Company Manager

Socket.dev; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, CA seeks an organized artist-operations professional to act as the backbone of operations. You will manage payroll, union compliance, travel, and housing while supporting artists and creative teams in a fast-paced theatre season.

The role requires discretion, strong communication, and the ability to coordinate with vendors, staff, and artists across production timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Minimum of 3 years in a professional theatre or live entertainment environment.
• Experience as Company Manager or similar artist-services role preferred.
• Strong organizational and written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly artist payroll and union benefits; process agency commissions.
• Maintain understanding of SDC, LORT, USA and other union contracts.
• Maintain company calendar for meetings, events, and closures.
• Coordinate travel, housing, and hospitality for show personnel.
• Submit workers' compensation forms and manage onboarding.
• Handle ticket requests and onboarding forms for new hires.
• Serve as liaison for rental car, hotel, and vendor coordination.

Skills

Organization

Union contracts

Payroll administration

Communication

Discretion

Travel coordination

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Payroll software

HR software

Office apps

Job description

Description

ABOUT LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

Laguna Playhouse is a nationally acclaimed, non-profit, professional theatre located steps away from the Pacific Ocean in the charming arts colony of Laguna Beach, California. As a cultural anchor for our community and a leader in contemporary American theatre, we produce innovative plays and musical that entertain, challenge, and inspire diverse audiences. We maintain the highest standards of artistic excellence while ensuring the best possible experience for our cast, crew, and visiting artists.

ABOUT THE CULTURE

Laguna Playhouse fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and creatively enriching environment that encourages authenticity and bold ideas. We are deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender, non-binary, and those from communities historically underrepresented in the theater industry.

The right candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, and genuinely committed to supporting the artists and creative teams who bring our productions to life. You will serve as the backbone of artist operations—managing payroll, union compliance, logistics, travel, and housing while gracefully handling the challenges that arise during a professional theatre season. This role demands discretion, kindness, organizational excellence, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, production-driven environment. You'll be the person artists trust with their questions, concerns, and urgent needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative and Operational Duties

• 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

Travel, Lodging, and Hospitality

1. Attend to all travel and transportation arrangements, housing, and hospitality needs for show personnel and visiting artists
2. Coordinate with local vendors to reserve and procure rental cars and hotel stays as needed per production
3. Maintain records of travel, housing, hospitality, and parking
4. Manage and maintain rental properties and owned housing in collaboration with landlords and Facilities department, including cleanliness, preventative work, and repairs
5. Serve as point of contact for rental car damage reconciliation and parking/traffic citations

Compliance and Artist Support

• 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

Requirements

REQUIRED 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, including prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, lifting and carrying materials up to 25 pounds, traveling between work locations and housing properties, and evening/weekend availability

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Organization & Detail Management

Exceptional ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, and logistical details simultaneously without losing accuracy or composure. Artist needs are prioritized and tracked with precision.

Union Contract Expertise

Strong knowledge of collective bargaining agreements (SDC, LORT, USA, etc.) and commitment to ensuring compliance. Ability to interpret and apply union rules accurately.

Payroll & Benefits Administration

Competency with payroll processing, union benefits administration, and accurate record-keeping. Ability to learn and master payroll systems quickly.

Communication & Relationship Building

Warm, professional communication with artists, crew, visiting artists, and staff. Ability to deliver both good news and difficult information with clarity and compassion.

Problem-Solving & Diplomacy

Proactive approach to mediating conflicts and resolving issues. Calm demeanor under pressure, with ability to think creatively and implement solutions quickly.

Discretion & Confidentiality

Professionalism and absolute confidentiality regarding sensitive artist information, personal matters, and company business. Trustworthy and discreet in all dealings.

Logistics & Travel Coordination

Ability to manage complex travel arrangements, housing coordination, and vendor relationships. Attention to detail in booking, documentation, and budget management.

Responsiveness & Flexibility

Willingness to respond to urgent needs outside regular business hours when required. Comfort with flexible work hours and the unpredictable nature of theatre operations.

Kindness & Empathy

Genuine care for the wellbeing of cast and crew. Ability to be supportive and resourceful during stressful production periods while maintaining professionalism and discretion.