CAVALIA GIVES PREFERENCE TO SOMERVILLE RESIDENTS IN HIRING FOR ODYSSEO

I worked hard with the Mayor and his administration - actually putting forth a Resolution back in June - on securing local jobs from Cavalia while they will be here in Somerville.  I am happy we were able to work this out.

The City of Somerville is pleased to announce that Cavalia, Inc. has agreed to give preference to Somerville residents during interviews for jobs at the northeast U.S. premiere of Cavalia’s equestrian ballet, Odysseo, coming to Assembly Row this summer.

Cavalia will hold interview days for job applicants at its big top at 101 Grand Union Boulevard in Somerville, behind Home Depot, on Monday, July 29 and Tuesday, July 30.

“I’m extremely pleased and grateful that Cavalia has agreed to the City’s request to ensure Somerville residents receive preference for jobs during Odysseo’s run at Assembly Square,” Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone said. “In addition to creating local jobs for service staff and union, this production has the potential to bring up to $10 million in revenues for local businesses including restaurants, hotels and more.”

Employees with experience in customer service are sought, such as those who have worked front of the house for events and businesses, in hospitality, restaurants and bars or similar positions. Cavalia also seeks employees who can work long and flexible hours.

“Cavalia’s production of Odysseo is not only bringing jobs to the city, but visitors to East Somerville who can partake in the fantastic array of businesses in our neighborhood,” said Ward 1 Alderman Maureen Bastardi. “This is a wonderful opportunity to cultivate employment opportunities for East Somerville workers and to shine a spotlight on our diverse and thriving local business district.”

Jobs during Odysseo’s run at Assembly Square include: food and beverage, merchandise, box office, ushers, parking attendants, cashiers, bussers and barmen/women, dishwashers, kitchen attendants, stable assistants, and runners and drivers for the tour services department. All employees are hired on a temporary contract for the duration of the show’s run, initially set for seven weeks, starting on Aug. 5.

“We are committed to local jobs and workforce development as demonstrated in our Jobs Advisory Committee’s goals and objectives, whether through working with employers such as with Cavalia and long-term employers, building the skills of our workforce to help connect them to emerging local career opportunities, taking advantage of educational resources, and collaborating with public and private interests to support our efforts,” said Mayor Curtatone.

Cavalia Inc. is applying for a permit that would allow up to a 12-week run at Assembly Row with a target opening night of August 7 and an initial target run of eight weeks, which could be extended to the full 12 weeks based on ticket sales.