Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival
Becket, MA
US

DESCRIPTION

During the Festival there are three Stage Carpenter positions, one for each of the Pillow’s primary venues: the Ted Shawn Theatre (TST), the Doris Duke Theatre (DDT), and the Henry J. Leir Stage (HJL). Candidates will be interviewed for all three and will be assigned to a venue when hired.

Built in 1942 as the first theater in America designed specifically for dance, the TST is a proscenium venue with motorized linesets that seats 620 patrons. The TST is programmed for 11 weeks of the season with an opening gala performance followed by productions by 1 company a week. The DDT is a modular wood box with flexible retractable seating, extensive catwalks, and robust technical infrastructure. The DDT is programmed for 7 weeks of the season with productions by 1 company a week. The typical TST and DDT performance schedule is 6 shows from Wednesday through Sunday. The HJL is an outdoor uncovered amphitheater style space that is programmed for 9 weeks of the season with most companies’ engagement being one performance. The typical HJL performance schedule is 3 shows Thursday through Saturday.

Stage Carpenters are a member of either the TST, DDT, or HJL production teams and report to that theater’s Production Manager. During the pre-season the Stage Carpenters assist the Stage Operations Supervisor with the preparation and installation of stage operations equipment including but not limited to rigging, flooring, staging, seating, and soft goods. During the Festival they work closely and collaboratively with the Production Managers and the staff of visiting companies as a member of the run crew for load-in, rehearsals, and performances. They also assist the Production Managers and the Stage Operations Supervisor with the organization and maintenance of their venue’s stage operations infrastructure, storage areas, and equipment. While the Stage Carpenter’s primary focus will be supporting the stage operations elements of productions in their assigned theater they will assist other production departments and other venues as needed and assigned by the Production Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Participate in the creation of an accessible and collaborative work environment that enables artists and technicians to create together positively and safely.

Join advancing and show specific production meetings as needed.

Assist in the installation of stage operations equipment into all performance spaces, studios, exhibition spaces and temporary tents.

Actively participate in load-ins, load-outs, work calls, focuses, notes sessions, staging and technical rehearsals, performances, and changeovers.

Alongside the Assistant Production Managers in planning and facilitating scene changes, fly moves, prop hand-offs, and floor swaps.

Assist the Assistant Production Managers in the creation and maintenance of backstage paperwork and signage.

Ensure that the stage floor is prepared and safe by taking the lead in performing daily and show-specific cleaning and maintenance.

Remain in communication with production management and the Stage Operations Supervisor and alert them to any unexpected show-specific requirements or equipment or system safety concerns.

Maintain clean and orderly stage, backstage, and storage areas.

Assist the Stage Operations Supervisor in maintaining and improving the Pillow’s facilities, equipment, and systems.

Assist in the creation and installation of decor or scenery for events or other activities.

Provide support to the Video Documentation Team in recording programming.

Support the installation of work and equipment into exhibition spaces.

Support the activation of weather plans for HJL and other outdoor programming.

Attend all organizational, departmental and production meetings including a weekly All-Staff Meeting.

Under the general direction of the DoTP, assist with coordination of emergency response for staff and patrons in the event of an emergency or extreme weather.

Complete Adult/Child CPR, First Aid, and Cultural Competence Training (provided to all seasonal staff during the pre-season)

Assist and support other departments, including non-production departments, as needed and assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

2+ years of stage carpentry, carpentry, and/or stagehand experience.

Knowledge of and experience with theatrical stage operations systems, equipment and standard operating procedures.

Knowledge of production-related health and safety best practices.

Knowledge and experience with Google App suite.

Willingness to learn.

Ability to work proactively, creatively, flexibly, kindly, safely, and collaboratively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and experience in dance production.

Knowledge of industry-standard scenery construction and installation standard operating procedures.

Knowledge of theatrical rigging best practices, systems, and safety.

Experience working outdoors or in non-traditional venues.

Knowledge of the Vectorworks suite of software.

Experience driving cargo vans and box trucks.

Valid driver’s license.

SKILLS & QUALITIES

Active commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.

Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and organizational skills.

Ability to read and interpret video plots and paperwork, stage plans, and related technical documents.

Demonstrated ability to conceive, strategize, manage, and prioritize between multiple projects with accuracy and attention to detail.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Working in wooded areas with exposure to native wildlife including, but not limited to, rodents, ticks, and mosquitos.

Working outdoors in all weather conditions including inclement weather.

Working 6-day work weeks including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends during Festival weeks and non-Festival programming.

Moving equipment up to 50 lbs alone or with assistance.

Moving through and between multiple locations throughout the entire campus.

Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time.

Working at heights above 6 feet and up to 30 feet.

Ascending and descending straight and step ladders.

Operating push around or drivable person lifts including at heights.

Working in show conditions with theatrical and atmospheric elements including but not limited to: fog, haze, strobes, dim lights, and loud sounds.

APPLICATION PROCESS

*We believe that no one meets 100% of the listed qualifications. We are less concerned about whether you’ve done everything on a laundry list of specific things and more interested in cultivating a pool of candidates who want to join a connected, mission-driven, hard-working team driven by creativity, curiosity, inclusion, integrity, flexibility, and partnership.

HIRING PROCESS

1. Apply: Interested individuals are encouraged to send a cover letter, resume, and references by submitting an application using the “Apply” buttons below. Video and/or video applications are welcome (though not required) in addition to written expressions of interest.

2. Interview: Pre-Screen on Zoom, 1-2 interviews with Hiring Manager and other JP staff on Zoom.

3. Supplemental Materials: A writing sample, spreadsheet example, or other relevant materials may be requested from candidates should they be a top candidate.

If you need accommodations to make this application process happen, please connect with us at [email protected].. We will work to support you through the application process via email, phone call, and/or video chat.

DURATION

May 11, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026

SALARY

$23.58 – $26.00 per hour

APPLY ONLINE

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/40E656CCFD95385492E24A1C17094A1B/jobs/212518