The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University stands at the forefront of American theater, pushing boundaries in Cambridge and beyond. With a mainstage subscription season and innovative artistic projects, A.R.T. redefines the theater experience, engaging audiences as partners in its creative journey. From new works to pre-Broadway premieres, co-productions, and international tours, A.R.T. offers a diverse array of theatrical experiences.
Believing in the transformative power of theater to heal, A.R.T. seeks and envisions collective futures. Embracing a multitude of perspectives and experiences, A.R.T. fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of identity or background.
As Harvard University's professional theater, A.R.T. fosters collaboration across academic departments, institutions, and student groups. It plays a pivotal role in Harvard's undergraduate Theater, Dance & Media concentration, while also guiding 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
The Term Draftsperson/Carpenter plays a vital role assisting with drafting of scenery, collaborating closely with the Technical Director, purchaser, scenic charge, and other stakeholders to ensure timely completion of construction projects while maintaining safety and quality standards expected by ART. This includes overseeing material acquisition, product research, and prototyping; assisting TD and Purchaser/Interim ATD to coordinate scheduling and staffing; and to facilitate efficient and reliable manufacturing, load-in, and strike processes.
Position Description
Promote an inclusive and safe work environment:
Cultivate a sense of community and promote anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion among both staff and guest artists.
Prioritize psychological and physical safety, ensuring adherence to safe work practices and maintaining a secure work environment.
Support Artistic Vision and Goals:
Promote A.R.T.'s mission, vision, and values among staff and overhires.
Collaborate with the entire scenery department to execute scenic designs effectively.
Technical Design, Research, & Prototyping
Ensure adherence to budget and timelines while devising technical solutions mindful of production requirements such as scene shifts, truck loading, code compliance, structural integrity, rigging, and visual design.
Coordinate with other production departments affected by scenic elements.
Lead product research efforts, often in collaboration with the Purchaser.
Work closely with other fabricators to prototype solutions to scenic challenges or develop new techniques, under the guidance of the Technical Director (TD).
Drafting
Produce precise construction drawings using AutoCAD, adhering to drafting standards for all fabricated scenery.
Clarify design intent to scene shop team and collaborate with designers to resolve any ambiguities in drawings.
Accurately convert design drawings from various platforms as required.
Load in, Tech, & Strike
Aid TD in Coordination of load-in plans.
Prepare detailed documentation for shows, including piece lists, truck packs, assembly drawings/instructions, and operational requirements.
Attend select technical rehearsals and/or previews to advocate for scene shop interests.
General Communication
Attend and actively participate in daily morning meetings organized by the shop supervisor to coordinate with scene shop staff.
Stay updated on rehearsal and performance reports, as well as internal communications within the scene shop.
Collaborate in coordinating fabrication with paint and other relevant departments.
Maintain regular communication to track project progress on the shop floor.
Contribute to the development and upkeep of shared shop systems, including drafting templates, archiving, and general record-keeping protocols.
Engage with stage management, stage operations, and other department heads to address load-in/strike requirements, scenic operation and maintenance needs, and safe automation protocols.
Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, diligence, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Two years of college or equivalent and four years in a scenic fabrication environment-educational or professional.
Proficiency in engineering principles and their practical application to real-world challenges.
Proficient skills in AutoCAD, MS Outlook, and Excel.
Demonstrated expertise in adhering to safe and industry-standard rigging practices, with hands-on experience in building rigging systems.
Ability to thrive in a demanding environment with multiple concurrent priorities, maintaining effectiveness and composure.
Excellent communication abilities, both in expressing ideas and actively listening to others.
Punctuality and a proven history of meeting deadlines consistently.
Initiative-taking, meticulous individual with a proactive approach to planning and problem-solving.
Dedication to craftsmanship, coupled with a strong work ethic, commitment to safety, teamwork mentality, and a continuous drive for learning and improvement.
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
Possession of a class D driver's license and proficiency in driving 26' trucks in urban settings.
Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual with a proactive approach to planning and problem-solving. Demonstrated pride in craftsmanship, strong work ethic, commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Experience in off-site fabrication, touring, repping, and working with transfers to commercial and other venues is advantageous, as is prior professional experience in fabricating for the entertainment industry.
Additional Information
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 nights and weekends as needed.
Subject to Furloughs: Yes
Overtime Required: Yes
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
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)
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Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 402007 A.R.T. Technician-Specialist
Job Function: Arts
Work Format: On-Site
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 053
Department: Scenery
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (40 hours per week). Additional hours may be required on a flexible basis during periods of tech, strike, load-in, and similar events.
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.
