Job Summary

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University is a leader 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 mentors students in the Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club at the Loeb Drama Center.
The Technical Director supervises a team of Associate/Assistant Technical Directors, Shop Purchaser, Scene Shop Supervisor, as well as full-time and part-time carpenters in the planning and execution of all aspects of scenery for A.R.T. productions. They ensure the successful interpretation, engineering, and realization of all scenic designs while balancing budget, time and labor requirements, and maintaining a safe working environment. Reporting to the Director of Production, they are also responsible for representing their department within the context of the Production Department, and by extension the larger A.R.T. community.

Position Description

• 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

• Uplifts the mission, vision, and values of A.R.T with staff and overhire
• Works with the scenery department to implement scenic designs

• 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

• Creates scenery budget estimates and is responsible for all shop budget lines
• Submits updated budget reports and weekly payroll to Production Management

• 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

• 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

• 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

MISSION

The A.R.T. expands the boundaries of theater by transforming the ways in which work is developed, programmed, produced, and contextualized, always including the audience as a partner.