successful music series, rentals to the community, and a wide variety of special events.

A cornerstone of the organization is our place as a teaching theatre, exemplified in our many mentorship programs and highlighted in the annual Grand Theatre High School Project. The only program of its kind in the country and currently in its twenty-sixth year, the High School Project involves almost one-hundred high school participants annually from schools across the city. These students participate at no cost and take on roles both onstage and off in a fully realized mainstage production under the direction of a professional creative team.

The Grand Theatre is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lnaapéewak and Attawandaron Peoples. We acknowledge with gratitude the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional Indigenous Peoples and of all the Original Peoples of Turtle Island (also known as North America). We are honoured to live, work, and tell stories together on this land.

 OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & RECONCILIATION

 The Grand Theatre is committed to creating and practicing a company culture that ensures an accessible, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming space for all. We encourage applicants to review the Grand’s commitments to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Reconciliation on our website to confirm that your personal and professional values are aligned with this vision, and we invite you to reflect on these commitments in your submission.

Job Description

THE POSITION

The 2nd Scenic Carpenter is a seasonal full-time position (dates vary by season, but typically mid-summer to early-spring). This position is considered a houseperson under our collective agreement with IATSE Local 105, and reports to the Director of Production and Operations, or their designate.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Scenery Construction: The Second Scenic Carpenter is responsible for the safe, efficient production of scenery under the direction of the Head Scenic Carpenter.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

Theatre Production Expertise: Possess a minimum of two years of professional experience in theatre production, demonstrating both practical hands-on skills and knowledge of theatrical scenic construction.

Fly-House Experience: Bring a minimum of one year of professional experience building scenery for a fly-house, with a demonstrated understanding of structure and rigging as it applies to scenery that flies.

Tool Proficiency: Showcase a strong proficiency in woodworking and metalworking tools and techniques, including electric and pneumatic cutting, shaping, and fastening tools. Ability to read and interpret scale drawings and technical designs.

Logistical Skillset: Demonstrate proficiency in coordinating and managing construction of set pieces from start to finish, ensuring safe and efficient use of available time. This includes facilitating seamless collaboration between carpentry and scenic art and other departments to ensure smooth operations.

Safety Compliance: Possess a strong working knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations as they apply to construction and industrial establishments, including risk assessment, fall protection, and adherence to industry & Grand Theatre-specific safety guidelines.

Certifications: Hold relevant certifications such as Standard First Aid, CPR-A, AED training, Working at Heights, Welding certifications, Forklift Operation, Personnel Lift operation.

Adaptability and Stamina: Exhibit the ability to work effectively and safely in various conditions, including loud environments, and dusty environments. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, including occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work. Ability to lift and position set pieces safely, in all working positions. Ability to push and pull and twist heavy loads. Ability to climb ladders and operate elevated work platforms.

Communication and Problem-Solving: Possess excellent written, visual, and oral communication skills, coupled with a problem-solving mindset and a collaborative approach to teamwork.

Versatility and Resourcefulness: Bring a fast-learning attitude, a passion for theatre, and a knack for creative problem-solving.

Interdepartmental Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with other production departments and creative teams, fostering cohesion and alignment to ensure seamless execution of artistic vision and organizational goals.

Fostering Artistic Vision: Demonstrated capability in realizing and enhancing the artistic vision within a live theatre environment, actively supporting and collaborating with the set designers to bring their concepts to life on stage.

Supporting Team Members: Proven track record of supporting scenic team members through mentorship, professional development, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive team environment.

 Prospective employees must be legally able to work in Canada, provide an up-to-date and clear Vulnerable Sector police check, and agree to the theatre’s Employee Handbook and Health & Safety policies as part of the employment agreement.

 Please note that the successful candidate must be or become a member of IATSE Local 105 before work starts.

The Grand recognizes that the best person for the job might not meet all the skills and attributes listed. We are happy to consider all applicants for this position, with the understanding that any successful candidate will collaborate with the Theatre to cultivate expertise in areas of the job they haven't yet fully developed.