Properties Carpenter

The application window for this position has an anticipated end date of 08/11/2025 .

Company Overview

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is one of the largest non-profit theatre organizations in the nation, presenting Broadway tours and producing theatre, cabaret, musicals, and innovative, immersive experiences. Through these experiences and alongside our robust Education program, we engage hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The DCPA’s workforce includes more than 300 employed team members in non-union and union positions (in partnership with seven unions). In addition, we employ hundreds of artists and contractors annually. We have a strong volunteer program which includes more than 300 volunteers.

Our Mission: “We engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre.”

Culture Statement

For more than 40 years, creativity and community have been the foundation of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ success. As a leading cultural organization in the Rocky Mountain West, we are actively participating in a cultural evolution of belonging and anti-racism. Our commitment to reflect the diversity and priorities of our community — in our workplace, audience and programming — has never been more present.

We believe that the theater can transform us — and be transformed by us. We invite you to be part of our Team.

Job purpose

The Properties Carpenter, in collaboration with the Properties Supervisor and Associate Supervisor, is responsible for the fabrication and modification of all props, with a focus on carpentry and metalwork, to realize the Designers’ vision for each production. This position specializes in fine carpentry, detailed fabrication, and high-quality finishing of intricately designed props and elements. The Properties Carpenter communicates, coordinates, and partners with other shop artisans and department heads to ensure efficient integration of prop elements and set dressing. This role also supervises over-hire labor during props construction and assists with purchasing supplies for the wood shop as well as maintaining tools, equipment, and existing props. All employees are expected to model and champion the DCPA’s core values of artistic excellence, community, equity, diversity and inclusion, and fiscal responsibility.

Duties and responsibilities

• Fabricates and modifies/maintains properties for all productions within each season. Including, but not limited to, understanding working drawings/elevations, construction methods; carpentry, metal fabrication, hand tools, power tools, pneumatics, electrical, adhesives, foams, and mixed media fabrication, etc.
• Has exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills. Using those skills to discuss show concepts with the designer and/or Properties Supervisor/Associate Supervisor.
• Has ability to work with a variety of people from all different backgrounds, including designers, artisans, and staff.
• Reviews and verifies all working design drawings for accuracy and clarity of information
• Acquires materials and goods needed to execute the building of props.
• Uses appropriate Personal Protective Equipment on all necessary projects.
• Adheres to established budgets for each production and assesses the cost of mounting the props to stay within budget.
• Has ability to work productively under time pressure and meet deadlines.
• Services and maintains prop shop equipment and assists with warehouse inventory.
• Maintains a safe, healthy, and clean/shop environment.
• Maintains SDS sheets on all necessary products purchased for the carpentry shop and assists with the rest of the prop shop.
• Supports the load in, maintenance, and strike of all prop elements and dressing during the production process.
• Assists prop artisans as assigned.
• Performs other related work as required.

Qualifications

An ideal candidate will have the following skills and/or experience:

• At least 5 years of experience with fine carpentry and prop fabrication
• Able to share experience with a portfolio of photos, drawings, and/or research of projects.
• Wood working, welding, casting, wood turning, furniture repair, and painting knowledge
• Experience with soft goods, including upholstery and sewing techniques, is advantageous.
• 3D printing/CNC routing knowledge is a plus.
• A working knowledge of all aspects of the theatre – production and technical as well as performance.
• Basic Knowledge of period styles, theatrical terms to produce accurate and precise props.
• Strong organizational, cleaning, budgeting, and labor management skills.
• Effective communication skills – written, oral, and visual.
• Ability to read scaled construction or design drawings and create properties from verbal, written and visual images

• Understands and embraces that change is a part of producing theatre.
• A working knowledge of construction techniques and standards and the physical capability to operate standard wood working hand and power tools.
• Strong computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, online shopping and CAD/Vectorworks.

Working conditions

Ability to work long hours, occasional weekends and work with a flexible schedule. Must be willing to work at heights, around moving machinery, and with exposure to noise, vibration, and dust. Ability to work safely in an environment containing potentially hazardous electrical equipment, fumes, vapor, gases, and/or materials.

Physical requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Direct reports

No direct reports

Compensation

$25.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits

Seasonal positions include the following benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance and Pet Insurance

401k Plan with employer contributions

Time off benefits including personal days, sick days, vacation days and 10 paid holidays.

The DCPA is located in Denver, CO and all roles are based at our on-site location: 1101 13th Street, Denver, CO 80204. Some roles at the DCPA may be eligible for hybrid work options. More information is available through the interview process.

The DCPA does not require applicants to disclose age, date of birth or dates of attendance and/or graduation from an educational institution in their application for employment. Applicants may redact these and other applicable dates from their resume, transcript, and any other material that they submit as part of their application for employment.

In order to provide high quality, culturally competent care to our patrons, students, guests and team members, it is of highest importance that our hiring practices reflect our values by offering an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusion. All of our team members – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, language, abilities/disabilities, socioeconomic status, geographic region, or other defining characteristics – should feel welcome and valued.