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Job Description / Duties

Rainbow Stage is inviting applications from I.A.T.S.E. Theatre Professionals for the seasonal position of Head Stage Carpenter. Reporting to the Technical Director & Production Manager, the Head Stage Carpenter will supervise all onstage technical production aspects of Rainbow Stage’s summer productions, taking responsibility for the stage setup, show installs, show runs, strikes and season shutdown, and managing them in an efficient, safe, and precise manner. This position supervises all onstage technical production staff and department heads, including electrics, sound, stagehands, casual and running crews, and other production crew. The Head Carpenter also works collaboratively with administrative staff and creative team members (i.e. stage management, designers, and directors) to achieve their artistic vision in an efficient, safe, and cost-effective manner. They will work with their team to achieve high production values. The ideal candidate is committed to creating a positive working environment through respectful communication and mediation in artistic and technical discussions. The Head Stage Carpenter is a unionized position under the I.A.T.S.E. collective agreement.

Position Specifics
• Preference will be given to I.A.T.S.E. members of Winnipeg Local 63.
• Seasonal position from mid-May thru mid-September (specific start and end dates to be confirmed by February 28 yearly based on I.A.T.S.E. collective agreement)
• The position requires flexibility in schedule. Daytime, evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required.
• Remuneration as per the I.A.T.S.E. collective agreement

Key Duties & Responsibilities
• Be part of the show running crew as required
• Supervision of install and strike crew as well as running crew
• Give regular feedback on status of work as well as estimate assigned work.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of facilities, tools, and equipment.
• Provide efficient and reliable preparation, operation, and maintenance of all stage machinery, rigging, and scenery.
• Advise and assist with on-going stage & scenery maintenance
• Assist with organization and purchasing of all consumables
• Advise and assist on theatre rentals when required
• Assist with occupational safety and health of workers
• Assist with the maintenance and update all equipment and inventory lists. This is to be updated once a year, at the end of the season. This is to be submitted to the Production Manager.
• Other duties as assigned, within reason, by management

Qualifications / Required Skills

• At least 5 years’ experience as running crew in a ‘fly house’
• Able to work at heights / climb ladders.
• Able to repeatedly lift, push or maneuver heavy loads, either alone or with assistance from others
• Broad knowledge in theatrical procedures, scenic construction, problem solving, tools, and theatre products.
• Proficient working knowledge of counter weighted fly systems and the set-up, rigging, and strike of scenery.
• Experience with operation and maintenance of motorized stage equipment and scenery
• Able to supervise install & strike crews.
• Able to supervise running crew during technical rehearsals and run of show.
• Able to read and understand designer blue prints.
• Be comfortable working in an open-air environment.
• A diploma or certificate of graduation from a recognized theatrical training institute or equivalent in work experience.
• First Aid training is an asset.
• Pyrotechnic and Firearms certificate is an asset.
• Valid Driver’s License, and ability to drive a 5-ton truck is an asset
• A member of IATSE 63 in good standing or willing to join.
• Must be able to commit to a 6-day working week with a varying day off which will be communicated by the beginning of the season.
• Must be able to commit to the working months of May –September. The season does not allow for vacation time to be taken.
• The Head Stage Carpenter will be self-motivated, possess good organizational and time management skills, plus have excellent communication skills and the ability to maintain a positive attitude in stressful situations. Must be flexible in outlook and approach to the position and be diplomatic in dealing with crews, cast, stage managers and all other staff.

Additional Information

Rainbow Stage values diversity in its workforce and invites applications from all qualified candidates. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process, please do not hesitate to make a request. We thank all applicants for their interest in Rainbow Stage, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Rainbow Stage is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all individuals working with Rainbow Stage. As a result, Rainbow Stage will be following any public health orders that are enacted and may implement testing and masking requirements at the stage.

Salary: $28.41/hr

Contact Information

Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and resumé to Kathryn Ball, Production Manager at kball@rainbowstage.ca with the subject line Head Stage Carpenter.

Closing date: open until filled

Employer Profile

Rainbow Stage is Canada’s largest, longest-running open-air professional theatre. A not-for profit charitable arts organization dedicated to the genre of musical theatre, Rainbow Stage provides Four Pillars of Programming: Education, Outreach, Professional Training & Productions. By connecting our Production pillar to our established Education, Outreach and Professional Training pillars, we have created a bridge for Manitobans as young as 9 years old to begin a journey to a professional career on our stage and behind the scenes.
Rainbow Stage currently operates in three locations in the city of Winnipeg:
1. Seasonal theatre venue in Kildonan Park
2. Administrative offices on Henderson Hwy
3. Various rental spaces for rehearsals, auditions, and workshops

Looking to the future, the City of Winnipeg has committed 3 million dollars (to be matched) to renovate and renew Rainbow Stage as it develops a vision to bring the theatre in the 21st Century. The vision encompasses:
• Ensuring the accessibility/safety for our patrons, contract workers and employees
• The centralization of our operations (administration, auditions, rehearsals, education);
• The building of an all-season rehearsal hall/second playing space;
• The renovation of some existing spaces for all-season activity and accessibility;
• The development of year-round programming (education, outreach, and new work);
• The exploration of practices that will foster and promote environmental stewardship.

As we enter a new strategic plan in the coming year and as we work toward our 75th anniversary in 2029, we have our sights set on continuing to improve the company’s artistic and cultural vision in order to properly serve Manitobans for many years to come.