Director, Production

Kent State University; Kent (OH); On-site; USD 68,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent State University in Kent, OH seeks a Director of Production to oversee the technical and operational functions of the School of Theatre and Dance productions and facilities, including Porthouse Theatre.

Reports to the Director and coordinates with staff to meet academic and production goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with significant coordinating or managing theatre or production experience.
• Experience coordinating complex productions, budgets, and resources.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee production schedules and related activities for theatre and dance productions and facilities.
• Provide leadership for production and technical elements including set, lighting, sound, and costume design.
• Oversee budgets and authorize production material spending.
• Recruit, hire and supervise seasonal production personnel from students and professionals.
• Train student workforce in technical theatre areas such as lighting, sound, rigging, and staging.
• Coordinate with staff for academic and Porthouse events and conduct design/production meetings.

Job description

Job Title:

Director, Production

Physical Location:

Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary:

$67,706 - $82,333

Basic Function:

Provide oversight for the technical and operational functions of the School of Theatre and Dance productions and facilities including time, supervision of personnel, space and resources. Serve as a key collaborator in supporting the school’s academic and production objectives. Reports to Director, School of Theatre and Dance.

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

Direct and oversee production schedules and related activities in School of Theatre and Dance facilities, including Porthouse Theatre, ensuring effective utilization of resources and performance spaces.

Provide leadership and oversight for production and technical elements of theatrical and dance performances, including set design, costume design and sound and lighting design.

Collaborate with existing theatre staff to coordinate specific production needs for all academic and Porthouse theatrical events.

Manage and administer the operating budget for the academic and Porthouse seasons, coordinating with the school director.

Lead and participate in design and production meetings, technical rehearsals, work calls, and strikes, providing guidance and resolving operational issues as needed.

Evaluate, coordinate, and schedule all technical aspects of productions, rental activities, and related activities for all theatre facilities.

Supervise technical theatre personnel and students working on productions.

Recruit, hire, and supervise a large number of seasonal production personnel, both students and professionals from across the country.

Train student workforce in all aspects of technical theatre including lighting, sound, rigging, staging, etc.

Oversee all theatre production facilities and maintenance. May schedule and coordinate visits for ongoing technical inspections for equipment and mechanisms.

Approve spending for production materials, technical equipment and supplies.

May teach courses as appropriate.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and four years of professional experience coordinating, managing, or supporting theatre productions, dance productions, technical operations, scenic or production design, construction projects, or related experience involving the planning, execution, and oversight of complex projects and resources.

Knowledge Of:

• Contracts for the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, United Scenic Artists, and the Actors’ Equity Association
• Theatre and dance facilities and technical specifications
• Project planning, scheduling and resource allocation methodologies

Skill In:

• Collaborating with design, technology, and production staff and faculty Written and interpersonal communication
• Supervising and mentoring staff and students
• Use of production related technologies, systems and equipment
• CAD and project management software *

Ability To:

• Develop and maintain budgets
• Provide leadership and direction for multiple productions, events, and operational activities
• Draft contracts for independent contractors
• Read and interpret contracts for individuals and performing groups, evaluate them, and make recommendations based on venue specifics
• Actively and positively contribute to the mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Advanced degree.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which may require assessments. Assessments could take the form of interview questions, a request to provide work samples or a written or practical test to assess job related competencies.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

None

Additional Information:

Must pass a security check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to non-discrimination to employ and advance qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We comply with VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr.

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.