Production Manager

About the role

Mudlark Theater, a youth theater based in Evanston, is seeking a full-time Production Manager. The Production Manager will oversee all production operations and facilities while supporting young performers, teaching artists, and production staff. The Production Manager is responsible for planning and supervising all technical and production aspects of the theater's live performances, camps showcases, and special events.

Responsibilities

• Manage production teams for performances, camps showcases, and special events.
• Coordinate production meetings and facilitate communication among Mudlark staff and production teams.
• Establish production schedules, deadlines, and staffing plans.
• Oversee all technical rehearsals, load-ins, strikes, and technical troubleshooting during performance runs.
• Create and monitor production budgets, track expenses, and approve production-related purchases.
• Hire and onboard production artists ensuring all paperwork, background checks, and training are completed.
• Manage artist contracts, production vendors, and rental agreements.

Youth Program Support

• Collaborate with staff, production teams, and teaching artists to create age-appropriate tech and performance processes.
• Foster a supportive learning environment for youth participants.
• Supervise youth volunteers and student technicians and train as needed.

Safety & Compliance

• Establish and enforce safety protocols for all production activities.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA guidelines and local regulations.
• Conduct safety training for staff, volunteers, and student participants as needed.

Facilities Management

• Coordinate use of performance and rehearsal spaces.
• Oversee backstage operations and venue readiness.
• Manage storage, organization, and maintenance of theatrical inventory.
• Develop replacement and capital improvement plans for technical equipment.
• Coordinate facility needs with outside users and rental groups.

General Mudlark Duties

• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Attendance at major Mudlark fundraising events such as Larkabout, Mudlark’s annual benefit.
• Uphold company diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments, centering anti-racist, anti-bias, and anti-oppression principles when executing all work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Theater Production, Technical Theater, or equivalent experience.
• Three to five years of production management experience.
• Knowledge of theatrical production processes, including lighting, sound, scenery, costumes, and stage management.
• Experience managing budgets and multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by production schedules.
• Ability to lift equipment up to 50 pounds, be on ladders and work in technical theater environments.

Skills

• Preferred experience working in youth theater or arts education settings, supervising youth, and access to a reliable vehicle.

Pay and Benefits

This position offers a salary of $44,000-$46,000 annually, with benefits including health insurance, an optional retirement program, and paid time off (vacation, family leave, and holiday).