Weekend Theatrical Rigging Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Title: Assistant Head Carpenter, Miller Theater

Department: Production

Reports to: Ensemble Arts Philly Director of Production and Miller Theater IATSE Union Steward

Status: Union

Summary:

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts (POEA) is seeking a qualified individual for the unionized stagehand position of Assistant Head Carpenter at the Miller Theater. The individual in this position is a member of a close-knit team who support production activities at the Miller Theater.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with load-in, setup, rehearsal, performance, and load-out of presentations in the Miller Theater
• Supervise and help lead the extra IATSE crew during load-in, rehearsal, performance and load-out for presentations in the Miller Theater
• Oversee the safe installation, operation, maintenance and repair of staging, scenery, rigging, and mechanical systems
• Review, interpret and implement technical drawings, ground plans, and rigging plots
• Operate and maintain all in-house theatrical equipment in the Miller Theater
• Maintain and monitor appropriate materials, equipment, tools and supplies as required for production support
• Ability and willingness to work across all departments during non-yellow card attractions
• Work within all theatrical disciplines and attend to a wide range of duties as assigned
• Participate in long term project planning along with management; Develop and specific goals necessary to maintain and improve the department’s capabilities
• Assist with ensuring that all tenant installations conform to applicable fire and safety regulations, especially as regards the maintenance of fire lanes, and clear access to fire exits and emergency supplies

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Substantial experience with a variety of musical and staged attractions in one or more active, large scale metropolitan venues
• Significant experience with scenery, rigging, and carpentry in a theatrical environment
• Proficiency with counterweight fly systems, stage automation, and lifts
• Working knowledge of and ability to troubleshoot theatrical rigging systems and stage machinery
• Strong knowledge of safe rigging practices and OSHA standards
• Working knowledge of theatrical video systems and equipment
• Working knowledge of theatrical lighting systems and equipment
• Familiarity with knot tying, hand/power tools, and scenic construction methods
• Position requires leadership skills and the ability to work as a member of a diverse team while supporting one another to accomplish common goals
• Ability to work independently and in support of a department lead
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfortable interacting with all staff, management, artists, and the public in a professional manner
• Ability to anticipate potential problems and provide solutions
• Ability to attend to numerous projects concurrently; the ability to respond positively, effectively, and quickly to shifting priorities

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• Affiliation with I.A.T.S.E. union, Local 8 is required after hiring.
• Position will require movement and placement of theatrical objects, including prolonged durations of standing as well as pushing, pulling, and lifting items greater than 50lbs
• Position will require work at heights and on ladders & lifts
• Position will require work indoors, outdoors, and in intermittently noisy spaces
• Work schedule to include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Resume and cover letter are required when applying for this position. 

About The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly (POEA) brings together one of the world’s preeminent orchestras with the iconic venues that have anchored Philadelphia’s cultural life for nearly 170 years. As owner and operator of the Academy of Music, Miller Theater, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and the programming partner for the historic Forrest Theatre, POEA serves as a cornerstone of the city’s artistic and civic identity, welcoming one million people annually to a vibrant constellation of stages across Center City.

Representing both the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and a dynamic roster of resident partners and visiting artists, POEA presents more than one-thousand events annually that represent a wide range of programming, including Broadway, classical, comedy, theater, jazz, dance, and family presentations, reflecting and serving the breadth of the region’s communities. Through innovative programming, robust educational initiatives, deep commitment to diverse communities, and expanding digital platforms, POEA acts as a convener and civic partner—bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and creating an expansive, inclusive future for the arts in Philadelphia and beyond.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, veteran or disability status.

Employees are expected to be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without job modification/reasonable accommodation. If an employee believes a job modification/reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources so that a review can be conducted. POEA strives to comply with the accommodation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and other related federal, state, and local laws.