Position Title: Assistant Costume Manager (Term appointment)
Req ID: 66896BR
School or Unit: American Repertory Theater
Description: Job Summary
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 mentors' students in the Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club at the Loeb Drama Center.
The American Repertory Theater at Harvard University strives to reflect and celebrate the diversity of Cambridge and Greater Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United States and the world in our programming, artists, audience, boards, partners, and staff. The A.R.T. is committed to developing and producing work and creating environments that embrace the full breadth and beauty of our shared humanity. We unequivocally oppose any attempts to divide our community through acts of discrimination, omission, and violence. We are dedicated to making a welcoming and accessible space for people of any identity, background, or ability, including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, nationality or immigration status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical/mental ability, appearance, socio-economic status, education level, and political viewpoint.
The Assistant Costume Manager reports to the Costume Manager and supports the needs of the Costume Design team and the Costume Department throughout the production process. They support the needs of Boston and NYC based staff. Other duties include assisting with fittings, supporting the flow of communication between relevant parties Stage Management, Costume Management, Wardrobe Manager, and Costume Designer.
Position Description
Workflow Management
In collaboration with the Costume Manager, monitors Costume build production.
Ensures staff are on time to work.
Make certain costume staff adhere to the company handbook, production department guides, and safety procedures.
Inform staff of department meetings and ensure staff are aware of department policy and paperwork.
Provides specific feedback to Costume Manager regarding staff performance.
Participates in evaluation of staff hiring.
Provides up to date forecasting on staff project builds.
Provides feedback to Costume Manager in adjusting team assignments.
Collaborates with and facilitates communication on inter-departmental projects such as lighting, props, craft/wig projects during tech.
Updates information in cloud-based information sharing systems.
Provides emergency coverage in fittings, load-ins, tech, dress rehearsals and previews for Costume Manager, as needed.
Shopping and Returns
Supports in-person purchasing of costume items, supplies, and materials using ART purchasing resources, while staying in the designated budget set by Costume Manager.
Acts in accordance with Harvard and A.R.T. financial resources when using Costume Department purchasing resources.
Assists with support commercial costume labor needs for build, fittings, alterations, and other requests per Costume Manager.
Receives and processes packages at design room/fittings space and uses A.R.T. Costume Department paperwork to track and coordinate purchases with the Costume Shop Manager and Costume Coordinator.
Tracks and processes in-person and online shopping returns as needed in collaboration with Costume Coordinator.
Tracks and organizes all receipts and invoices with Costume Manager and Design Assistant.
Work with Costume Design team to ship fabric, notions, and other relevant materials to commercial costume businesses and private contractors.
Fittings
Supports Costume management team through notetaking, fittings assisting, pinning garments, resetting fitting room space, cleaning, organizing materials and pulling garments.
Updates Costume Manager of items that are missing or need to be sourced after fittings.
Works with Design Assistant, Wardrobe Department, Costume Designer(s), and department colleagues about status of purchased pieces throughout the process.
Administrative Duties:
Coordinates and executes materials, piece, and shoe purchasing, fittings, maintenance, returns, reconciliation, and tracking for all rehearsal and show needs.
Support shows paperwork with A.R.T.: piece lists, dressing sheets, visual costume plots, source lists, and laundry/maintenance information.
Notifies the Costume Manager about maintenance, repair and replacement of shop equipment as needed.
Notifies Costume Manager about office supplies needs.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
1+ years of experience working in live entertainment, events, or an equivalent combination of relevant work experience and education beyond high school. Broad working knowledge of costume construction
Experience working in a costume shop, fashion, garment manufacturing, or similar environment.
Experience with hand sewing and alterations.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
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.
Intermediate knowledge of Costume history, Theatre, Opera, Ballet and/or fashion construction skills as demonstrated through professional or academic experience.
Expertise in several of the following machines: domestic and industrial sewing machines, sergers, cover stitch, buttonholes machines, irons, and steamers.
Familiarity with and knowledge of different types of fabrics and sewing notions.
Proficiency with tools, hand tools and a variety of craft and building supplies.
Well-organized and exceptional attention to detail.
Proficient in using computers and knowledge of basic computer programs (email, word processing, etc. Microsoft Office environment a plus.).
Ability to multi-task and work effectively while managing multiple deadlines and priorities.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism in practice.
Support education and job development training. This can include, but is not limited to teaching workshops, leading tours, discussing behind-the-scenes activities, or taking on interns or apprentices.
Maintain and promote a safe work environment by following and enforcing all safety regulations, providing safety equipment, training employees on safe practices, reporting incidents, managing record keeping, staying up to date on safety issues and advising on safety related practices.
With advanced notice, must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflecting the dynamic schedule of the theater.
Flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Inclusive communication and behavior particularly with different communication styles. Strong leadership qualities with managing time and organizational responsibility. Successful under time and space limitations, while maintaining a safe and respectful environment.
Ability to lead by example and carry forward the values of the production department.
Willingness and ability to work 40 hours per week. Flexibility to work overtime as needed.
Working Conditions
Current Driver's License or ability to obtain a license upon employment
Working Conditions
This position requires frequent evening and weekend hours and the ability to work overtime as needed.
The A.R.T. is located in a multistory building without an elevator, with work taking place on all levels
Costume storage is located offsite, and housed in the A.R.T. production shop building, approximately two miles from the theater. The storage area is on a second-level loft, accessed via a staircase.
Additional Information
This position is deemed critical during the production and technical rehearsal period.
This position is subject to periodic unpaid furloughs based on the production calendar, and is a term position with an end date of 2/14/2025
This position may require travel to New York to support the rehearsal needs and fittings.
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.
Benefits
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.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-CS1
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 402008 A.R.T. Senior Technician
Job Function: Arts
Work Format: On-Site
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 054
Department: Costumes
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
Schedule: Full time. 40 hours per week.
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: 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.
EOE Statement: 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.
