Term- Dresser

Details

Posted: 26-Mar-24

Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Arts/Museums
Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 65278BR

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.
This position supports the Wardrobe department prepping and maintaining costumes, as well as assisting actors with dressing and quick changes on A.R.T.'s production of Gatsby.

Position Description

Promote an inclusive and safe work environment:

• Foster a culture of community, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism among staff and guest artists
• Foster a culture of safety, and ensure safe work environment and practices are observed, both physically and psychologically.

Support Artistic Vision and Goals:

• Works with wardrobe manager and wig supervisor, as well as costume manager and assistant manager, to maintain artistic integrity of the production.
• Dressers prepare, preset, assist in maintenance, quick changes, post-show, laundry, and repair costumes for A.R.T. production, under the supervision of the wardrobe manager.
• Dressers assist actors with all aspects of dressing, including assisting actors with costume quick changes
• Wig Runners assist with pre-set, maintenance, styling, and post-show of wigs for the productions as specified by the Wardrobe Supervisor.
• Wig Runners also assist actors with all aspects of wig application, including quick changes

Collaborate and maintain open lines of communication:

• Participates in meetings with Wardrobe Manager, costume, crafts and wardrobe staff, and/or design team as requested
• Communicate kindly and compassionately with performers about their wardrobe needs.
• Develop paperwork for dresser's individual show track during technical rehearsals, ensuring it remains up to date.

Basic Qualifications

• Empathy, listening skills and strong ability to read body language and other nonverbal clues is essential
• Ability to communicate with wardrobe staff, management, and guest artists with kindness and clarity.
• Ability to handle high stress and/or sensitive situations calmly and compassionately.
• Comfort working in close proximity to other people, including helping them dress and/or undress as required.
• Attention to detail.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Theatrical wardrobe experience.
• Sewing skills.

Working Conditions

A.R.T. is a multistory building without an elevator, with work taking place on all levels. The dresser position climbs between the basement, where the wardrobe and dressing rooms are, and the first floor frequently per shift. This position works with small tools and fine details, including pins, scissors, needles etc. The position also requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time and will require the ability to kneel down to floor level to assist with changes. The dresser may be asked to assist with moving costumes, wardrobe boxes, and other materials to and from storage or around the building. This position requires primarily night and weekend work. The costume storage area is offsite, and housed in the A.R.T. scene shop building, approximately a mile from the theater. The storage area is on a second level loft, accessed via staircase.
Software Used: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Harvard-specific payroll software

Additional Information

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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