"Thesis Production Manager"

Position Summary

In consultation with Director of Production, the Thesis Production Manager supervises and coordinates production and technical elements for all Thesis productions produced by the Program; establishes technical schedule of deadlines, production goals, and event spaces for the Thesis performance calendar; establishes, supervises and evaluates student crew assignments for Thesis productions. Maintains effective, clear, and appropriate communications with students, faculty, staff, artistic, production personnel, and crews at all times. Cultivates and maintains a positive and inviting environment for student and faculty interaction and instruction. Maintains on-the-ground, in-the-room oversight of transitional and technical aspects of the productions. Requires frequent evening and weekend hours.

Responsibilities

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT:

Production Management for all Thesis productions. Schedules, manages, and runs all production meetings for 3rd Year Productions. Obtains performance, music, and content rights or 'Permission to Produce' from students for all Theatre Program productions. Oversees the hiring and payment paperwork for all outside artists contracted through Columbia for individual productions. Ensures that all production participants sign required waivers/releases and that all appropriate processes are followed. Maintains and communicates distribution lists for all Theatre Program productions.

In collaboration with the Technical Director, supervises the development of plans/drawings for the physical productions; provides creative solutions to production challenges within the scope of budgetary, labor, and schedule parameters.

Works with Stage Management students to ensure the proper pre-planning for the tech process. Supervises & manages Thesis technical rehearsal oversight and the first day for all 3rd Year productions in Lenfest Center for the Arts, with evening/weekend oversight as needed. Works with directors to ensure workflow timelines. Hires, schedules, and manages all drivers and rentals for the production department. Works in collaboration with the SOA program to maximize the technical capabilities of rehearsal & performances.

Manages student fundraising proposals and coordinates their approval with faculty. Guides Theatre Management and Producing students through the process of developing budget priorities withing the fiscal requirements provided. Manages spending for budgets of individual productions within approved budgetary allocations and in coordination with Producing students.

Creates & maintains accurate security access lists for Lenfest for each production. Coordinates scheduled activities, general maintenance, and upkeep of Lenfest spaces in collaboration with Theatre Production staff.

Provides onboarding and testing protocols related to health and safety for all production participants and builds contingency planning with the productions.

Liaises with venue Front of House Manager and Producing students on Box Office build and event listing, ticket information and design, and programs for each production. Supervises and trains student Company Managers in best practices/protocol for Box Office, VIP, and complimentary ticket management. Coordinates information and print/delivery for show programs for each production.

Attends weekly meetings with theatre production staff, direct supervisor, Lenfest Building Administration, and Stage Management faculty respectively. Collaborates with faculty on any issues/conflicts pertaining to students participating on all productions.

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION:

Manages the stock and replenishment of Stage Manager rehearsal kits in all spaces, along with the Stage Management Concentration Head Faculty Assistant. Manages the stock and replenishment of First Aid Kits for the Theatre Program.

Purchases needed items for production, shop, and program. With oversight from the Director of Production, reconciles University credit card on a monthly basis and processes thesis production-based reimbursements through the Business Office. Communicates with productions on every expense and ensures proper arrival/delivery of goods.

PERFORMS RELATED DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES AS ASSIGNED/REQUESTED

Minimum Qualifications

BA or equivalent professional experience and three to five years of related professional experience required. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, supervisory, and communications skills (verbal and written) required. Ability to work on concurrent projects with multiple deadlines required. Working knowledge of audio, video, and theatrical lighting required. Computer experience required (Vectorworks/AutoCAD, sound and video software preferred). The ability to lift, move, pull, or push items that weigh up to 30 pounds is required. Availability for evening and weekend work required.