Term- Assistant Production Manager

Details

Posted: 09-Apr-24

Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Administrative/Support
Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 65403BR

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 also mentors students in the Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club at the Loeb Drama Center.
The primary goals of this position will be to assist the Director of Production and Production Manager at ART in the pre-production, load in, technical rehearsal and daily running of the spring/summer 2024 production of GATSBY. They will also support the other Production Departments (Scenery, Paints, Props, Costumes, Wardrobe, Lighting and Projections, Sound, and Stage Operations) as time allows, working on various projects to improve the workflow and day to day operations of the Production Department. This position will work on a variable schedule basis for potentially 40+ hours per week, with overtime and weekend work as scheduled around the needs of the productions.

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 companywide anti-racism and anti-oppression initiatives.
• Attending all company, department, shop meetings, and as necessary, safety training.

Support Artistic Vision and Goals:

• Maintain updated show calendar for GATSBY, and assist the Director of Production and Production Manager in crafting tech and load-in and -out schedules. Distributing calendars as needed.
• Provide production support for rehearsal and performance periods as needed; remain on site at the theatre for load in, tech and preview weeks, in rotation with other members of the production staff.
• Assist the Production Manager on production budgeting and expense and labor tracking; maintain production budgets and assist in the timely reporting of production expenses.
• Assist Production and Company Management on designer travel tracking, expense reimbursements, and vendor payments as needed.
• Organize and share production information to keep teammates informed and to promote a transparent production process. Create and maintain useful archives of documents from Gatsby for future reference.
• Assist where needed with basic IT troubleshooting which can include, but not limited to, printer access, sharepoint access, guest wifi access, etc.
• Attend production meetings; record, distribute and archive production meeting notes as needed.
• Assist Production Manager in logistics and permit arrangements as needed, including permits, trucking and drivers for rehearsals and show load in/out weeks. Meet trucks as needed at theater, warehouse, or other locations.
• Interface with all production departments to maintain contact and face sheets for department staff and show crews, and update as needed for Producing, Stage Management, COVID Communications, and other departments for program proofing and staff credits.
• Assist the Director of Production and Production Manager with designer, crew, shop and vendor relations.
• Monitor and enforce safety in all situations, especially when dealing with or supervising work crews.
• Assisting in accident reporting and workers comp communication.
• Other duties as mutually agreed.

Basic Qualifications

• Theatrical background and understanding of the theatrical process.
• Ability to work independently, exercising judgment and discretion, while demonstrating initiative in the performance of all job duties. Must have ability to plan projects and work independently.
• Ability to remain centered and respectful during sensitive situations, guiding teams to consensus in a holistic manner.
• Clear and effective communicator, both written and verbal. Ability to work independently or collaboratively with designers, directors and other ART staff.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Sharepoint experience preferred.
• Some experience with a range of technical skills, including a basic understanding of all physical production disciplines and budget management.
• With advanced notice, ability to work a flexible schedule including morning, evening, and weekend hours.
• Educational or Professional experience that demonstrates proven ability to perform the job responsibilities outlined.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Willingness and physical ability to work 40 hours or more per week on a flexible schedule.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to 30lbs.
• Ability to sit in workstation, type and work with a computer for extended periods of time

Working Conditions

A.R.T. is a multistory building without an elevator, with work taking place on all levels. The Term Assistant Production Manager will at times be asked to move road cases and equipment, props, stage ops equipment, 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). During load-in and strike, work may require the term APM to use ladders, genies, and travel up to the steel grating of the grid, 60' above deck, which is accessed via a 78-step spiral staircase. Constant movement and use of limbs; this position requires good manual dexterity, strength, coordination, and stamina. This position requires night and weekend work, particularly during tech, previews, and run of shows.

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. This position is deemed critical during the production and technical rehearsal period.
Subject to Furloughs: Yes
Overtime Required: Yes
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

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