Technical Director - American Repertory Theater

Job Summary



Directs all aspects of scenery for ART Productions.



Position Description



Promote an inclusive and safe work environment:

Foster a culture of community, anti-racism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect among staff and guest artists

Foster a culture of safety, both psychological and physical, and ensure a safe work environment and practices



Support Artistic Vision and Goals:

Uplifts the mission, vision, and values of A.R.T with staff and overhire

Works with the scenery department to implement scenic designs



Staffing and Scheduling:

Direct supervision of Associate TD’s, Scene Shop Supervisor, Charge Scenic Artist, and Purchaser, oversight of all shop staff

Coordinate scenery department labor and onboarding



Budget Responsibilities:

Creates scenery budget estimates and is responsible for all shop budget lines

Submits updated budget reports and weekly payroll to Production Management



Production Responsibilities:

Works with Designer to make design work effectively within theatre resources

Drafts or assigns and approves drafting of each ART show

Collaborates with other production departments on the rigging plot, and provides specifications on rigging methods to the Stage dept.

In conjunction with Shop Managers, plans and oversees scenic load in and develops a calendar

Attends rehearsals, tech rehearsals, and previews as necessary

With other department heads, plans strike or load out and storage of closing shows

Manages and finds outside projects when the calendar permits



Facilities, Equipment, Stock:

Oversees organization of scenic storage

Oversees the maintenance of shop equipment, coordinates maintenance of shop vehicles and facilities with Facilities Manager



Training and Meetings:

Manage or delegate training and meeting schedules for shop staff

Attend training sessions and shop/company meetings as required



Communication:

Maintains clear and consistent communication with other production departments

Distributes technical ground plans and sections

Provides samples and photos as needed to designers and directors



Basic Qualifications

Strong Knowledge of AutoCAD

Strong Knowledge of engineering fundamentals and experience with their application to non-theoretical problems.

Hands-on experience with the scenic automation

Solid experience with safe, industry-standard rigging practices and hands-on experience building rigging systems. If not OSHA 30 certified, willingness to become so at A.R.T.’s expense upon hire

Advanced knowledge of theatrical construction techniques, including carpentry, rigging, and metalworking (inc. MIG welding)

The ability to create technical drawings, implement scenery fabrication, and apply arithmetic and geometry to everyday construction problem solving

The ability to communicate with kindness and clarity, fostering teamwork and a collaborative environment

Conflict resolution skills - diffusing tension, navigating difficult conversations, mediating resolutions

Ability to adapt and quickly communicate changes



Additional Qualifications and Skills

Experience managing a theatrical shop floor environment.

Class D driver’s license.

Comfortable driving a 26’ truck.

CNC router experience.



Working Conditions

The A.R.T. Scene Shop is located offsite, 2 miles from the theatre and 25 miles from the warehouse. It is a multistory building without an elevator, with work taking place on all levels.

The TD may be asked to carry materials up and down stairs, and use hand and stationary power tools A.R.T’s theater space is a multistory building without an elevator, with work taking place on all levels. The Technical Director may be asked to move scenery weighing upwards of 70 lbs 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). They may also assist in the installation of rigging and loading of 40lb stage weights into counter-weight arbors. During loadin and strike, work may take place on ladders, genies, and the steel grating of the grid, 60’ above deck, which is accessed via a 78-step spiral staircase

This job requires the ability to stay in a stationary position for long periods of time occasionally, with periods of intense movement. Constant movement and use of limbs; position requires good manual dexterity, strength, coordination, and stamina. This position can require night and weekend work

This job works both indoors and outdoors depending on the weather Software Used: MS Office, Google Workspace, SharePoint, Slack, Zoom, Dropbox, Vectorworks, AutoCAD, Harvard-specific payroll software



A.R.T. is a leading force in American theater, producing groundbreaking work that is driven by risk-taking and passionate inquiry in Cambridge and beyond. Since 2008, Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director Diane Paulus has pursued A.R.T.’s mission to “expand the boundaries of theater” by programming transformative theatrical experiences, always including the audience as a central partner. A.R.T. is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in artistic innovation. In recent years, productions that began at A.R.T. have won 19 Tony Awards, and numerous works developed by A.R.T. have been performed throughout the country and around the world.

As the professional theater on the campus of Harvard University, A.R.T. is committed to playing a central role in the cognitive life of the University, catalyzing discourse, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative exchange among a wide range of academic departments, institutions, students, and faculty members. For more information, please visit our website at: https://americanrepertorytheater.org/



Commitment to Equity and Anti-Racism

A.R.T. is centering on anti-racism as a core value, including in its policies, structure, programming, philanthropy, communications, pedagogy, and workplace culture. This journey will be sustained, ongoing, and foundational to the theater.

The A.R.T. strives to reflect and celebrate the diversity of Cambridge and Greater Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United States, and the world in its programming, artists, audience, boards, partners, and staff. The A.R.T. is committed to developing and producing work and creating environments that embrace the full breadth and beauty of our shared humanity. The A.R.T. unequivocally opposes any attempts to divide its community through acts of discrimination, omission, and violence. The A.R.T. is dedicated to making a welcoming and accessible space for people of any identity, background, or ability, including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, nationality or immigration status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical/mental ability, appearance, socio-economic status, education level, and political viewpoint.



Additional Information

Review of applications for this position will begin on September 20, 2022.



PLEASE NOTE: This position is on-site.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found on the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.



Job FunctionArts

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job CodeAR0457 Arts Management III

Sub-Unit

------------

DepartmentProduction/Scene Shop

Time Status

Full-time

Salary Grade057

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment ScreeningEducation, Identity



Schedule

M – Th: 7:30a – 5:15p, F: 7:30a-12:30p and additional required hours on a flexible schedule during periods of tech, strike, load-in, etc.

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.
Salary: $83k - $90k