Theatre Production Manager

Job Description:

The Production Manager is responsible for the successful execution of all production elements for our client's mainstage productions, including developing and managing production schedules and budgets.

Part Time: estimate of 1,000 hours per year; some evenings & weekends.

Salary: $25,000/yr

Specifically, the Production Manager is responsible for:

Production Management

• Scheduling and running production meetings
• Setting design deadlines and ensuring the timely and complete receipt of all designs from each designer
• Working with design team to achieve artistic goals within the resources and staff capacity of the company
• Managing budgets, schedules, and other needs of all production staff
• Managing all running crew, special effects, wardrobe supervisor, sound personnel and production interns, etc.
• Creating a load-in, tech, and strike schedule
• Partnering with the design team and production staff to execute all scenic, costume, lighting, and special effects elements
• Supervising load-in and technical rehearsals for all productions; Ensuring that all appropriate departments are made aware of schedule, notes, or changes
• Transporting and installing equipment necessary for technical rehearsals
• Coordinating rentals of costumes, scenery, props for productions from outside vendors, as necessary
• Attending all technical rehearsals and preview performances
• Monitoring rehearsal & performance reports to ensure all questions are addressed and production standards are maintained throughout the run.
• Serving as primary point of contact for technical communication with venue
• Manage strike and breakdown of the show, ensuring all departments have appropriately removed their items from the theatre and that all is stored, disposed of, or sold appropriately.

Personnel Management

• In collaboration with Artistic Director, Creative Producer, and show directors, hiring, contracting, and managing all designers
• Hiring, contracting, and managing production staff (including Technical Director, Stage Managers, Head Electrician, Sound Engineer, Wardrobe Personnel, overhire, etc.)
• Hiring, contracting, and managing all running crew, props manager, special effects, wig, sound personnel and production interns, etc.
• Ensuring compliance with Actors’ Equity CAT Rulebook and USA 829 Standard Design Agreement throughout rehearsal and performance
• Creating a working environment for both crew and performers that is in alignment with our values

Administration

• Working with Artistic & Executive Directors to create production budgets for upcoming season
• Working with the Artistic and Executive Directors to create the season production calendars, including performance dates, rehearsals, readings, auditions, casting, and marketing needs
• In coordination with the Creative Producer and Administrative Staff, consulting on schedules for special events such as the annual benefit, donor appreciation events, audience engagement events, accessible performance offerings, and others
• Attending weekly staff and artistic meetings, supporting/attending company events such as the Season Salon or the annual benefit, attending company retreats
• Maintaining all production vendor relations and submitting all production department invoices and receipts to the Operations Manager
• Requesting from the Operations Manager all necessary paychecks, fees, reimbursements, materials advances, and bill payments for all members of the production staff, design teams, run crews and support personnel
• Maintaining inventory of all production department equipment
• Coordinating rentals of any stock, such as costumes, scenery, props, by outside groups

Planning for Future

• Coordinating with staff to plan short and long range capital improvements and equipment purchases
• Ensuring that Production Department policies and procedures are reflective of our values
• Attending design showcases and performances throughout Chicago to continually expand our talent pool
• Identifying and pursuing professional development opportunities that expand the PM’s own skills and knowledge

Skills Required

• Collaborative, detailed, proactive, and caring approach to Production Management
• A strong working knowledge of theatrical production procedures and practices; familiarity working with unions a plus
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Knowledge of Google products, Dropbox, Zoom, and Microsoft Office
• General ability to read and interpret theatrical drawings
• Experience with general safety practices in the theater
• Budget management and bookkeeping skills
• Strong critical thinking, decision-making, and creative problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently
• Strong relationship-building skills and a calm demeanor in stressful situations
• Evenings/weekend work required when necessitated by production schedule
• Valid Driver’s License
• Minimum 3 years of direct stage production experience, either as production manager or some other combination of production experience including stage management or other technical role.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs independently
• Ability to repeatedly climb stairs
• Ability to climb ladders up to 15’
• Ability to be physically present in theatrical spaces for extended periods, including nights and weekends as required