Employment - Fisher Center at Bard

Are you interested in joining the team of one of the nation’s most adventurous performing arts centers?

Applications will be reviewed until a position is filled. Applicants will not be contacted individually to confirm receipt of materials. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. No calls or in-person visits, please. General inquiries or applications may be sent to fishercenter@bard.edu.

BARD COLLEGE HUMAN RESOURCES

Year-Round Positions

Assistant Orchestra Stage Manager

OVERVIEW

The Assistant Orchestra Stage Manager is part of the Production team and will support Orchestra Stage Management in the coordination and execution for assigned productions at the Fisher Center. They report directly to the Orchestra Stage Managers and the Associate Orchestra Production Manager and will work closely with other production team members, designers, and artists.

This is an in-person part-time position, paid at a rate of $19/hr. Hours will average 26 plus hours per week, depending on rehearsal schedules.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace at all times
Assist Orchestra Stage Manager with coordinating artist needs, orchestral setups, and running rehearsals and performances
Act as lead to Stage Crew to set up and strike rehearsals and performances
Act as Deck Supervisor for rehearsals, concerts, and lectures
Assist Orchestra Stage Manager with coordination of stage crew and stage changes
Calling cues for rehearsals/dress and performances as needed
Maintain up-to-date paperwork, including stage plots, runsheets, etc.
Attend rehearsals and run post-rehearsal production meetings as needed
Other duties as assigned by the Orchestra Stage Manager or the Associate Orchestra Production Manager
This invaluable person relays all of the cues to the back-stage crews, monitors the orchestra before and during both rehearsals and shows and relays information back to the stage manager so that they can make informed decisions
Help the Stage Manager ensure the stage or rehearsal space is ready for each rehearsal. This could include sweeping, setting up risers, chairs, stands, and everything needed within the plot

COMPANY-WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Fisher Center is currently undergoing an organization-wide process of change toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural institution. All on staff are expected to:

Commit to anti-racism and inclusivity at the Fisher Center. This includes participating in any trainings when scheduled, supporting departmental, company-wide, and cross-departmental collaboration in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and furthering your own independent journey with anti-racism
Contribute in meaningful ways to the organizational culture

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE

Basic knowledge of the performing arts
Strong communication and interpersonal skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Basic knowledge of the practices and procedures of all theatrical departments
Working knowledge of Google Suite
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
Ability to climb stairs
Ability to move and lift objects up to 50 lbs.
Ability to remain calm during high-pressure backstage situations
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, as set by production schedule
Successful candidates possess strong communication skills and keen attention to detail, are collaborative and self-motivated, and bring a positive, can-do attitude

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of a variety of performing arts, including dance, theater, and opera, and experience working with actors, musicians, and performers
Previous orchestral, theatrical, or live event stage management experience
Experience managing budgets, schedules, calendars and run sheets
Experience with orchestra
Ability to read music

WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequently works in environments with theatrical and atmospheric elements including but not limited to haze, strobes, dim lights, loud sounds, dry ice, and more
May work in outdoor conditions or event tent conditions with limited temperature control
May often be asked to travel between multiple performance and rehearsal locations on campus in a single day, traveling by vehicle or foot

LOCATION

Bard’s beautiful 1,000-acre campus is situated on the east bank of the Hudson River in Annandale-on Hudson, New York. Community life is defined by numerous cultural and recreational opportunities in the surrounding historic Hudson River Valley and by proximity to New York City. Nearby towns and villages include Rhinebeck, Tivoli, and Red Hook, New York.

TO APPLY

Apply Now

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For any questions or issues with the application form, please contact fcjobs@bard.edu.

Bard College is an equal-opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

ABOUT THE FISHER CENTER

The Fisher Center develops, produces, and presents performing arts across disciplines through new productions and context-rich programs that challenge and inspire. As a premier professional performing arts center and a hub for research and education, the Fisher Center supports artists, students, and audiences in the development and examination of artistic ideas, offering perspectives from the past and present, as well as visions of the future. The Fisher Center demonstrates Bard’s commitment to the performing arts as a cultural and educational necessity. Home is the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, designed by Frank Gehry and located on the Bard College campus in New York’s Hudson Valley. The Fisher Center offers outstanding programs to many communities, including the students and faculty of Bard College and audiences in the Hudson Valley, New York City, across the country, and around the world. Building on a 164-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard is committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow’s thought leaders. Learn more about the Fisher Center, its programs, and its values at fishercenter.bard.edu/about.

ABOUT BARD COLLEGE

Founded in 1860, Bard College is a four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences located 90 miles north of New York City. With the addition of the Montgomery Place estate, Bard’s campus consists of nearly 1,000 park-like acres in the Hudson River Valley. It offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of music degrees, with majors in nearly 40 academic programs, graduate degrees in 11 programs, nine early colleges, and numerous dual-degree programs nationally and internationally. Building on its 164-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College has expanded its mission as a private institution acting in the public interest across the country and around the world to meet broader student needs and increase access to liberal education. The undergraduate program at our main campus in upstate New York has a reputation for scholarly excellence, a focus on the arts, and civic engagement. Bard is committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow’s thought leaders. For more information about Bard College, visit bard.edu.

Associate Production Manager

OVERVIEW

The Associate Production Manager’s (APM) primary responsibility is the day-to-day management of all productions and projects as assigned by the Director of Production. The primary focus will be work produced by the undergraduate Theater & Performance, Dance, and Music Programs with a secondary focus on Fisher Center Presents, Live Arts Bard, and SummerScape productions.

The APM reports directly to the Director of Production and works closely with the other members of the Fisher Center Production Department, the Fisher Center Producing Department, and the faculty and students of the Theater & Performance, Dance, and Music Programs to deliver an excellent standard of support that furthers the mission of the Center and Bard College.

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible for Bard College’s group benefits package, compensated at an annual salary range of $55,000 – $65,000, depending on experience.

This position supports the production and tech processes for work coming from various producers. This includes student productions that work around class schedules. Many weeks include evening and weekend work calls and meetings.

More details about benefits can be found on Bard’s Benefits Resource page and Employee Handbook.

Benefits Resource Employee Handbook

RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee the planning and execution of all production elements of each assigned production, including but not limited to leading production meetings and designer check-ins, supporting all load-ins and strikes, creating and distributing tech schedules, and coordinating with professional designers and students about how best to execute their design/piece.
When working with academic shows or projects, work with students, and their faculty advisors, to lay out concrete timelines and expectations, and schedule meetings as needed to discuss and implement the production elements of their piece.
Assist the Director of Production with planning and advancing production needs for FC Presents and Fisher Center LAB programming and residencies as needed.
Day-to-day production management of FC programming and residencies, rental events, one-off productions, both professional and academic, as needed.
Assist the Director of Production with the planning and implementation of assigned production elements for the SummerScape Festival.
Lead administrative tasks for the production team (along with the production administrator), including purchasing and budget tracking, timesheets, and onboarding of new hires (both student and non-exempt employees).
Provide leadership, support, coordination, organization, problem-solving, and guidance to Production Department colleagues and partner constituents.
Participate in the development of production safety practices.
Maintain a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace at all times.
Participate in the development of ongoing Equity and Inclusion practices related to the production department.
Attend weekly production meetings and staff meetings, and represent the Director of Production in meetings when required.

COMPANY-WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Fisher Center is currently undergoing an organization-wide process of change toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural institution. All on staff are expected to:

Commit to anti-racism and inclusivity at the Fisher Center. This includes participating in any trainings when scheduled, supporting departmental, company-wide, and cross-departmental collaboration in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and furthering your own independent journey with anti-racism
Contribute in meaningful ways to the organizational culture

QUALIFICATIONS

Previous theatrical or live event production management experience; at least two years of professional experience preferred.
Experience supervising production departments.
General experience working with students in educational settings. Comfortable working with and guiding students who are brand new to the process of creating theater.
Experience managing budgets, schedules, and calendars.
Basic knowledge of the practices and procedures of all theatrical departments.
Knowledge and ability to instruct others on current industry-standard safety practices and procedures.
Physical requirements include occasionally ascending/descending stairs and ladders, occasionally moving through work areas that include heights, frequently working around loud and sudden sounds, occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds, and occasionally working outdoors on grassy terrain.
Working knowledge of Google Workspace.
Strong with paperwork, especially creating new paperwork to track unique organizational challenges.
Capable of working and multitasking, with patience, on Broadway-bound premieres, non-theatrical college lectures, and varying styles in between.
Comfortable moving projects forward even when there are uncertainties or outstanding questions.
Creative thinker and solution finder, particularly in helping solve logistical problems.
Ability to meet colleagues at their communication styles.
Ability to work evenings and weekends, as determined by production schedules.
Successful candidates possess strong communication skills and keen attention to detail. They are collaborative, self-motivated, and bring a positive, can-do attitude!

LOCATION

While some duties may be performed remotely, this position will require on-site and physical presence at the Fisher Center.

TO APPLY

Apply Now

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For any questions or issues with the application form, please contact fcjobs@bard.edu.

ABOUT THE FISHER CENTER

ABOUT BARD COLLEGE

Opera Producer

OVERVIEW

The Opera Producer is a key member of the Fisher Center producing team. This individual is responsible for artistic coordination and line producing of the SummerScape opera and semi-staged Bard Music Festival productions. The Opera Producer also coordinates singers for other Bard Music Festival and Fisher Center productions, with the opportunity to be involved in producing other residencies and projects for the Fisher Center’s professional production timeline as assigned. The Opera Producer reports to the Fisher Center Executive Producer/COO and the Bard Music Festival Executive Director.

This is a full-time exempt position, eligible for Bard College’s group benefits package, compensated at an annual salary range of $70,000 – $75,000, depending on experience.

Possible hybrid/remote position September–May with occasional travel. In-person/onsite required for the summer festival season (June–August).

More details about benefits can be found on Bard’s Benefits Resource page and Employee Handbook.

Benefits Resource Employee Handbook

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Development

Repertory selection: in collaboration with the SummerScape and Bard Music Festival artistic directors and other stakeholders, coordinate the timely selection of the SummerScape opera. Conduct research, obtain perusal scores and recordings, coordinate artistic meetings, and plan research trips. Participate in long-range project planning for future seasons.
Project creative teams: coordinate the timely hiring of directors, designers, assistants, and other collaborators. Negotiate agreement terms and oversee the contracting process in collaboration with General Management.
Rights: negotiate rights and royalties. Oversee agreement process and ordering of performance materials.
Partnerships: solicit and engage co-production partners and production rentals. Pitch projects to possible co-producers and renters, negotiate co-production and rental terms, and coordinate agreements. Build and maintain current and future partner relationships and ensure industry visibility for Bard opera productions through performance invitations and other outreach.

Project Management

Casting: determine the required number of singers and chorus size according to budgetary and artistic needs and engage all vocal personnel. Audition and hire singers, negotiate agreement terms, and coordinate contracts with General Management. Engage the chorus contractor and oversee chorus auditions, contracting, and logistics. Serve as the primary liaison to the chorus contractor, chorus director, and chorus representatives. Engage other performers as needed (supernumeraries, dancers, narrators, etc.).
Orchestra: serve as the primary liaison to orchestra management. Determine orchestra costs and facilitate orchestra logistics needs, including union rules and considerations.
Schedule: in collaboration with the Director of Production, Executive Producer/COO, and Bard Music Festival Executive Director, develop project schedules based on budgetary and artistic needs and communicate the schedule to all stakeholders. Communicate the design & production schedule and rehearsal & performance schedule in coordination with the Director of Production and other stakeholders. Ensure timely distribution of the project schedule and schedule updates. Coordinate rehearsal and meeting space. Oversee daily rehearsal schedules.
Design and production: in close coordination with the Director of Production, support the design and production process according to schedule and budgetary needs. Coordinate design presentations. Facilitate communication between directors, designers, and the Fisher Center production team. Hire stage management staff (SMs, assistants, interns). Support the Fisher Center production team in negotiations with designers and directors. Approve production designs based on artistic and budget parameters.
Company management: coordinate travel, housing, visas, and other logistic needs with General Management and SummerScape company management. Create housing plans and personnel lists with arrival and departure dates. Coordinate hospitality and on-campus dining needs. Create and distribute project contact sheets.
Producing: during project rehearsals and performances, serve as the lead on-site management representative and primary point of contact for project creative, production, and performing personnel. Support the production staff during fit-in, load-in, and tech process. Attend rehearsals, production meetings, and post-mortems.
Program materials: coordinate supertitles, synopses, program notes, and other materials required for effective public presentation. Oversee personnel selection, hiring, and contracting, and ensure timely delivery of materials.
Finance: develop and oversee project budgets and ensure adherence to budget. Negotiate budget adjustments, monitor budget vs. actuals, prepare regular financial reports, and coordinate major payables and receivables when required (e.g. co-production payments). Ensure that earned revenue goals are met through co-production/rental and ticket sale revenue. Develop and support cost control strategies.
Marketing and publicity: ensure high visibility and attendance for projects. Facilitate the flow of information and materials for marketing and communications, collaborate on drafting copy, coordinate the planning of photo/video shoots, and facilitate media access to performers and the creative team. Review and approve marketing and publicity materials as requested.
Development: support fundraising activities to ensure that contributed revenue goals are met. Participate in the creation and execution of special events, support written grant applications and reporting copy, attend funder meetings as needed, and participate in the identification of project-specific funding opportunities and donor prospects.
Audience services: support the audience services team by providing timely information regarding running time and seating restrictions (production seat kills, sightline issues, etc.).
Documentation: coordinate complete project documentation. Facilitate photo calls, video shoots, HD live streams, audio recordings, and written documentation (such as historical show archive/production bible). Coordinate the editing and timely delivery of full-length and trailer versions of video documentation.

General

Attend Fisher Center staff meetings, project meetings, and marketing meetings—as required.
Participate in general Fisher Center, Bard Music Festival, and SummerScape planning.
Complete other producing duties as assigned.

COMPANY-WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Fisher Center is currently undergoing an organization-wide process of change toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural institution. All on staff are expected to:

Commit to anti-racism and inclusivity at the Fisher Center. This includes participating in any trainings when scheduled, supporting departmental, company-wide, and cross-departmental collaboration in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and furthering your own independent journey with anti-racism.
Contribute in meaningful ways to the organizational culture.

Required QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE

A background in the opera industry with working knowledge and experience within opera, music, and/or theater, and existing contacts in the sector. Passion for and understanding of operatic repertoire and rehearsal processes/requirements.
Proven experience devising and producing high-quality arts projects involving world premiere performances or productions.
Experience developing and managing budgets.
Ability to exercise discretion with confidential and sensitive information.
Passion for the arts and a commitment to enhancing its accessibility to a wide range of groups.
Knowledge of Google systems and their applications, including Gmail, Drive, Sheets, Docs, Calendar, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Demonstrably excellent project management, administrative, and organizational skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to interact with a wide range of personalities, and proven experience communicating effectively with a range of backgrounds and styles.
Ability to multitask and establish clear priorities when engaging with a variety of initiating parties, to remain calm under pressure, and to coalesce multiple constituents and points of view around solutions-oriented thinking when encountering creative or fiscal limitations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Familiarity with Slack is a plus.

LOCATION

While some duties may be performed remotely, this position will require on-site and physical presence at the Fisher Center.

TO APPLY

Apply Now

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For any questions or issues with the application form, please contact fcjobs@bard.edu.

ABOUT THE FISHER CENTER

ABOUT BARD COLLEGE

Seasonal Positions

Assistant House Manager

OVERVIEW

As a key member of the House Management team, the Assistant House Manager provides administrative support to the House Manager and co-supervises the entire Front of House (FOH) team for in-person and/or live streamed events at the Fisher Center. The Assistant House Manager seeks to consistently provide an excellent and safe experience for audiences and a professional, supportive and fun environment for their team of ushers, parkers, and chat moderators.

The Assistant House Manager is a member of the Fisher Center’s Marketing & Audience Services department and reports directly to the House Manager. This position works closely with the following departments: Box Office, Production, Building Operations teams.

This is a seasonal position, non-exempt (overtime-eligible), paid hourly at a rate range of $17–18/hr.

This position requires local residence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain a high level of proficiency with Front of House policies and procedures as well as our ticketing software.
Fulfill various daily and weekly administrative functions as necessary including preparing house and lobbies before and after events, returning all Front of House materials to original locations, and any other tasks delegated by the House Manager.
Attend weekly FOH meetings and any meetings that pertain to FOH operations at an event for which the House Manager will be responsible.
Work with the House Manager to devise, maintain and deliver training materials and workshops.
Review communications that go out to the full FOH team with the House Manager.

Duties as Front of House lead (executed in cooperation with the House Manager) include:

Supervise Front of House Staff during events.
Coordinate systems and communicate with Box Office, Production, Building Operations and other staff to effectively and efficiently run each event.
Attend dress rehearsals in order to understand the FOH needs required for each event.
Maintain and administer detailed house reports for each event and respond to feedback in a timely manner.
Accurately report Front of House staff timings for each event.

COMPANY-WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Fisher Center is currently undergoing an organization-wide process of change toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural institution. All on staff are expected to:

Commit to anti-racism and inclusivity at the Fisher Center. This includes participating in any trainings when scheduled, supporting departmental, company-wide, and cross-departmental collaboration in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and furthering your own independent journey with anti-racism
Contribute in meaningful ways to the organizational culture

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE

Customer service experience, preferably in house management and/or in the performing arts
At least 1 year of professional supervisory experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Excellent organization skills, communication skills, and superior attention to detail
Positive work attitude, enjoy interacting with people
Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and solving problems quickly
Successful candidates possess strong communication skills and keen attention to detail, are collaborative and self-motivated, and bring a positive, can-do attitude

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Professional experience in house management and/or in the performing arts
Interest or background in the performing arts, e.g., work experience and/or studies in the performing arts, is highly encouraged

WORKING CONDITIONS

Ability to work nights and weekend hours
Bard College currently requires all employees to be fully vaccinated, including booster

LOCATION

TO APPLY

Apply Now

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For any questions or issues with the application form, please contact fcjobs@bard.edu.

ABOUT THE FISHER CENTER

ABOUT BARD COLLEGE

Parking & Accessibility Coodinator

OVERVIEW

As a key member of the House Management team, the Parking & Accessibility Coordinator will directly oversee the operational efficacy, accessibility, and security of the Fisher Center parking strategy, which will include parking lots at Fisher Center and, at times, across the Bard campus. In this capacity, the Parking & Accessibility Coordinator will supervise a team of approximately 25 staff (Parking Attendants and Golf Cart Drivers). This role is instrumental to the Fisher Center’s audience experience and the overall safety and operational success of our Front of House protocols. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in parking operations, grounds management, large event operations, customer service, and a familiarity with security protocols.

North Campus construction has limited the Fisher Center’s parking capacity and necessitated an audience shuttling program that was first implemented during our 2024 summer season. Working in close collaboration with the Audience and Member Services Manager, House Manager, General Manager, and Director of Facilities, the Parking & Accessibility Coordinator will further strategize a parking plan that places accessibility at its core, ensuring that all visitors (guests, as well as artists and staff) have the parking and transportation services required to remain safe and comfortable during their visit.

The Parking & Accessibility Coordinator is a Fisher Center Audience & Member Services department member and reports directly to the House Manager. This position works closely with the following Fisher Center departments: Front of House, Building Operations, General/Company Management, Box Office, Development, and Marketing teams, as well as the Bard College Departments of Transportation and Security.

This is a full-time position, starting as soon as possible (on or after September 1st) and going through May 26th, 2025, non-exempt (overtime-eligible), and paid $23/hour. Hours will average approximately 35-40 hours per week. Possibility to renew the contract for summer 2025.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Devise and implement a parking strategy for a predetermined set of parking lots near the Fisher Center and across the Bard College campus
In collaboration with the Front of House Manager, design staffing strategies and staffing assignments to manage the various parking and transportation needs
In collaboration with Front of House and Development, help to plan out VIP parking, as well as ensuring accessibie parking runs smoothly and safely for all visitors with accessibility needs
Work with other members of the Audience & Member Services and General Management teams to identify and address barriers to access at the Fisher Center’s venues
Coordinate with General Management on additional staff and artist parking and transportation as needed
Directly oversee and manage the parking flow for all shows at the Fisher Center’s Sosnoff Theater and LUMA Theaters, as well as for performances at any off-site locations.
Send out regular and timely communications to parking staff, as needed. Serve as a resource for the parking attendants and golf cart drivers
Manage hours for outdoor staff, reporting back to the Front of House Manager for payroll purposes
Attend weekly All Staff meetings and other administrative meetings as needed

COMPANY-WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Fisher Center is currently undergoing an organization-wide process of change toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural institution. All on staff are expected to:

Commit to anti-racism and inclusivity at the Fisher Center. This includes participating in any trainings when scheduled, supporting departmental, company-wide, and cross-departmental collaboration in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and furthering your own independent journey with anti-racism
Contribute in meaningful ways to the organizational culture

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE

2–3 years of professional managing operations for large-scale events
1–2 years managing a team; preference for experience with large teams
Experience with fast-paced environments and ability to handle fast communication and logistics
Ability to multitask and oversee many overlapping happenings and events simultaneously

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to oversee complex strategies and planning tools
The ideal candidate will be flexible and have an all-hands-on-deck attitude
Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its applications to non-profit organizations is a strong plus
Excellent organization skills, communication skills, and superior attention to detail
Proficiency with Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, shared Drives)
A current driver’s license and/or reliable transportation are required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Security Certification, as well as CPR and First Aid
Golf cart driving certification
A passion for the performing arts is preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be able to work nights and weekend hours
Ability to stand on your feet for several hours; some handling of light to moderate equipment

LOCATION

TO APPLY

Apply Now

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For any questions or issues with the application form, please contact fcjobs@bard.edu.