Job Description

Head Scenic Carpenter

Location: Indianola, Iowa

Reports To: Director of Production

About the Role

Des Moines Metro Opera, a major summer opera festival located in Indianola, Iowa, is seeking a Head Scenic Carpenter to join its year-round production team. The company presents three full productions each summer in a rotating repertory schedule at the 467-seat Blank Performing Arts Center. The upcoming 54th season includes Tosca (Puccini), Of Mice and Men (Floyd), and King Roger (Szymanowski).

This new, full-time position will lead all scenic construction and installation efforts for the summer festival and support year-round shop and facility needs. The Head Scenic Carpenter will work closely with the Director of Production, the Head Scenic Artist, and seasonal technical staff to ensure scenery is built, maintained, and installed to the highest professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all scenic construction, fabrication, and installation efforts for the summer festival season.
• Participate in early planning, design discussions, and hiring of festival production staff.
• Build, maintain, and repair scenery, shop equipment, and storage areas throughout the year.
• Collaborate with the Head Stage Carpenter, Head Fly Operator, and Associate Technical Directors to ensure efficient and safe installation of scenic elements.
• Oversee material ordering, inventory management, and cost tracking for scenic projects.
• Ensure all scenery meets safety, aesthetic, and structural requirements.
• Supervise and train seasonal carpenters and support staff.
• Assist with facility organization, warehouse management, and cross-departmental projects as needed.
• Maintain a professional, team-focused environment that encourages efficiency, pride, and craftsmanship.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or diploma in Technical Theatre or equivalent experience (5+ years in a scenic shop or production environment).
• Proven experience leading scenic construction projects of various types and scales.
• Proficient in standard theatrical construction methods and safe operation of shop tools and machinery.
• Experience operating lifts, forklifts, ladders, and trucks with lift gates.
• Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to craftsmanship and finish quality.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams, communicate clearly, and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with material sourcing, purchasing, and expense reporting.
• Comfortable reading technical drawings and translating designer intent into buildable solutions.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work safely at heights or from lifts.
• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office, AutoCAD).
• Willingness to assist with company projects, installations, or touring productions as needed.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position based in Indianola, Iowa. The work involves movement throughout shop and stage areas, including standing, kneeling, and lifting. Des Moines Metro Opera owns its scenic shop, warehouses, and administrative buildings, and performances are held on the Simpson College campus.

Safety certifications (OSHA, forklift, fall protection, first aid, etc.) and additional training will be provided by the company.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly rate: $24–$34/hour (approximately $50,000–$71,000/year, plus overtime)
• 40-hour work week with overtime during the summer festival period
• Full-time, non-exempt position paid bi-weekly
• Health insurance, paid sick days, holidays, and 160 hours of PTO
• Relocation reimbursement for out-of-state candidates

About Des Moines Metro Opera

Des Moines Metro Opera is a nationally recognized opera festival celebrating 54 years of excellence in performance and production. The company values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experience levels.

About Theater Outsource

Theater Outsource is a specialized recruiting firm serving the live events, production, and entertainment technology industries. From theaters and themed attractions to AV integrators and system manufacturers, we connect top technical and creative talent with the companies that bring experiences to life.

With a network of over 4,000 vetted professionals nationwide , we understand the balance of artistry, engineering, and precision it takes to make every show a success. Our placements range from rigging supervisors and project managers to engineers, installers, and field technicians .

At Theater Outsource, our philosophy is simple:

We deliver the Talent.

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