Assistant Stage Operations Supervisor - Lead Rigger

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 Stage Operations Supervisor and Stage Management, this position provides support for shows that are produced or presented by the A.R.T. while at the Loeb Drama Center mainstage or elsewhere while on tour or in residency. The support of these shows includes crew supervision, scheduling and labor estimating, contributions to the creation of show paperwork, rigging operation and maintenance, scenic shifts, automation support, assistance with props, FX operations, wardrobe, and deck LX assistance as necessary, participation in technical rehearsals, strikes, among other tasks. Comfort with being onstage in front of a live audience as well as respect for artists and their needs is necessary.

The Assistant Stage Operations Supervisor proactively leads in the planning, installation, operation, and maintenance of standard and custom rigging systems and chain motor systems for show runs. Show maintenance/upkeep and improvements of the Loeb main stage facility and its practices is a part of required scope of work, as is assisting with truck loading and unloading, warehouse/storage of production elements (sets, props, fly systems), the upkeep of inventories and supplies, and other duties as assigned.

Position Description

Supervision of and participation in technical rehearsal process.

• Leads the stage crew in creating a safe, welcoming, anti-racist and anti-oppressive backstage environment.
• Participates in pre-tech props hand-offs and non-technical rehearsals as necessary.
• Assist Stage Operations Supervisor and Stage Management in the creation of show paperwork and presets.
• Anticipate technical issues, problem-solve and communicate with Stage Operations Supervisor and/or Stage Management team.

Leadership with show cues and running needs:

• Supervision, scheduling, and labor estimating of pre-show preparation requirements.
• Performs show cues before, during and after a performance.
• Writing and distribution of a Deck Report for each performance.
• Troubleshoot technical issues in real time during show run.

Leadership in rigging, load ins and load outs.

• Leads the hanging soft goods, chain motors, other rigging duties, and the hanging of scenery and effects as necessary.
• Supervision of crews during strike and load out of scenery, rigging, props, and other necessary tasks.
• Participate with the loading and unloading of trucks with both show related materials and ART operational materials.

Participates in training and maintenance.

• Supervises and sets the example for maintaining a safe and orderly backstage environment and work spaces.
• Supervises and participates in inventory, inspection, maintenance, and repairs of stage equipment.
• Participate in warehouse runs and storing of stage operations equipment.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma and five years of experience in professional theater or event run crew work.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, climb, and bend.
• Comfortable working on ladders, MEWP’s, and/or scaffolding.
• Ability to work at heights in the theatrical steel grid of 60’ for extended amounts of time.
• Ability to work using Fall Arrest harnesses and/or other Fall Prevention equipment.
• Ability and willingness to always exercise professional courtesy and discretion and maintain confidentiality as required.
• Familiarity with proper backstage etiquette.

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.

• Detailed understanding of knots, rigging, and chain motor operation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid MA driver’s license. Subject to annual review of motor vehicle history screening.
• Professional experience or Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theater.
• Verifiable hours towards qualification for ETCP Theater Rigging Certification.
• Motorized chain hoist maintenance certification.