Art Involvement
The American Repertory Theater
The American Repertory Theater is an outstanding resource for student theater at Harvard. Through internships, front of house positions, and the ART Observership Program, students can gain insight into the workings of a professional theater. Additionally, the ART staff serves as both official and unofficial advisers for students in HRDC, serving as a resource for everything from lighting information to marketing advice. Need an introduction or not sure who can answer your questions? Contact the President at president@hrdctheater.com.
Internships
Each summer, the ART offers Artistic, Production, and Marketing internships to Harvard undergraduates on the first show of the season. This is a tremendous opportunity for students to gain experience working on a professional show. Additionally, internship opportunities appear sporadically throughout the semester in a variety of areas. Interested students are encouraged to read the HRDC Newsletter to get information about both summer and semester opportunities as soon as it is released.
Working for Front of House
The ART employs many people on its Front of House staff, which is made up of Ushers, Bar Managers, and House Managers. Working FOH is a great way to understand how a professional theater runs and to learn about customer service. FOH is not often hiring, but if you are interested in becoming an Usher, you should email the FOH Manager, Stephen Wuycheck, at stephen_wuycheck@harvard.edu.
ART Observership Program
The ART Observership Program provides motivated undergraduates with an opportunity to observe an American Repertory Theater production from the first rehearsal through opening night from a directing, dramaturgical, or production point of view. Undergraduate observers will meet the exceptional artists visiting Cambridge to take the stage and witness their artistic processes first hand. Some successful past observers have also integrated observership work into their theses, received independent study credit, and contributed their writing to ART archives and publications.
Candidates are not expected to have any directing, dramaturgy or design experience, just enthusiasm and interest. All Harvard undergraduates are welcome to apply! Information will go out each November about applications and interviews for observerships in the coming year.
If you have any questions, please contact the President at president@hrdctheater.com.
HRDC Advisers
Michael Griggs
My primary job is to be the first point of contact on the ART staff for those producing HRDC shows in the Loeb Drama Center. I meet with all producers and designers to discuss and approve their plans and budgets for production. I can advise you on issues of design, materials, construction and Loeb policies. If I don't have the answer I can point you to someone who does. I try to resolve conflicts between HRDC productions and the ART and Institute production departments by acting as a liaison between HRDC and various departments within ART. I supervise use of the Loeb shop by HRDC productions. I maintain the tools in the red (HRDC) tool room and replenish the expendable stocks of screws, staples, glue etc. I keep the stock of lamps for the Ex lighting instruments. Check my website Loebinfo.com for other things I can provide for your shows. You can get in touch with me anytime by e-mail: jmgriggs@fas.harvard.edu or voice mail: 496-2000 x8854.
Marcus Stern
As HRDC Advisor I am one of the primary liaisons between the American Repertory Theater and the undergraduates doing theater in The Loeb. I regularly consult with A.R.T.'s Artistic Director Diane Paulus regarding undergraduate issues. I am the faculty advisor on most HRDC mainstage shows, offer directing workshops for undergraduates directing in The Ex each semester, and assign faculty advisors for all The Ex shows. I try to help match up appropriate ART or Institute faculty, staff and/or grad students who might best assist an undergraduate with a theater question or issue. I help to address issues of communication that may come up between HRDC, A.R.T. and The Institute (the graduate theater program here at Harvard) regarding sharing space in The Loeb, and stay in regular contact with the HRDC president to find out in what ways we at A.R.T. might be of best assistance to HRDC. As part of our continued effort to help create mutually rewarding interactions and relationships between the undergraduates, the A.R.T. and The Institute please feel free to contact me and/or the HRDC board with any ideas, questions, or concerns you may have. Our goal is to achieve the best and most supportive communication possible between three strong, productive and creative entities -- we want everyone to reap maximum benefits from each other's presence here at The Loeb. The best way to contact me is via e-mail at mstern2@comcast.net.