Term- Costume Design Assistant

25-Mar-2024

American Repertory Theater

65255BR

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.

Under the guidance of the Costume Manager and in collaboration with Assistant Costume Manager, Boston Costume Coordinator, Designers, and Shop staff, the Gatsby Costume Design Assistant, is the A.R.T representative in New York City while the A.R.T Costume Management team is working out Cambridge, Ma. They work to support the coordination and administrative efforts of all New York City-based costume work in preparation for the show’s delivery to A.R.T. in Cambridge.
The position is primarily responsible for administering the temporary design/ fittings office and room in NYC, supporting the purchasing needs that arise in New York. In-person point of contact for costume needs in rehearsal. Tracking costume pieces through the entire build and fittings process. Other duties include assisting with fittings, supporting the flow of communication between relevant parties (Stage Management, Costume Management, Wardrobe Manager, and Costume Designer(s)), running and shipping costumes to and from professional services, rehearsal space and/or commercial costume businesses, and maintaining show paperwork, piece list, and dressing sheets in collaboration with Wardrobe and Costume Management.

Position Description

Position Responsibilities
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.
• Optional participation in companywide anti-racism and anti-oppression initiatives.
• Optional attendance at company, department, shop meetings and, as necessary, safety training.

Shopping and Returns

• Coordinate in-person purchasing of costume items, supplies, and materials in NYC using ART purchasing resources, while staying in the designated budget set by Costume Manager.
• Act in accordance with Harvard and A.R.T. financial resources when using Costume Dept purchasing resources.
• Assist with support commercial costume labor needs in NYC for build, fittings, alterations, and other requests per Costume Manager.
• Receive and process packages at temporary design room/fittings space and use A.R.T. Costume Dept. paperwork to track and coordinate purchases with Assistant Costume Shop Manager and Boston Costume Coordinator.
• Track and process in-person and online shopping returns as needed in collaboration with Boston Costume Coordinator.
• Track and organize all receipts and invoices for delivery to Costume Manager.
• Work with Costume Design team to ship fabric, notions, and other relevant materials to commercial costume businesses and private contractors.

Fittings

• Confirm with Stage Management, Costume Designer(s), Costume Department Staff, and contracted Costume businesses/private contractors’ fittings times and dates.
• Point of contact for performers on day of fitting.
• Support Costume Design and Costume Management team in NYC through notetaking, fitting assistance such as pinning garments as needed*, resetting fitting room space, cleaning, organizing materials and pulling garments.
• Keep Costume Management team informed of items that are added-on, missing or in need to be sourced after NYC fittings. 
• Point person for NYC to Boston transfer from Wardrobe Department, Costume Designer(s), and department colleagues about status of purchased pieces for load-in. 

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain a high level of organization of temporary design room/fittings space.
• Respond to, and deliver on, rehearsal costume requests of items that are provided by A.R.T. Costume stock or need to be purchased in NYC.
• Coordinate and execute shoe purchasing, fittings, and subsequent cobbler’s needs for show shoes in rehearsal room.
• Work with Costume Management team on show paperwork with A.R.T.: piece lists, dressing sheets, visual costume plots, source lists, and laundry/maintenance information.
• Travel to A.R.T. during wardrobe load-in to facilitate hand-off to Wardrobe and Costume Management. Stay in residence in Boston area for tech through opening.

Basic Qualifications

• Intermediate knowledge of and/or willingness to learn Costume history, Theatre, Opera, Ballet, and/ or fashion-building skills as demonstrated through professional or academic experience.
• Proficiency in Outlook, Calendar, Word, Excel, and/or similar software.
• Expertise in several of the following machines: domestic and industrial sewing machines, sergers, cover stitch, buttonholes machines, irons, and steamers.Proficiency with tools, hand tools and a variety of craft and building supplies.
• Attention to detail and high-quality standards.

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.

• Valid Driver’s License
• 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Power Point, Adobe, or similar software.
• Experience shopping online/in person.
• Familiarity with and knowledge of different types of fabrics and sewing notions.
• Experience using domestic and industrial sewing machines.
• Attention to detail and high-quality standards.

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift 50 pounds with assistance and be able to stoop, lift, bend, and work in low light conditions.
• Able to work in a shop environment including concrete floors, bright lights, occasional loud noises, dust, and crowded conditions.
• Ability to sit or stand for hours at a time. Ability to maintain a high degree of focus and concentration in a fast–paced environment. Ability to work in limited space. Ability to multi-task.
• Use stairs comfortably.

Additional Information

This position is primarily based in NYC with a short trip to A.R.T. in Cambridge for work at the Loeb Drama Center (a multistory building without an elevator, with work taking place on all levels) for show handoff, approx. 2-3 days. This position may require night and weekend work. This is a show-specific independent contractor position.  

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. 

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus. 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.

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.

Department Office Location

USA - NY - New York

Job Code

402006 A.R.T. Technician

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Appointment End Date

08-Jun-2024

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

Monday through Friday 9am-5pm. 40 hours per week. Additional hours during show production .

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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-KP1