Job Title
Writers Theatre
Position: Associate Production Manager
Location: Glencoe, IL
Department: Production
Classification: Full-Time w Benefits
Salary: starting at $55,000, commensurate with experience
About Writers Theatre
Writers Theatre (WT) is a nationally-recognized, award-winning theatre company located on the North Shore of Chicago with a pre-pandemic annual operating budget of $6 Million. Known for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its productions, WT is focused on the power of the written word and dedicated to the artists who bring that word to life. Having captivated audiences for years with its commitment to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called "America's finest regional theater company" by The Wall Street Journal. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, the company is charting a path forward for its future.
Position Summary
Writers Theatre seeks an Associate Production Manager to join our Production Department. The Associate Production Manager reports to the Director of Production and Facilities and is a vital part of the department as the primary point of contact between the organization and Designers. The Associate Production Manager also participates in institutional planning alongside the Director of Production and Facilities.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design process, aid design team + production heads in planning and execution of designs within budget, and support rehearsal/tech process.
- Coordinate distribution of all technical + designer drawings, scripts, information for program and other materials between Creative Team, Production Department and other departments.
- Facilitate communication of detailed schedules to designers and staff including but not limited to due dates, production milestones, load-in and tech schedules, and other events.
- Schedule + lead production meetings + take and distribute production meeting notes.
- Be present at all technical rehearsals and previews.
- Supervise all Production Department financial transactions, including processing check requests, coordinating production credit card statements, approving payroll, and reconciling cash advances.
- Facilitate and participate in Production Department hiring and onboarding.
- Execute crew and non-union designer contracts.
- Oversee show crew onboarding and act as point of contact for crew.
- Ensure that production work environments are inclusive and respectful for performers, designers, and staff.
- Play a leadership role in creating/knowing health + safety guidelines and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
- Act as liaison between administrative staff and production department heads to ensure communication regarding requests for shared spaces, equipment, and personnel support.
- Assist the Director of Production and Facilities and the Facilities Operations Coordinator in Facilities Management duties and oversight to maintain facilities' appearances and function.
- Assist in season planning, development of and the distribution of the season calendar.
- Assist in creation and help maintain company calendar.
- Participate in long term planning.
- Long weeks and evening/weekend hours required for assigned projects.
Qualifications + Key Competencies
- Three or more years of professional experience in theatrical production management preferred or comparable experience in the performing arts, events management, or live entertainment industry.
- Skilled at managing multiple overlapping and on-going projects with a proven track record of successfully delivering projects within time, human resources, and budgetary constraints.
- Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with and a strong propensity for financial accounting.
- General proficiency with technology and ability to learn and adapt as technology evolves.
- Previous experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
- Knowledge of safety policies and procedures within a performing arts environment.
- Preferred experience with drafting contracts for over-hire employees.
- AutoCAD, Vectorworks, and/or SketchUp beneficial.
- Ability to operate machinery including but not limited to: general carpentry shop tools, chop saw, jig saw, etc. is a plus
- Strong judgment and management skills to prioritize multiple tasks while paying attention to details.
- Ability to interact and collaborate with a diverse range of designers and staff.
- Willingness to adapt standard practices to the creative processes of a given project or team.
- Ability to maintain a level-headed and calm demeanor under pressure while working in a collaborative team-based structure.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a coordinated team.
- Creative problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and familiarity with standard office procedures.
- Commitment to creating and maintaining a safe work environment.
- Naturally pro-active with a general curiosity to learn and seek solutions.
- This role may involve tasks such as squatting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, walking, pushing/pulling, and handling objects. The ability to carry or lift loads over 50 lbs and work at varying heights may also be required. We encourage applicants of all abilities to apply, and reasonable accommodations can be provided to support individuals in performing the essential functions of this role.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
WT is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as promoting a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment conducive to professional and personal growth. A successful candidate will share these values.
WT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, or veteran status.
Please find more information on our culture and specific policies at the following links:
- https://www.writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt
- https://www.writerstheatre.org/our-code-of-conduct
- https://www.writerstheatre.org/edi-at-wt
To Apply
Qualified and interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and references to productionjobs@writerstheatre.org with the subject line "2024 APM Application." No phone calls please.
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