Artist Operations Manager – Theatre

Laguna Playhouse; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, California, is seeking a Company Manager to oversee payroll, union compliance, and housing/travel arrangements for artists and crews across a busy season.

The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, a collaborative approach with artists and staff, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Minimum of three years of experience working in a professional theatre, performing arts organization, or comparable live entertainment environment.
• Previous experience as a Company Manager, Assistant Company Manager, or in a similar artist-services or production-support role is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and respond effectively in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with artists, creative teams, staff, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of union contracts (SDC, LORT, USA, etc.) preferred.
• Proficiency with payroll systems, HR software, and standard office applications.
• Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly artist payroll and union benefits; process agency commissions.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of applicable collective bargaining agreements, including SDC, LORT, USA, and other relevant union agreements.
• Maintain the company calendar with staff meetings, special events, education events, meet-and-greets, and office closures as needed.
• Provide catering when needed for tech and rehearsal room.
• Coordinate and submit Workers' Compensation forms.
• Process all ticket requests from actors, stage managers, crew, and company management vendors.
• Responsible for filling out new hire HR forms that initiate the onboarding process for actors and stage managers.
• Attend to all travel and transportation arrangements, housing, and hospitality needs for show personnel and visiting artists.
• Coordinate with local vendors to reserve and procure rental cars and hotel stays as needed per production.
• Maintain records of travel, housing, hospitality, and parking.
• Manage and maintain rental properties and owned housing in collaboration with landlords and Facilities department, including cleanliness, preventative work, and repairs.
• Serve as point of contact for rental car damage reconciliation and parking/traffic citations.
• Support compliance with Playhouse company policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook for seasonal artists.
• Maintain network of medical professionals and respond to urgent company member needs outside regular business hours when reasonably required by operational necessity.
• Work events as required by the Playhouse including opening night celebrations, annual gala fundraiser, special event presentations, and other company-related gatherings.
• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as reasonably assigned, consistent with the nature and level of the position.

Skills

Payroll & Benefits Administration

Union Contract Expertise

Logistics & Travel Coordination

Discretion & Confidentiality

Communication & Relationship Building

Problem-Solving & Diplomacy

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Payroll software

HR software

Job description

Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, California, is seeking a Company Manager to oversee payroll, union compliance, and housing/travel arrangements for artists and crews across a busy season.

The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, a collaborative approach with artists and staff, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is expected.