Term- Dresser | Harvard University American Repertory Theater Job at Harvard University American Repertory Theater, Cambridge, MA

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  • Harvard University American Repertory Theater
  • Cambridge, MA

Job Description

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 productions of Romeo and Juliet and Diary of a Tap Dancer. There will be a work furlough between the end of Romeo and Juliet on October 12, 2024 and the beginning of Diary of a Tap Dancer on November 25, 2024.

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

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
  • Theatrical wardrobe experience.
  • Sewing skills.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

  • 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.

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.

Additional Information

Software Used: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Harvard-specific payroll software


This position has a 3-month orientation and review 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

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( ) 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.

Work Format

On-Site





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.

About Harvard University American Repertory Theater

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

Connections working at Harvard University American Repertory Theater

Job Tags

Holiday work, Night shift, Weekend work, Day shift,

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