| The Production Manager, Theatrical Productions and Events, is responsible for managing the presentation and/or production of performances and events presented by and/or at the Kennedy Center. This position also primarily manages and administers production operation details of multiple productions and events with many occurring at the same time or in close sequence in theaters and alternative event spaces. The Production Manager will be responsible for creatively solving production problems while working within the guidelines of labor agreements, existing inventory, and available schedule and in keeping with the policies, procedures, and standards of the Kennedy Center. Additionally, the Production Manager will at times serve as an in-house production designer for major fund-raising events of the Kennedy Center and a general aesthetic designer of some stage presentations and outside events.
Duties and Responsibilities:
40% Manages theatrical productions, potentially including touring Broadway attractions, international theater companies, major and international ballet companies, as well as Kennedy Center productions, and rentals. Contacts artists and/or artists’ management to request technical information, receives technical forms/riders and stage plots from programming staff, artists or traveling productions, and determines production needs, crew (Stagehands, wardrobe hair and make-up) staffing and schedule requirements. Oversees crews ranging in size from 1-50 people whose crew calls may represent costs of $9,000 per hour in crew labor. Serves as primary production liaison for all productions assigned. Maintains and disseminates technical specifications of the venue(s); reviews artist show contracts and technical specifications; provides production budgets, schedules, labor estimates; schedules crews; orders production equipment and supplies and reports trucking activities. Prepares and distributes production schedules to departments affiliated with presentations including Programming, Security, Facilities and Theater Management. This position requires quick problem solving and established management skills.
40% For internal and external special events: serves as production liaison for clients and artists; maintains and disseminates to perspective clients technical specifications of the venue(s); reviews artist show contracts and technical specifications; provides production budgets, schedules and labor estimates; designs scenic and lighting décor; and produces appropriate plots. Schedules crews; orders production equipment and supplies; reports trucking activities. Prepares and distributes production schedules and layout plans including drawings of ground or space plans to departments affiliated with presentations including, but not limited to Programming, Security, Facilities and Theater Management.
15% Oversees or acts as scenic and lighting designer for Kennedy Center events that may include: NSO Ball, Mark Twain Prize Gala, WNO Opening Gala, Chairman’s Lunch, Spring Gala, WNO Opera Ball, 4th of July Gala. Works closely with Special Events staff to develop, construct and implement creative design. Creates appropriate scenic, lighting and seating plots, ensuring that the event is code compliant with respect to egress. Works with vendors to produce scenic elements.
5% Provides administrative support in Production Operations and Maintenance; maintains event schedule; coordinates Building Service group set-ups & breakdowns; orders and tracks production equipment and supplies; assists Project Manager with yearly budget.
N/A Other duties as assigned such as overseeing maintenance or capital improvement projects in theater spaces.
N/A Responds to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center management and staff in a professional and expedient manner.
N/A Adheres to all employer policies and procedures.
N/A Must work well with others as a team.
Education/Experience
A minimum of 5-7 years in theatrical production management, technical production, stage management, and/or production design is required. Bachelor's degree is required and experience in theatrical design or theatrical technical management is strongly recommended.
Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required
Thorough working knowledge of all areas of theatrical production and presentation. Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access. Basic working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks is very helpful. Knowledge of ArtsVision software for production and programming calendars is a plus. Excellent organizational, communication and financial management skills as well as supervisory experience is necessary in order to successfully and efficiently facilitate the duties of a manager in this department. Department projects and productions span from small to very large inter-department festivals, attractions, and events. The ability to work well under pressure, and prioritize in a multi-task environment is essential. Must be able to translate the artistic and financial concerns of the Kennedy Center while ensuring the safe and successful mounting of productions or presentations.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and on the telephone. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and other essential tasks. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. This position infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment
This is a very busy, fast-paced environment, which requires flexibility in adjusting to changing priorities and demands. Safety, guest service and teamwork are primary values in this Department. The sound and light levels in the work environment, particularly for theatrical events, can vary greatly. Production Managers must be capable of dealing with while monitoring work environments where it is loud, dusty, variable lighting levels, and where many distractions happen simultaneously. No travel is anticipated.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a world premier performing arts organization and our nation’s cultural center. Diversity is a critical component of our mission, vision, and values. Our staff exhibits a wide variety of perspectives and experiences which enable us to foster and strengthen an environment of diversity and inclusion. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan. |
