Theatre Rigging Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Join the Backstage Magic! OSF Is Hiring a Carpenter II

Location: Ashland, OR | Department: Scene Shop | Status: Full-Time, Seasonal  August 31, 2026-November 6, 2026

Hourly Pay Range: $27.25/hour

Are you someone who brings creativity, precision, and passion to every build? Do you love working with your hands in a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven environment? Whether you’re starting your professional journey or bringing seasoned skills to the table, we’d love to work with you.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is looking for a Carpenter II to join our Scene Shop team- so if you’ve got a background in scenic construction and a love for the arts, read on!

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Build scenic elements and rehearsal scenery for OSF projects including, for example: platform and flat construction using wood and metal, trim detail fabrication, automation projects, sewing, painting, and carving. 

1. Models and supports the IDEA values of OSF by:  

1. Demonstrating inclusive behavior and creating an environment of belonging. 

1. Maintaining a safe and anti-racist working environment 

1. Recognizing micro-aggressions and interrupting othering behaviors. 

1. Participate in the daily clean-up of all shop areas at the end of each workday and keep a clean and efficient workspace and tool cart.  

1. Assist in maintaining the stock material inventories. Adheres to OSF Safety and Scene Shop Safety procedures/protocols.  

1. Safely transport and deliver scenic elements using company vehicles.   

1. Install and fine tune scenery (load-ins and notes) including rigging and soft goods.  

1. Maintain and repair scenic elements during the performance run.  

1. Strike and restore scenic elements at the end of the production run.  When the productions are co-productions, purchased, or rented, Carpenters will assist in packaging, labeling and loading scenic elements for transport.  

Other Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Construction of multi-disciplinary elements (prop-scenery, lighting-scenery, etc.). 

1. Attends company, department, shop meetings, and safety trainings as assigned. 

1. Pick up and deliver supplies.  

1. Engages with OSF patrons 

1. Support Marketing and Development efforts.  

1. Mentor colleagues as requested 

1. Perform other duties as assigned by scene shop management staff.  

Work Experience: Two years of experience in professional theatrical scenic construction. One year of combined training and technical experience will be considered in lieu of professional work experience. 

Physical Ability: Must be able to lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds, wear fall arrest harnesses, wear a respirator, regularly squat and maintain position, crawl and kneel, reach above shoulders, climb and work from ladders and personnel lifts. Ability to stand and walk for up to 6 hours.  

Essential Skills and Qualifications:  

Carpenter II will have advanced demonstrated skills in the following areas. This is a non-comprehensive list:  

• Theatrical woodworking 
• Metal welding and metal working 
• Trim and detail fabrication 
• Sewing 
• Foam carving/sculpting 
• Theatrical rigging 

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Ability:   

• Basic ability to work with computers (email, spreadsheets, cloud-based information services, open and review CAD drawings).  
• Comfortable with standard wood working hand and power tools such as saws, routers, staple guns, metal forming tools, and lathes. 
• Ability to do shop math (an understanding of mathematical calculations in the construction world for building elements).  
• Truck loading and securing of materials 
• The ability to create positive working relationships with designers, colleagues, and staff in other departments. 
• An understanding that identity informs every individual’s human experience in a way that may differ from one’s own personal experience. 

Special Qualifications: Valid driver’s license with good driving record and ability to drive OSF trucks. Ability to drive a forklift, operate CNC machine and personnel lifts (OSF to provide training). Ability to pass and maintain a clear background check.   

Special Hours Requirements: Standard work week is Monday – Friday. Occasional night-time and weekend hours are required for load-ins, load-outs, and technical rehearsal support.