What are the responsibilities and job description for the Term- First Hand position at Harvard University?
Job Summary
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.
Under the guidance of the Costume Manager and in collaboration with Assistant Costume Manager. The Staff Draper will assist in research, garment construction, fittings, build process, altering, hand-off, and storing for A.R.T. Costume productions. The position is primarily responsible for in-house costume construction and finishing of assigned projects per Costume management team. Other duties include assisting in supervision of over hire employees as needed during build process and tech. Performs related tasks as assigned by the Costume Manager for the operation and maintenance of the Costume Department.
Please note this is a 12 month TERM assignment
Position Description
Contribute to a culture of community, anti-racism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect among staff and guest artists.
- Maintain a safe work environment for all by recognizing and interrupting micro-aggressions that are unprofessional, unsafe, and impactful. Demonstrates inclusive behavior and create a positive work experience of belonging for all staff and guest in the Costume Department that follows A.R.T community agreements.
- Engage in anti-racist (AR) and anti-oppression (AO) work by recognizing, interrupting, and reporting racist and oppressive behavior and remarks that are harmful to self, colleagues, production department, and the organization.
- Confer with the Costume management team, Costume Designers, and Draper to determine costume construction plans throughout the design process.
- Implement and contribute to Draper’s research in costume construction techniques that factor efficient use of time, quality of work, functionality of garment, ease of use for Wardrobe Department and performer.
- Participates in the creation of elaborate and unique costume pieces that can range from: historical, contemporary, fantasy and dance.
- Delegates and follows through on multiple costume projects per Draper instruction to self and stitchers during the production build period of assigned show.
- Take measurements of performers, respecting varying needs of privacy and comfort.
- Intermediate ability and understanding to drape, flat pattern, grade, true and or modify new or existing patterns for assigned costume projects regardless of body type for mock-up fittings.
- The ability to understand body proportions and how to incorporate the dimensions into assigned costume projects to achieve desired look.
- The ability to understand and implement time usage garment construction techniques and/or order of operations to Stitchers.
- Proficiency in maintaining workload pace designated by Draper for self and stitching team for builds and alterations for show(s) in at appropriate measure.
- Assist Draper with managing over-hire stitchers’ labor as designated by the Costume Manager’s or Assistant Costume Manager’s discretion.
- Participate in shop maintenance, organization, and sanitization of Costume Department space. This includes equipment for cleaning shared spaces.
- Clean and restock garments and accessories as designated and use bacterial sprays on footwear.
- Assist with show packing and paperwork for current show run and future engagements.
- Engages with A.R.T patrons via Marketing and Development events.
- Support Draper in quality control of garments during the show build process, that considers time, staff resources and current industry standards.
- Uphold physical safety compliances set through precedence, policy, and procedure per A.R.T.
- Implement and complete notes and pertinent information per Draper to achieve clear and efficient quick changes, under or over-dressing, pre-setting props in costumes, safety notes and tracking show updates from Costume Designer and Costume Management team.
- Complete rehearsal costumes notes, understudy costume tracks, and alterations notes given by Costume Designer, Costume Management, Wardrobe Department, and Artistic Team promptly.
- Work overtime before tech up to opening of show.
- Attend dress rehearsal in person.
- Participate Costume departmental trainings, workshops, and meetings.
- Provide feedback and support developing, new, or existing office systems and organization.
- Take part in maintenance/improvement of systems and organization of the Costume Department, Workroom, and Costume Craft areas.
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.
- Ability to handle various fabrics: cotton, wool, silk, polyester, stretch fabrics, organza, velvet, leather, and faux leather.
- Working knowledge in the safe and appropriate use of pins, needles, scissors, rotary cutters, seam rippers, tape measures, rulers, marking chalks and pencils, grommeting tools, bone cutter, bone tipper, button cover, pliers, screwdrivers, hammer, mallets, knives, wire cutters, rigging and eyelet cutters/setters.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Valid Driver’s License
- Flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Inclusive communication and behavior particularly with body types, hair types, skin tones and genders with neutral language. Strong leadership qualities with managing time and organizational responsibility. Successful under time and space limitations, while maintaining a safe and respectful environment.
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 high degree of focus and concentration in a fast –paced environment. Ability to work in limited space.
Additional Information
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
Benefits
- 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.
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