Draper (64630BR)

Job Summary

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University is a leading force in 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.

Under the guidance of the Costume Manager and with Assistant Costume Manager, the Staff Draper will assist in research, development, garment construction, fittings, build process, altering, quick rigging, and storing for A.R.T. Costume productions. The position is primarily responsible for in-house costume construction and finishing of outside work from private contractors and/or commercial costume businesses as assigned per Costume Management team. The Staff Draper supervises the Term First Hand and the Term Stitcher. Other duties include assisting in supervision of over-hire employees as needed during building process and tech. Performs related tasks as assigned by the Costume Manager for the operation and maintenance of the Costume Department.

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.

• 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.
  
  

Research for assigned projects:

• Research materials and desired techniques for assigned build projects. Confer with the Costume management team and Costume designers on costume construction plans throughout the design process. Research historical costume references and analyze the relevance to assigned costume project build. Research products vital for assigned costume projects, considering safety, wearability, longevity, and supply availability.
  
  

Garment Construction & Fitting of Costumes:

• Create elaborate and unique costume pieces that can range from: historical, contemporary, fantasy and dance. Oversees multiple costume projects during the production build period of multiple shows.
• Interpret costume character rendering into physical reality that is defined within the scope and scale provided by Costume Designer and Costume Manager.
• Take measurements of performers, respecting varying needs of privacy and comfort.
• Advanced ability 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 create and explain efficient garment construction techniques that includes order of operations to First Hand, and Stitchers. Proficiency in setting and maintaining workload pace of self and team (First Hands and Stitchers) for builds and alterations for show(s) at appropriate measure.
• Availability to travel off-site for costume fittings in New York City.
  
  

Supervision of Workroom Costume staff:

• Assist in supervision of show-term and over-hire staffs’ labor as designated by the Costume Manager’s or Assistant Costume Manager’s discretion.
• Leads and mentors costume staff in skill development in garment construction and fittings.
• Participate and lead shop maintenance, organization, and sanitization of Costume Department space. This includes equipment and 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.
• Frontline for quality control of garments during the show build process, considering time, staff resources, and current industry standards.
• Uphold physical safety compliances set through precedence, policy, and procedure per A.R.T.
  
  

Participation in technical rehearsal process:

• Designate notes and pertinent information for efficient quick changes, under or over-dressing, safety notes, rehearsal costume notes, understudy costume tracks, and alterations notes that are given by Costume Designer, Costume Management, Wardrobe Department, and Artistic Team in a timely manner.
• Work overtime before tech up to opening of show. Attend dress rehearsal in person.
  
  

Participation in training, maintenance, and planning:

• Provide feedback and support developing new, or existing office administrative systems within the Costume Department.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of Costumes, Theatre, Opera, Ballet and/ or fashion building skills as demonstrated through professional or academic experience.
• Intermediate and advanced knowledge of sewing terms, vocabulary, and theories.
• Proficiency in Outlook, Calendar, Word, Excel, Power Point and/or similar software.
• Expertise in 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 drape, flat pattern, cut, stitch and sew various fabrics: cotton, wool, silk, polyester, stretch fabrics, organza, velvet, leather/fur and faux leather/fur.
• Advance knowledge of 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 and eyelet cutters/setters.
  
  

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 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.
• The ability to understand different communication styles and able to communicate effectively in both calm and stressful periods of time.
  
  

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, 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.
  
  

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. 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.

About Us

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. Primary work takes place in the Costume Department located in the Loeb Drama Center (a multistory building without an elevator, with work taking place on all levels) with occasional work at the A.R.T. Scene Shop (2 miles from the theater).

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 ( 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.
  
  

Job Function

Arts

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

402007 A.R.T. Technician-Specialist

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

Salary Grade

053

Department

Production

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

Full time. 40 hours per week. Monday through Friday 8:30-5:30.

• 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.

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