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Scene Shop Carpenter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scenic Carpenter

Shawnee, KS · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Utilizing several theatrical construction techniques Carpenters will be building on site in the Scene Shop located backstage at Theatre in the Park. * Carpenters schedule for the summer is Sunday ...

Scenic Carpenter

Shawnee, KS · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Utilizing several theatrical construction techniques Carpenters will be building on site in the Scene Shop located backstage at Theatre in the Park. * Carpenters schedule for the summer is Sunday ...

Scenic Carpenter

Shawnee, KS

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Utilizing several theatrical construction techniques Carpenters will be building on site in the Scene Shop located backstage at Theatre in the Park. * Carpenters schedule for the summer is Sunday ...

Carpenter

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$32.87/hr

The Scenic Carpenter works with a team of two others and is responsible for the realization of ... Maintain a clean and orderly scene shop * Attend coordination and company meetings as needed

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Scene Shop Carpenter information

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How much do scene shop carpenter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for scene shop carpenter in the United States is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Scene Shop Carpenter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scene Shop Carpenter, you need strong woodworking, fabrication, and construction skills, often supported by experience in theatrical set building or a technical theatre degree. Familiarity with power tools, CAD software, and stage rigging systems is typically required. Attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and visually effective set construction that meets production deadlines and artistic visions.

What are some common challenges Scene Shop Carpenters face during set construction, and how are they addressed?

Scene Shop Carpenters often encounter challenges such as tight production deadlines, last-minute design changes, and working with unconventional materials to achieve creative set designs. To address these, carpenters collaborate closely with designers, technical directors, and other shop staff to quickly adapt plans and ensure structural safety. Effective communication, flexibility, and strong problem-solving skills are essential in overcoming these obstacles while maintaining high-quality workmanship and meeting show schedules.

What is the difference between Scene Shop Carpenter vs Set Designer?

AspectScene Shop CarpenterSet Designer
CredentialsCarpentry skills, technical training, possibly certifications in carpentry or theater productionDesign background, degree in theater, architecture, or related field
Work EnvironmentWorkshop or scene shop, building and assembling set piecesDesign studio, office, or on location for overseeing design implementation
Industry UsageUsed in theater, film, TV production for constructing setsUsed in theater, film, TV for creating visual concepts and designs

The Scene Shop Carpenter focuses on physically building and assembling sets based on designs, requiring carpentry skills and technical knowledge. The Set Designer creates the visual concept and design for the set, often working in collaboration with directors and other production staff. While both roles are essential in production, the carpenter is hands-on with construction, whereas the designer is responsible for the aesthetic and conceptual aspects.

What are scene shop carpenters?

Scene shop carpenters are skilled professionals responsible for building, assembling, and installing the sets and scenery used in theatrical productions, television, film, or live events. They work from technical drawings or designer models to create structures, walls, platforms, and props, often using wood, metal, and other materials. Scene shop carpenters collaborate closely with set designers, technical directors, and other crew members to ensure that sets are safe, functional, and visually accurate. Their work may also involve repairing or modifying existing scenery during the production run.
More about Scene Shop Carpenter jobs
What job categories do people searching Scene Shop Carpenter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Scene Shop Carpenter jobs are:
Infographic showing various Scene Shop Carpenter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,115 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
School of Arts & Design - Theater Scene Shop Staff

School of Arts & Design - Theater Scene Shop Staff

High Point University

High Point, NC • On-site

$8/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


High Point University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

470th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title: School of Arts & Design - Theater Scene Shop Staff
Department: Theater and Dance
Supervisor: Brandon Wallace
Starting Rate of Pay: $8.00
Length of Time: Eligible for rehire on a semester basis.
Department Description
The Department of Theater and Dance offers a wide variety of collaborative, hands on learning opportunities for students. The scene shop staff will assist the Technical Director in constructing scenery for all department main stage and black box productions in the department season.
Job Description
Students will likely work in a variety of roles as scene shop staff. These roles include carpenter, painter, rigger, and welder. We will be using hand tools, power tools, and potentially MIG welders to construct scenery. Students should be able to lift and carry stick lumber, sheet lumber and steel in and around the scene shop. Safety is paramount, and as such, students should work together to ensure a clean and safe work environment.
Job Location/ Hours Required
The majority of the time students will report to either the offsite scene shop, the Pauline Theater in Hayworth Fine Arts Center or the Black Box also known as the Empty Space Theater. Occasionally shows will happen in other locations on campus and in those cases students will be notified ahead of time. The total number of hours a student employee may work per week is 20 hours, this position requires up to 15 hours per week.
Responsibilities:
  • Report to work as scheduled to either the designated theater facility or scene shop
  • Read and comprehend working drawings for scenic elements (flats, platforms, step units, etc.)
  • Utilize hand and power tools in a safe manner
  • Alert the Technical Director if a tool needs adjusting, repair, or replacement
  • Always wear appropriate attire and PPE in the scene shop
  • Clean up the space before the workday ends
  • You may be asked to climb into the rigging system or onto ladders to assist with hanging scenery. If you have a fear of heights, please inform the technical director.
  • As we load a show into the theater space from the scene shop, weekend and/or evening hours may be necessary
  • Other duties as necessary for individual productions

Required Qualifications:
Students must demonstrate organizational and time management skills. The scene shop is a hazardous place, so it is necessary to be attentive to one's surroundings. Previous experience in woodworking required. Previous welding experience is welcomed, however, students with an interest in welding will be provided with an opportunity to learn during the semester. Most important, students will work with fellow students and with staff as a team to realize the scenic elements of a given production.
Desired Skills:
  • Must have a minimum 3.4 overall GPA
  • The ability to measure accurately is an asset
  • Students are strongly encouraged to ask questions along the way. It is always better to stop and ask a question than risk injury
  • There may be opportunities for scenic painting during the semester. If you have previous experience, please inform the technical director
  • Access to a car is helpful, as the scene shop is located off campus
  • A desire to learn more about technical theater and scenic design

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