About this role
Now Hiring: Carpenter I / II
Department: Scene Shop | Reports to: Shop Operations Manager Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Union – IATSE Local 154 Expected Start Date: November 2, 2026 Pay Rate: $24.91/hour – Carpenter I | $27.25/hour – Carpenter II Location: Ashland, OR
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is seeking skilled and collaborative Carpenters to join our Scene Shop. Candidates may be hired as Carpenter I or Carpenter II based on their demonstrated skills and qualifications. Both levels work hands-on to construct, install, transport, maintain, and strike scenic elements across OSF productions.
The Role You'll Play
As a Carpenter, you'll help transform scenic designs into the physical environments audiences experience onstage. You'll work both independently and collaboratively on projects involving wood, metal, rigging, softgoods, automation, painting, carving, and other scenic disciplines.
What You'll Do
Build & Fabricate: Construct scenic and rehearsal elements using wood, metal, trim and detail fabrication, sewing, painting, carving, and other techniques.
Install & Maintain: Participate in load-ins, fine-tune scenery, support rigging and softgoods installation, and maintain and repair scenic elements throughout the performance run.
Strike & Transport: Strike, restore, package, load, and safely transport scenic elements and materials.
Support Shop Operations: Maintain clean and efficient workspaces, assist with material inventory, and follow OSF and Scene Shop safety procedures.
Collaborate: Work with Scene Shop colleagues and other production departments on multidisciplinary projects and support the team as production needs evolve.
Carpenter I & Carpenter II
Both levels require two years of professional theatrical scenic construction experience, with combined training and technical experience considered in lieu of some professional experience. The primary distinction is demonstrated skill level: Carpenter I requires basic demonstrated skills, while Carpenter II requires advanced demonstrated skills in theatrical woodworking, metalworking and welding, trim fabrication, sewing, foam carving/sculpting, and theatrical rigging.
You'll Thrive Here If You…
Are comfortable working with standard woodworking hand and power tools. Can perform shop math and read or review CAD drawings. Have experience loading trucks and safely securing materials. Bring strong collaboration skills and enjoy working across disciplines. Have a valid driver's license and can meet OSF's driving requirements. Are comfortable learning to operate forklifts, CNC machines, and personnel lifts; OSF provides training.
Physical & Schedule Requirements
Ability to lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds, climb ladders and personnel lifts, wear fall-arrest equipment and a respirator, and regularly squat, crawl, kneel, and work overhead. The standard workweek is Monday–Friday, with occasional nights and weekends for load-ins, load-outs, and technical rehearsals.
Organizational Background
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 in Ashland, OR, and has grown from a three-day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to 10 plays and musicals, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, other enduring classics, and new works. OSF productions have been presented on Broadway, internationally, and at regional, community, and high school theatres across the country. OSF received the 1983 Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is one of the largest nonprofit theatres in the nation with three stages, including an outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.
Statement of Purpose
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival creates world-class theatre, revealing our collective humanity through illuminating interpretations of new and classic plays, and inspiring a love of our art form for current and future generations.
Company Values
• We are committed to working toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, creating a space of belonging for all audiences and employees—through concrete actions and systemic improvements.
• We nurture and support our artists, attracting and retaining diverse, innovative talent across the organization.
• We believe in the transformational power of collaborative artmaking and performance.
• We recognize the importance of responsible stewardship of resources and sustainable business, financial, and environmental practices.
• We serve the public good and engage with and respect our community of artists, audiences, staff, local citizens, patrons, donors, and the greater theatre community worldwide.