Freelance Carpenter
Salary £ 18 - £22
COVENTRY
Vacancy listed 02/07/2026
Application deadline 03/08/2026
Details
Post: Freelance Carpenter

Employer: Belgrade Theatre

Salary: £18 - £22 Per Hour depending on experience
Department: Belgrade Theatre Scenery
Contract: Freelance / Self-Employed
Hours: As required depending on production schedules and project demand
Line Manager: BTS Head of Workshop
Location: Red Lane Workshop Site and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Applications: Ongoing
Interviews: As required

About The Belgrade Theatre

The Belgrade Theatre is one of the UK's leading producing theatres and a cultural landmark at the heart of Coventry and the West Midlands.

Our vision is to create and share exceptional theatre that reaches, inspires and reflects the communities we serve. Alongside producing and presenting world-class performances, we deliver extensive community engagement, education programmes, commercial services and partnerships across the region and beyond.

The Belgrade is home to two auditoria, a thriving programme of community and participation work, and Belgrade Theatre Scenery), our successful commercial production arm specialising in scenic construction, scenic art, wardrobe and technical production services for both in-house productions and external clients.

Collaboration, creativity, inclusion and innovation are central to everything we do, and we are proud to work with talented individuals who help bring stories and experiences to life on our stages and beyond.

The Opportunity

We are seeking experienced, skilled and reliable Freelance Carpenters to join our Workshop team on a project-by-project basis.

Working as part of The Belgrade Theatre Scenery Team, you will support the construction, modification and installation of scenery, stage sets and associated production elements for both Belgrade Theatre productions and commercial clients.

This role would suit individuals with a strong background in scenic construction who thrive in creative environments and enjoy translating technical drawings and artistic concepts into practical, high-quality builds.

Purpose of the Role

The Freelance Carpenter will provide specialist carpentry support to the Workshop team, assisting in the construction, maintenance, repair and installation of scenery and stage sets for theatrical productions and commercial projects.

Working alongside workshop colleagues, production teams and creative departments, the successful candidate will contribute to delivering high quality builds safely, efficiently and to agreed timescales.

Key Responsibilities

Scenic Construction

  • Construct, repair and modify scenery, stage sets, furniture and production elements for Belgrade productions and external client projects.
  • Work confidently with a variety of materials including timber, metal, plastics and composite materials.
  • Interpret and work from technical drawings, construction drawings and design plans.
  • Deliver work to a high standard of craftsmanship whilst meeting project deadlines and budgets.
  • Collaborate closely with Production Managers, Designers and Artistic teams to realise creative concepts effectively and practically.
  • Attend fit-ups, technical rehearsals and installation periods where required to ensure quality and consistency of builds.
  • Support touring productions and client projects where attendance on-site or off-site may be necessary.

Workshop Operations

  • Operate workshop machinery, hand tools and power tools safely and effectively.
  • Support the maintenance, upkeep and safe operation of workshop equipment and machinery.
  • Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment at all times.
  • Follow all Health and Safety procedures, risk assessments and safe systems of work.

Administration

  • Submit timesheets and invoices accurately and within agreed timescales.
  • Maintain clear communication regarding availability, project progress and any issues affecting delivery.

General Responsibilities

  • Support colleagues across Workshop disciplines where required, including scenic art, metalwork, props and other production areas.
  • Undertake duties consistent with the nature and seniority of the role as required by the Head of Workshop.
  • Act as an ambassador for the Belgrade Theatre and Belgrade Production Services at all times.
  • Work in line with the Belgrade's values of inclusion, collaboration, authenticity and innovation.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Experience and Skills

  • Minimum of three years' experience within scenery construction or a similar carpentry environment.
  • Strong practical experience in scenic construction and workshop practices.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical and construction drawings.
  • Competence in the use of hand tools, power tools and workshop machinery.
  • Understanding of multiple workshop disciplines including carpentry, furniture construction, scenic finishing and prop making.
  • Ability to identify creative and practical solutions to achieve design outcomes within available resources.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
  • Flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities and project requirements.
  • High levels of reliability and professionalism.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Good numeracy and literacy skills.
  • Willingness to embrace and promote the Belgrade Theatre's values and culture.

Desirable Skills and Experience

  • Welding experience or metal fabrication skills.
  • Full clean UK driving licence.
  • Experience working within theatre, live events or entertainment industries.
  • Experience of community arts or participatory projects.

Terms and Conditions

  • This is a freelance engagement and there is no obligation on the Theatre to offer work, nor on the freelancer to accept work offered.
  • Work is offered on a project-by-project basis depending on operational demand.
  • Typical working hours fall between 8:00am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, although hours will vary according to project requirements.
  • Once work has been offered and accepted, freelancers will be expected to comply with Belgrade Theatre policies regarding attendance and notification of absence.
  • The primary place of work is the BPS Workshop at Red Lane, Coventry, although attendance at the Belgrade Theatre and external locations may be required.
  • Payment rates are currently between £18 and £22 per hour, depending on experience and project requirements.
  • Payment is made weekly in arrears upon receipt of a valid invoice.
  • Freelance workers may access staff ticket benefits for selected performances and receive a 10% discount in the Theatre Café and Bars, subject to applicable conditions.

Apply Now
 Upload your CV and Cover Letter
 In your cover letter, tell us: 

  • Why you want to work for The Belgrade Theatre?
  • What experiences and skills do you have that you feel will illustrate your suitability for the role 

 Our Commitment to Equality
The Belgrade Theatre is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including but not limited to individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths or beliefs, disabilities, and neurodiverse conditions.
 
We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our creative community and strengthens our connection to the audiences we serve. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to ensure that all employees and applicants feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.
 
If you require any adjustments, accommodations, or assistance at any stage of the recruitment or application process, please do not hesitate to contact us at recruitment@belgrade.co.uk with the subject line ‘Application Assistance’. We will work with you to provide the support you need to make your application journey as accessible and comfortable as possible.

If you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme, please reference that in your cover letter or application, and complete the disability confident survey via this link: Disability Confident Survey.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM
 
The Belgrade Theatre is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, aiming to attract and work with staff from a wide diverse pool. The information that you give us on this form will be treated confidentially and stored on our HR database as statistical information only. This will be used to help monitor the diversity of applicants and to enable us to continue to develop policies and procedures regarding diversity and to submit required data to our funders. The information you supply will not be made available to anyone in any form other than anonymous data.
 
Please complete our monitoring form via this link: Diversity and Equal Opportunities form.
 
At the Belgrade Theatre, we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive and contribute to telling powerful, diverse stories that reflect us
 as a vibrant community.

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