Scenic Carpenter

The Free Will Players Theatre Guild was formed in 1989 by a group of actors in a truly co-operative spirit with the mandate to produce the works of William Shakespeare. The company presents the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, which has grown into a professional theatre festival with an annual audience of thousands. We stage outdoor productions every summer.

Ethnocultural Mandate

The Freewill Players is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to building an organization that reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from members of Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities; Two-Spirit, non-binary, trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer people; disabled people; youth; and members of other equity seeking groups.

The Free Will Players Theatre Guild is seeking a hands-on and detail-oriented Scenic Carpenter to join our team for the 2026 Freewill Shakespeare Festival. This paid student position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program and is open to applicants between the ages of 15 and 30, making it ideal for someone interested in scenic construction, carpentry, or technical theatre who is looking to gain hands-on experience in a collaborative outdoor performance environment.

About the Role

The Scenic Carpenter supports the construction and installation of scenic elements for the Freewill Shakespeare Festival. Working closely with the Production Manager and Set Designer, this role contributes directly to building the physical environment that brings each production to life.

This position is designed as a mentored learning opportunity, offering practical experience in scenic construction, tool use, installation, and production workflow. The Scenic Carpenter will develop technical skills while working as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced festival setting.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in building, assembling, and preparing scenic elements as designed for the productions
Operate hand and power tools safely, following all required safety protocols and site procedures
Participate in load-in and on-site installation of scenic elements
Assist with strike, ensuring materials and equipment are safely dismantled and returned to storage
Maintain tools, equipment, and workspaces to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the build process
Collaborate with other production departments, including props, scenic paint, and stage management
Identify and communicate potential construction or installation issues to the Production Manager
Support material preparation and organization to facilitate efficient workflow
Follow all safety standards, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Participate in safety briefings and assist with maintaining a safe work environment

Who Should Apply

This role is well suited to individuals who have:

An interest in scenic construction, carpentry, or technical theatre
A willingness to learn and safely use hand and power tools
Comfort working in a physically active, outdoor environment
Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving
The ability to work collaboratively as part of a production team
A commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful work environment

Contract Details

Start Date: May 25, 2026
End Date: July 17, 2026
Pay: $18 per hour
Hours: 35 hours/week
Eligibility: Must meet Canada Summer Jobs Requirements for Employment
- be between 15 and 30 years old at the start of their summer job
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the job and
- be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
  - this includes having a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of their summer job

How to Apply

Please email proposals to info@freewillshakespeare.com with the subject line
Scenic Carpenter – Freewill Shakespeare Festival.