The Production Director serves as the strategic and operational leader of the Production Department and is responsible for the successful planning, coordination, staffing, budgeting, and execution of all productions, events, and production operations. This role provides leadership and oversight to the production management, scenic, costume, lighting/AV, props, and stage operations functions, ensuring collaboration across departments and alignment with organizational goals.
The Production Director functions as the integrator of the production department, balancing artistic vision, operational sustainability, staffing, budgeting, scheduling, communication, safety, and organizational priorities.
This role is a member of the Management Team and collaborates closely with Artistic, Operations, Marketing, Development, and Finance leadership.
About you
You+rsquo;re a leader and collaborator who enjoys detailed work amongst artists. You+rsquo;re also highly attuned to details and deadlines. The implementation of theater technology with art excites you. You hold a special place for organization deep down. Your ability to switch gears in a moment+rsquo;s notice engages you. You enjoy fixing things, and keeping them working.
What you+rsquo;ll do at Stages
Lead and oversee all production department operations for productions, events, and organizational initiatives
Develop and maintain a collaborative, accountable, and solutions-oriented departmental culture
Establish and maintain production systems, workflows, communication structures, and operational standards.
Oversee long-term departmental planning, staffing development, and succession planning
Partner with organizational leadership to align production operations with strategic organizational goals
Oversee the successful execution of all productions from pre-production through strike
Ensure effective communication and coordination across all production departments and creative teams
Monitor production timelines, staffing plans, labor allocation, and production schedules
Collaborate with directors, designers, stage management, and department leads to balance artistic goals with operational and budgetary realities
Lead problem-solving and decision-making throughout the production process
Oversee production planning meetings and ensure clear communication of production priorities and expectations
Supervise and support department managers and production leadership staff
Provide coaching, mentorship, accountability, professional development, and performance management for production leadership personnel
Delegate operational ownership appropriately while maintaining departmental oversight
Participate in hiring, onboarding, evaluation, and staffing decisions for production personnel
Develop, monitor, and manage production budgets in collaboration with Finance and department managers
Monitor departmental expenditures and labor utilization throughout the season
Lead resource allocation decisions across productions and departments
Ensure operational efficiency while maintaining production quality and safety standards
Oversee production-related safety practices, training coordination, and compliance within production operations
Ensure production departments maintain safe and organized workspaces
Collaborate with Operations and Facilities staff regarding theater usage, production scheduling, and operational logistics
Oversee maintenance planning and operational readiness of production equipment and infrastructure
Serve as a collaborative partner to Artistic, Operations, Marketing, Development, and organizational leadership
Other duties, as assigned.
To excel in this job, you+rsquo;ll need
7+ years of professional theater experience
Positive, collaborative approach to work
Leadership skill sets, to include: communication skills, time management, and people management skills
Basic accounting, record keeping, budget creation and management skills.
Dramaturgical skills necessary to understand plays, the mechanics of plays, and production vocabulary
Familiarity with process of set design, carpentry, set construction, and construction science
Familiarity with process of costume design and construction
Familiarity with process of lighting design, technologies, installation and hang requirements, electrical systems and capacities
Familiarity with process of audio and video design, systems, and technologies
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and technical rehearsal periods as needed
OSHA 10
It would also be great to have
Ability to navigate production environments including shops, backstage areas, catwalks, and rehearsal spaces
Ability to lift and move production-related materials consistent with production environment expectations
Familiarity with technical drafting processes in both design and construction settings, including the ability to read, interpret, and work from drawing documents, lighting, sound, and video plots, theatrical rigging documentation, and scenic painting specifications.
This is important
Stages is committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe creative environment for staff, artists, and our community. We know that through discussion and expression we can continue to promote change in a positive direction. We believe that diversity on and off stage is important. We are committed to bridging cultural gaps and creating an environment of inclusion and equity for all. It is our intent to provide equal opportunities to all who may apply. We welcome every race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic makeup, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, and thinking style.
