UW-Madison Job Description-- Master Carpenter

The Master Carpenter (MC) supervises the construction of the scenery built by students enrolled in theatre practicum courses.

Duties during the Planning Period:

1. Read the script and be familiar with the production concept.

2. Familiarize yourself with the shop facility and tools. Know where materials and stock items are kept.

3. Review designer and shop drawings with the Technical Director (TD) and Assistant Technical Director (ATD), discussing material choices and favored assembly methods.

4. Discuss the construction schedule with the TD and verify: time restrictions; the chosen order of construction; assigned labs; crew experience.

Duties during Construction, Assembly & Load-In Period:

1. Supervise the construction of all scenery with the assistance of lab crews and special projects students.

2. Provide information to crews on the scenic requirements of the production and proper tool, material, and assembly procedures.

3. Coordinate your work daily with the work of the other MCs, if any.

4. Alert the TD and ATD as to your material needs and any concerns regarding construction and personnel.

5. Meet with the TD and ATD regularly to keep informed of any changes in design, construction procedure or schedule; review timetable together each week.

6. Label all units in accordance with the shop drawings.

7. Perform a trial set-up of scenic units prior to load-in, if possible.

8. Assign crews to the appropriate area of the shop in which they should work.

9. Report all damaged or non-functional tools and equipment to the Shop Supervisor; provide a note with specific instructions/needs.

10. Assist in the construction of difficult pieces, as directed by the TD.

11. Prepare the tool road-box at least one day prior to load-in, in consultation with the Shop Supervisor.

12. Clean all shop areas immediately following the completion of the scenery load-in into the theatre.

Duties during the Technical Rehearsal & Performance Period:

1. Continue to be on call to make repairs, modifications, etc. as directed by the TD.

Cleanup Period:

1. Assist the TD in planning the order of strike and the allocation of crew and work space.

2. Assume a leadership role in the strike of the set and the salvage of all reusable units and materials. All areas must be cleaned and all equipment returned to its proper storage area.

Line of Responsibility:

1. Your immediate supervisor is the TD, followed by the University Theatre TD.

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