"Assistant Lighting Supervisor"

Assistant Lighting Supervisor

Posting date: March 10, 2026

External Reference: 002341SR

Job Type

Full-time

Location

Cambridge

School/Unit

Harvard University Central Administration

Department

American Repertory Theater

Salary Grade

054

Job Function

Arts

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

Term Appointment

No

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Why Join the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T)

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) is part of Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) and is a leading force in American theater, producing groundbreaking work in Cambridge and beyond.

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

1-3 years of experience in live entertainment, events, or related post–high school education

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

• Proficient in using computers and knowledge of basic computer programs (email, word processing, etc. Microsoft Office environment is a plus.
• Strong working, practical, and demonstrative knowledge of Vectorworks and Lightwright Software for at least 3 years
• Proficiency with ETC consoles and fixtures, various moving head fixtures, electrical tie-ins, atmospherics, etc., for at least 3 years.
• Basic understanding of computer networks and data systems.
• Some familiarity with projection software, including disguise, WATCHOUT, Qlab, and/or Isadora.
• Comfortability driving large vans, box trucks, and/or moving vans.
• Ability to remain centered and respectful during sensitive situations
• Well-organized and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to lead by example and carry forward the values of the production department.
• Willingness to contribute to an environment of continued learning.
• Ability to multitask 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, the ability to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.

Certificates and Licenses:

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

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, nights and weekends during show times
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings:Identity
• Other 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.
  • Overtime Required: Yes

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 054. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.