Assistant Lighting Supervisor

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University 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.

Assist the Lighting & Projection’s Supervisor in all aspects of show production, crew supervision, maintenance, and capital expense suggestions/research.  Primary duties include working with Show Lighting Design Teams and rental houses, overseeing show paperwork and gear preparation, and leading during prep, load-in, and strike. Manages contingent over-hire pool and co-manages other department staff. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Consults with and assists Lighting Supervisor in the planning, installation, maintenance, and strike of all lighting, projections, and lighting special effects for new productions, revivals and tours of ART shows.
• With the Lighting Supervisor, submits lighting bid packages to commercial shops for rentals. Works collaboratively with A.R.T. staff, design, and commercial representatives to ensure designs are met within budget and time constraints. 
• Works with the lighting and other members of the production teams to coordinate and tech design set electrics, practicals, and other lighting-related special effects. 
• Assists the Lighting Supervisor in budget tracking and equipment procurement.
• Generate appropriate show paperwork. This also includes interfacing closely with the scenery and stage ops teams to ensure all rigging and groundplan needs are accounted for. 
• Assist the Lighting Supervisor with oversight of atmospheric effects and ensure that they fall within safe performer working standards. Report to Production Management and General Management as necessary. 
• Leads contingent/temporary over-hire and show crews as needed.     
• Covers techs and previews as assigned; interfaces with designers, troubleshooting problems, adjusting call times, and doing notes.
• Attend departmental and staffing meetings as assigned.
• Work with the visiting design teams and the Production Staff to achieve workable and safe environments throughout all stages of the production process
• May be called to cover staff/over-hire during show runs.
• Assists in planning and leading maintenance and improvement of the ART facilities and equipment, as well as some maintaining of departmental accounting, files, and archives.
• Advise Harvard/Radcliffe lighting designers and electricians.
• In some predefined moments, may act and make decisions in lieu of the Lighting Supervisor
• Other duties as discussed 

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.
• This position will require travel to New York to support Shop Builds and/or other show-related preparations for up to 2 weeks at a time.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, type, and work at a computer for extended periods of time. 

• Ability to sit or stand for hours at a time.

• Ability to work in a shop environment, including concrete floors, bright lights, dust, loud noises, etc. 

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance and be able to stoop, lift, bend, and work in low light conditions.

• Ability to maintain a high degree of focus and concentration in a fast–paced environment. Ability to work in limited space.

• Ability to work at heights in ladders, MEWPs, and the 60’ steel grid

• Ability to drive large vehicles, including box trucks, to transport people or equipment.