At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to build stunning scenery for live performances at the London Coliseum.
- Company: English National Opera, a leader in the performing arts with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £937.20 per week and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with a skilled team and enjoy a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Bring creative ideas to life in a fast-paced, dynamic theatre environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale theatre carpentry and strong stagecraft knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 17 - 17 £ per hour.
We're hiring an experienced Production Carpenter to support the planning, construction, installation and maintenance of scenery for our 26/27 opera season at the London Coliseum. This is a hands-on role requiring excellent carpentry and scenic construction skills, strong organisational abilities, and the confidence to supervise teams during fit-ups, performances, changeovers and get-outs. Working as part of a highly skilled team, you will collaborate with colleagues across technical teams to deliver safe, efficient and high-quality scenic solutions.
If you thrive in a fast-paced live performance environment and enjoy turning technical drawings and creative ideas into reality, we'd love to hear from you.
Requirements:- Previous professional, large-scale theatre experience at a senior level in a stage capacity and an excellent understanding of stagecraft and theatre practice.
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of current scenic construction practice and scenic equipment.
- Excellent knowledge and practical experience of safe working practices within a theatrical environment.
- Working knowledge of Health & Safety legislation including LOLER and PUWER with the ability to carry out effective risk assessments, method statements.
- The ability to read and interpret ground and stage plans using CAD and other software.
- The ability to work at height, use stage-related access equipment and PPE.
- The ability to work as part of a team and independently, under minimum supervision.
- A proactive, flexible, collaborative and conscientious approach to work with an open mind to new or different ways of working.
- Good punctuality and the ability to set an example to others, always exhibiting a professional attitude.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work well under pressure.
- The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with colleagues and staff at all levels.
- Supervisory and team leadership skills.
Please see our recruitment pack for full details of the role.
Application deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 11 August 2026
1st Interviews: Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 August 2026
2nd Interviews: Friday 21 August 2026
Reasonable adjustments: If you require any reasonable adjustments for the application or interview process, please contact workwithus@eno.org
Feedback: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide individual feedback to those candidates who reach the interview stage.
English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we particularly encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.
Production Carpenter (FTC) employer: ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
English National Opera is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and inclusivity, making it a fantastic place for those passionate about community engagement. With a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, employees have ample opportunities for professional growth while working in vibrant locations like London and Greater Manchester. The organisation not only offers competitive salaries but also fosters meaningful connections with diverse communities, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in enriching the cultural landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Carpenter (FTC)
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Events
Look for local trade fairs or skilled trades expos in your area. These gatherings are perfect for networking and meeting potential employers like ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA who might be looking for temporary workers. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your skills directly!
✨Tap into Trade Networks
Joining local trade associations can be a game changer. Not only do they often have job boards, but they also run events where employers are seeking temporary talent in the skilled trades field. It’s a chance to meet people who know about upcoming vacancies personally!
✨Leverage Online Job Boards Specific to Your Trade
Make sure to explore online job boards that cater specifically to skilled trades. Websites like Direct 2 Job and TradeSkills4U often have temporary positions listed. Keep an eye on these for bursts of hiring in peak seasons—there’s always demand around renovation times!
✨Apply Quickly and Show Up in Person
When applying for temporary roles, speed can be key. If you see a role you like, like one at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA, don’t just send in your application; follow up with a phone call or even a visit. It shows proactivity and can leave a strong impression on employers!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Carpenter (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:In the skilled trades, it’s all about showcasing your hands-on abilities. Make sure your CV highlights specific trade skills you’ve mastered, along with any relevant certifications or training programmes you've completed. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Since this is a temporary role, we want you to focus on your most relevant experience. Tailor your CV to emphasise the projects or roles that align with the specific skills needed for the position at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA. Less fluff, more actionable details!
Mention Your Availability:In your cover letter, let us know your availability and willingness to start right away. Since this is a temporary position, we want to hear how you can jump in and make an impact quickly. Be clear about when you can start and how flexible you can be.
Share Your Work Portfolio:If you've got a portfolio or evidence of past projects, include it! We love to see the tangible results of your skilled work. Whether it's photos or detailed descriptions of your previous jobs, sharing this with us can really set you apart from the competition.
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA
✨Show Off Your Skills
Since you’re diving into a temporary position in skilled trades, make sure to highlight your relevant hands-on experience. Bring along a portfolio of your past projects or photos showing your skillset in action. This isn’t just about what you say; it’s about showing what you can do as well!
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Get ready for some on-the-job assessment during the interview. Be prepared to demonstrate your technical skills, whether it’s through a practical test or skills assessment. Brush up on common tools and techniques specific to your trade, so you can showcase your competence confidently.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, companies often look for candidates who can hit the ground running. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different projects or working conditions. Emphasize your eagerness to learn quickly and make a positive impact right away.
✨Communicate Your Team Spirit
In skilled trades, being part of a team is often crucial. Make sure to talk about your past experiences working collaboratively with colleagues. Whether it's sharing a tool or problem-solving on site, show that you understand the importance of teamwork in getting the job done efficiently at ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA.
