Assistant Costume Manager

04-Oct-2024

Assistant Costume Manager

American Repertory Theater

66935BR

Job Summary

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 mentors’ students in the Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club at the Loeb Drama Center.

The American Repertory Theater at Harvard University strives to reflect and celebrate the diversity of Cambridge and Greater Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United States and the world in our 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. We unequivocally oppose any attempts to divide our community through acts of discrimination, omission, and violence. We are 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. 

The Assistant Costume Manager reports to the Costume Manager and supports the needs of the Costume Design team and the Costume Department throughout the production process. They support the needs of Boston and NYC based staff. Other duties include assisting with fittings, supporting the flow of communication between relevant parties Stage Management, Costume Management, Wardrobe Manager, and Costume Designer.
 

Position Description

Workflow Management

• In collaboration with the Costume Manager, monitors Costume build production.
• Ensures staff are on time to work. 
• Make certain costume staff adhere to the company handbook, production department guides, and safety procedures.
• Informs staff of department meetings and ensure staff are aware of department policy and paperwork.
• Provides specific feedback to Costume Manager regarding staff performance.
• Participates in evaluation of staff hiring. 
• Provides up to date forecasting on staff project builds.
• Provides feedback to Costume Manager in adjusting team assignments.
• Collaborates with and facilitates communication on inter-departmental projects such as lighting, props, craft/wig projects during tech.
• Updates information in cloud-based information sharing systems. 
• Provides emergency coverage in fittings, load-ins, tech, dress rehearsals and previews for Costume Manager, as needed.

Shopping and Returns

• Supports in-person purchasing of costume items, supplies, and materials using ART purchasing resources, while staying in the designated budget set by Costume Manager.
• Acts in accordance with Harvard and A.R.T. financial resources when using Costume Department purchasing resources. 
• Assists with support commercial costume labor needs for build, fittings, alterations, and other requests per Costume Manager.
• Receives and processes packages at design room/fittings space and uses A.R.T. Costume Department paperwork to track and coordinate purchases with the Costume Shop Manager and Costume Coordinator. 
• Tracks and processes in-person and online shopping returns as needed in collaboration with Costume Coordinator.
• Tracks and organizes all receipts and invoices with Costume Manager and Design Assistant. 
• Work with Costume Design team to ship fabric, notions, and other relevant materials to commercial costume businesses and private contractors. 

Fittings

• Supports Costume management team through notetaking, fittings assisting, pinning garments, resetting fitting room space, cleaning, organizing materials and pulling garments.
• Updates Costume Manager of items that are missing or need to be sourced after fittings. 
• Works with Design Assistant, Wardrobe Department, Costume Designer(s), and department colleagues about status of purchased pieces throughout the process. 

Administrative Duties:

• Coordinates and executes materials, piece, and shoe purchasing, fittings, maintenance, returns, reconciliation, and tracking for all rehearsal and show needs.

• Support shows paperwork with A.R.T.: piece lists, dressing sheets, visual costume plots, source lists, and laundry/maintenance information.

• Notifies the Costume Manager about maintenance, repair and replacement of shop equipment as needed.
• Notifies Costume Manager about office supplies needs.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• 1+ years of experience working in live entertainment, events, or an equivalent combination of relevant work experience and education beyond high school. Broad working knowledge of costume construction
• Experience working in a costume shop, fashion, garment manufacturing, or similar environment.
• Experience with hand sewing and alterations.

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.
 

• Intermediate knowledge of Costume history, Theatre, Opera, Ballet and/or fashion construction skills as demonstrated through professional or academic experience.
• Expertise in several of the following machines: domestic and industrial sewing machines, sergers, cover stitch, buttonholes machines, irons, and steamers.
• Familiarity with and knowledge of different types of fabrics and sewing notions.
• Proficiency with tools, hand tools and a variety of craft and building supplies.
• Well-organized and exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficient in using computers and knowledge of basic computer programs (email, word processing, etc. Microsoft Office environment a plus.).
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively while managing multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism in practice.
• Support education and job development training. This can include, but is not limited to teaching workshops, leading tours, discussing behind the scenes activities, or taking on interns or apprentices.
• Maintain and promote a safe work environment by following and enforcing all safety regulations, providing safety equipment, training employees on safe practices, reporting incidents, managing record keeping, staying up to date on safety issues and advising on safety related practices.  
• With advanced notice, must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflecting the dynamic schedule of the theater.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Inclusive communication and behavior particularly with different communication styles. Strong leadership qualities with managing time and organizational responsibility. Successful under time and space limitations, while maintaining a safe and respectful environment.
• Ability to lead by example and carry forward the values of the production department.
• Willingness and ability to work 40 hours per week.  Flexibility to work overtime as needed.

Certificates and Licenses

Current Driver’s License or ability to obtain license upon employment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds with assistance and be able to stoop, lift, bend, and work in low light conditions.\\
• Ability 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 a high degree of focus and concentration in a fast–paced environment. Ability to work in limited space.
• Ability to use stairs comfortably.
• Ability to sit, type, and work at a computer for extended periods of time.

Working Conditions

• This position requires frequent evening and weekend hours and the ability to work overtime as needed.  
• The A.R.T. is located in a multistory building without an elevator, with work taking place on all levels
• Costume storage is located offsite, and housed in the A.R.T. production shop building, approximately two miles from the theater. The storage area is on a second level loft, accessed via staircase.

Additional Information

This position is deemed critical during the production and technical rehearsal period.
This position is subject to periodic unpaid furloughs based on the production calendar.
This position may require travel to New York to support the rehearsal needs and fittings.

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. 

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.

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

402008 A.R.T. Senior Technician

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

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

Salary Grade

054

Department

Costumes

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

Full time. 40 hours per week. Irregular, varies based on the production schedule

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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