New England HERC

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 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, and media concentration and also mentors students in the Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club at the Loeb Drama Center.

Under the guidance of the Technical Direction team and in collaboration with the other Scenic Carpenters, the Scenic Carpenter will assist in the fabrication, delivery, installation, repair, strike, and transfer of scenic elements for productions produced by A.R.T in a variety of venues.

Position Description

Commitment to valuing diversity and equity:

• Contribute to a culture of community, anti-racism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect among staff and guest artists.
• Contribute to an environment of continued learning.
• Participate in company wide anti-racism and anti-oppression initiatives.

Fabrication of Scenery:
Construct scenery through welding, carpentry, rigging, sewing, plastic work, and other types of scenic materials.

• Understand and effectively execute fabrication in accordance with technical drawings and notation, as well as from sketches or verbal descriptions.
• Engage in trial assemblies and troubleshooting, hardware packaging, labeling, and related detailing of scenery prior to it leaving the shop.
• Proactively communicate to supervisors as technical issues arise with an eye toward active problem-solving.
• Assist with automation and special effects as needed.
• As a project lead, guide employees assigned to your team through the assigned project.

Load-in, Technical Rehearsal Notes, Strike, and Transfer of Scenery

• Participate in load-ins, notes, and strikes of A.R.T. production obligations at performance venues.
• Collaborate with and support other departments.
• Load and unload trucks

Upkeep and Maintenance of Shop and Related Theatre Facilities

• Participate in daily shop clean-up, end of day and throughout.
• Set an example for everyone on the shop floor with good housekeeping habits and safe work practices.

Training, Meetings, and Related

• Attend meetings and training sessions as required.
• Periodic shopping and materials research

Basic Qualifications

• Basic carpentry and metalworking skills
• Ability to work unsupervised as well as with a team
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Attention to detail and resourceful problem-solving
• At least three of the following skills:
  • Construction work site safety knowledge
  • Basic ability to read technical drawings
  • Basic Rigging knowledge
  • Basic electronics/automation knowledge
  • Basic sewing knowledge

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.

• Understanding and commitment to basic safety practices for both tools and supplies
• Strong MIG welding skills in steel
• Advanced knowledge of hand, power, and stationary woodworking tools
• Experience with safe, industry-standard rigging practices
• Advanced knowledge of standard theatrical scenery construction techniques and terminology
• Self-motivation and a willingness to learn new skill sets
• Experience with TIG welding (particularly aluminum), CNC routing, sewing, pneumatics, hydraulics, automation control, wiring, or sculpting
• Experience building in off-site facilities, touring, repping, and working with transfers to commercial and other venues
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and apply arithmetic and geometry to everyday construction problem solving
• Aesthetic eye for interpreting design drawings or elevations
• Experience with basic tool repair
• Class D driver's license
• Comfortable driving a 26' truck in urban environments
• Ability to lift 50 pounds with assistance and be able to stoop, lift, bend and work in low light conditions
• Ability to work in a shop environment including concrete floors, occasional loud noises, dust and potentially crowded conditions.
• Ability to utilize ladders and stairs daily

Working Conditions

• The A.R.T. Scene Shop is located ~2 miles away from the Theater and 25 miles from the warehouse. It is a multistory building without an elevator, with work taking place on all levels. The Carpenter will be asked to carry materials up and down stairs and use hand and stationary power tools.
• A.R.T's theater space is in the Loeb Drama Center, a multistory building without an elevator, with work taking place on all levels. Carpenters will be asked to move scenery weighing upwards of 70 lbs and other materials to and from storage or around the building, as well as loading and unloading material from trucks and vans (both at a loading dock and from the street). They may also assist in the installation of rigging and loading of 40lb stage weights into counter-weight arbors. Work may also take place on ladders, genies, and the steel grating of the grid, 60' above deck, which is accessed via a 78-step spiral staircase.
• This job requires the ability to stay in a stationary position for long periods of time occasionally while having periods of intense movement. Constant movement and use of limbs; This position requires good manual dexterity, strength, coordination, and stamina. This job works both indoors and outdoors depending on the weather.

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 some nights and weekends. PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A 12 MONTH TERM ASSIGNMENT.

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 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.

Work Format

On-Site


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.

EEO 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.

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