Production Technician, OFA

Job Summary:

The Production Technician is a member of the College Theater team at the Office for the Arts (OFA). The position supports theater activities including management, design, construction, installation, material procurement, and technical operations for student productions and events. Successful candidates will be comfortable working with and supporting innovative student production teams with varying skill levels, have a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team with a variety of projects, vendors, and constituencies in a university environment, and be productive working independently and without immediate supervision. The position reports to the Production Manager and works closely with students, OFA staff, guest artists, and other production personnel.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Undergraduate Production Support and Student Mentorship — 45%

• Collaborates closely with the Production Manager to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for undergraduates with diverse experience levels and abilities.

• Supports theatrical productions and daily operations related to HRDC and OFA-supported undergraduate productions, including scenery construction, load-in, technical rehearsals, performances, and strike.

• Works with the Production Manager and student show staff to develop and execute technical aspects of productions across scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, props, projections, and related disciplines.

• Proactively addresses notes from technical rehearsals, problem-solves issues that arise, and communicates project status and concerns to the Production Manager and appropriate stakeholders.

• Advises and mentors students on design and technical theater elements and reviews structural and scenic design elements in coordination with the Production Manager.

• Using CAD software, constructs build drawings and other production documentation for student and OFA-supported builds.

Technical Operations, Safety, and Training — 25%

• Supports the operation of technical equipment and workshops that promote a safe and healthy work environment; inspects, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains tools and equipment.

• Hosts and supervises shop/tool trainings and build periods for undergraduate students.

• Supervises student labor, contingent employees, and production crews during assigned work calls, and assigns or delegates work as directed by the Production Manager.

• Promotes adherence to OFA and Harvard University safety practices and supports a culture of community, equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect among students and professional staff.

• Collaborates with students and professional staff and supports open and transparent lines of communication.

Facilities, Equipment, and Inventory — 20%

• Supports efforts to maintain and improve theater facilities, shops, storage, and student-used spaces.

• Assists with truck loading and unloading, warehouse and storage of production elements, and movement of scenery, props, equipment, and other materials.

• Helps maintain equipment, warehouse stock, supplies, and accurate inventories, including student stock of props, costumes, and production materials.

• Supports student access to stock and equipment, including check-out and return procedures, and advises students on appropriate equipment use.

• Assists with material procurement, rentals, purchasing, and equipment returns as assigned by the Production Manager.

Venue and Production Support — 10%

• Supports day-to-day scheduled use of theater and ancillary spaces and assists with production, rehearsal, and event needs.

• May provide technical support for outside rentals, special events, and other OFA projects or productions as assigned.

• Serves as an on-site technical resource during assigned rehearsals, performances, load-ins, and strikes.

Working Conditions: The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs and objectives and consistent with College Policy, which requires 5 days on-site in Cambridge, MA during term time (first day of classes through commencement), with the exception of student breaks. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details about the College policy will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; comfort climbing ladders and working at heights.