Term- First Hand

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University is a leading force in the American theater, producing groundbreaking work in Cambridge and beyond. A.R.T. produces a mainstage subscription season, as well as additional artistic projects, which expand the boundaries of theater by transforming the ways in which work is developed, programmed, produced, and contextualized, always including the audience as a partner. A.R.T. produces a broad range of theatrical entertainment including new works, pre-Broadway premieres, co-productions and transfers, and international tours.

Through groundbreaking and transformational theatrical experiences, A.R.T. believes that theater has the power to heal and imagine collective pathways forward. A.R.T. affirms and celebrates a multitude of perspectives and experiences that reflect the diversity of our country and world and is dedicated to making a welcoming and accessible space for people of any identity, background, or ability.

As the professional theater on the campus of Harvard University, A.R.T. is committed to the collaborative and creative exchange among a wide range of academic departments, institutions, students, and faculty members. A.R.T. plays a central role in Harvard’s undergraduate Theater, Dance & Media concentration and also mentors students in the Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club at the Loeb Drama Center.

Under the guidance of the Costume Manager and in collaboration with Assistant Costume Manager. The Staff Draper will assist in research, garment construction, fittings, build process, altering, hand-off, and storing for A.R.T. Costume productions. The position is primarily responsible for in-house costume construction and finishing of assigned projects per Costume management team. Other duties include assisting in supervision of over hire employees as needed during build process and tech. Performs related tasks as assigned by the Costume Manager for the operation and maintenance of the Costume Department.

Please note this is a 12 month TERM assignment

Commitment to valuing diversity and equity:
Contribute to a culture of community, anti-racism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect among staff and guest artists.

• Maintain a safe work environment for all by recognizing and interrupting micro-aggressions that are unprofessional, unsafe, and impactful. Demonstrates inclusive behavior and create a positive work experience of belonging for all staff and guest in the Costume Department that follows A.R.T community agreements.
• Engage in anti-racist (AR) and anti-oppression (AO) work by recognizing, interrupting, and reporting racist and oppressive behavior and remarks that are harmful to self, colleagues, production department, and the organization.

Research for assigned projects:

• Confer with the Costume management team, Costume Designers, and Draper to determine costume construction plans throughout the design process.
• Implement and contribute to Draper’s research in costume construction techniques that factor efficient use of time, quality of work, functionality of garment, ease of use for Wardrobe Department and performer.

Garment Construction & Fitting of Costumes:

• Participates in the creation of elaborate and unique costume pieces that can range from: historical, contemporary, fantasy and dance.
• Delegates and follows through on multiple costume projects per Draper instruction to self and stitchers during the production build period of assigned show.
• Take measurements of performers, respecting varying needs of privacy and comfort.
• Intermediate ability and understanding to drape, flat pattern, grade, true and or modify new or existing patterns for assigned costume projects regardless of body type for mock-up fittings.
• The ability to understand body proportions and how to incorporate the dimensions into assigned costume projects to achieve desired look.
• The ability to understand and implement time usage garment construction techniques and/or order of operations to Stitchers.
• Proficiency in maintaining workload pace designated by Draper for self and stitching team for builds and alterations for show(s) in at appropriate measure.

Supporting The Workroom:

• Assist Draper with managing over-hire stitchers’ labor as designated by the Costume Manager’s or Assistant Costume Manager’s discretion.
• Participate in shop maintenance, organization, and sanitization of Costume Department space. This includes equipment for cleaning shared spaces.
• Clean and restock garments and accessories as designated and use bacterial sprays on footwear.
• Assist with show packing and paperwork for current show run and future engagements.
• Engages with A.R.T patrons via Marketing and Development events.
• Support Draper in quality control of garments during the show build process, that considers time, staff resources and current industry standards.
• Uphold physical safety compliances set through precedence, policy, and procedure per A.R.T.

Participation in technical rehearsal process:

• Implement and complete notes and pertinent information per Draper to achieve clear and efficient quick changes, under or over-dressing, pre-setting props in costumes, safety notes and tracking show updates from Costume Designer and Costume Management team.
• Complete rehearsal costumes notes, understudy costume tracks, and alterations notes given by Costume Designer, Costume Management, Wardrobe Department, and Artistic Team promptly.
• Work overtime before tech up to opening of show.
• Attend dress rehearsal in person.

Participation in training, maintenance, and planning:

• Participate Costume departmental trainings, workshops, and meetings.
• Provide feedback and support developing, new, or existing office systems and organization.
• Take part in maintenance/improvement of systems and organization of the Costume Department, Workroom, and Costume Craft areas.

If you believe this is a role is one that you will be excited to work in, even if you do not have the following, we encourage you to apply.

• Valid Driver’s License
• Flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Inclusive communication and behavior particularly with body types, hair types, skin tones and genders with neutral language. Strong leadership qualities with managing time and organizational responsibility. Successful under time and space limitations, while maintaining a safe and respectful environment.

This position is subject to periodic unpaid leaves of absence based upon the Production calendar. This position requires occasional overtime and the ability to work some nights and weekends. This position is deemed critical during the production and technical rehearsal period. Primary work takes place in the Prop Shop located in the Loeb Drama Center (a multistory building without an elevator, with work taking place on all levels) with occasional work at the A.R.T. Scene Shop (2 miles from the theater) and the Ashland warehouse location (25 miles from the theater).

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Arts

USA - MA - Cambridge

402006 A.R.T. Technician

On-Site

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052

Production

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Full-time

Identity

Full time. Monday through Friday. 40 hours per week.

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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