Production Manager

Theatre Under The Stars Inc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Theatre Under The Stars Inc in Houston seeks a Production Manager to lead and coordinate all aspects of our annual season, from pre-planning to load in and final production, ensuring safety, artistic integrity, and operational excellence.

You will manage budgets, calendars, and labor with IATSE/TWU/AFM, supervise staff, coordinate cross‑departmental needs, and partner with artistic leadership to deliver high‑quality theatre.

Qualifications

• A degree in technical theatre or equivalent experience with at least 4 years in theatrical management.
• Experience supervising union personnel (IATSE, TWU, AFM, AEA, USA).
• Advanced knowledge of AutoCAD and Vectorworks.
• Strong understanding of carpentry, rigging, automation, and pneumatics.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production requirements across the season from pre-planning to final production.
• Manage budgets, calendars, and cost controls with Finance.
• Supervise production staff and coordinate with union departments.
• Ensure safety and compliance with policies.
• Collaborate with artistic leadership on scheduling and creative needs.

Skills

Production management

Budgeting

Team leadership

Union coordination

Labor relations

Project management

Communication

Planning and organization

Microsoft 365

Excel

Education

Technical theatre degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Vectorworks

Job description

Job Purpose

Theatre Under the Stars, nationally recognized for its innovative programming, ambitious educational programs, and professional Broadway-scale musical productions, seeks to add a Production Manager (PM) to its talented production team. The PM actively fully supports the Artistic vision of the theatre through the seamless and collaborative implementation of all production elements and processes. We are seeking a collaborative, creative, and experienced theatre professional to help create and foster an atmosphere of efficiency, artistic advocacy, and technical proficiency.

Working closely with and reporting to the Associate Artistic Director, the ideal candidate possesses advanced knowledge in theatrical budgeting and operations coupled with a strong understanding and ability to support all departments. TUTS is seeking a PM who can deliver and execute tactical and managerial production needs from pre-planning, pre-production, load in, to the final staged production that is professional, safe, entertaining and technically accomplished. The production manager will report through the Associate Artistic Director who will oversee the production department budget, staff, and workflow.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director, oversees the execution of all production requirements in support of the work across Theatre Under The Stars annual season—comprised of produced, co‑produced, developed and presented touring productions, education/civic programs, special events and creative partnerships.
• In collaboration with the Director of Education and Associate Artistic Director, evaluate and support programmatic needs of the education arm of TUTS ensuring smooth integration of students in mainstage productions, summer programs, and other activities as well as supporting general technical needs for the school as applicable.
• Provides project management of all aspects of assigned projects and supports production infrastructure and assets; including, but not limited to determining labor numbers per show (submitting IATSE labor calls), confirming design schedules and getting bids sent out, evaluating quotes from vendors for most cost effective and quality driven standards, oversight of IATSE personnel for show needs and warehouse/shop spaces as well as any coordinator or part time support staff for production.
• Daily point of contact for pre‑planning, pre‑production, Load in, and general show needs with Designers (holding designers to deadlines, secure their plots, submit gear requests, confirm deliveries/pick‑ups, scheduling pre‑production meetings, etc.).
• Manages the maintenance and distribution of production calendars and budgets to all applicable TUTS constituents and to creative team members.
• Will be expected to track all production expenses, and participate in monthly reconciliation with Finance, reforecasting, and budget planning as needed.
• Ensures the resources and support available to production departments and creative teams are clearly articulated, fall within the parameters of the approved budget(s), and manages to achieve the artistic vision and high standards of TUTS.
• Provides management throughout the life cycle of assigned productions (including post production), in concert with appropriate stakeholders, problem solves technical issues which arise during the project execution and coming up with productive and efficient solutions when consensus cannot be reached.
• Responsible for the supervision and hiring (when applicable) of production staff, as well as providing leadership and direction to Production Heads, the Production Coordinator, and other union department heads (IATSE, TWU, AFM), as applicable.
• Supports the Shop Manager by assisting with operational priorities, coordinating cross‑departmental efforts, and addressing the day‑to‑day needs of the shop to ensure efficient operations.
• Ensures that all designs and operations adhere to Theater Under the Stars’ safety protocols, and adhere to organizational, union, and legal policies/procedures.
• Collaboratively manages production related payroll, data entry, and activities with the Production Coordinator, Production Department Heads, Union Reps, and TUTS Human Resources Manager.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, Artistic Director, Associate Artistic Director and Human Resources Manager, manages and cultivates positive relations with collective bargaining partners.
• Fully supports special events such as community productions, events, fundraisers, audience development initiatives, readings, etc.
• Will actively meet with Associate Artistic Director to ensure all administrative systems are up to date per week such as expense tracking, payroll, expense reports, and reports of injury, etc.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• A degree in technical theatre or similar work experience, with a minimum of 4 years working in a theatrical management capacity (Asst. Production Manager, Production Stage Manager, Touring Manager, etc); prior experience as a Production Manager or Assistant/Associate looked upon favorably.
• Experience working with and supervising union personnel (IATSE, TWU, AFM, AEA, USA) and 3rd party vendors who support theatrical needs.
• Advanced knowledge of AutoCAD, Vectorworks, and other professional theatre design and drafting platforms.
• Advanced knowledge of theory and practice behind construction techniques including carpentry, rigging, automation, and pneumatics.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility; with the ability and commitment to work with diverse groups in terms of gender expression, race, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class and immigrant status.
• A commitment to cultivating and stewarding a collaborative, positive work environment through demonstrated emotional intelligence and strength in establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships at all levels of the company.
• Fluent in Microsoft365 products, including Word and Excel.
• Excellent personal leadership and change management skills with an ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in oral and written communication.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously to ensure work is completed in a timely and productive manner.

Special Conditions of Employment

This position requires the ability to work a variable schedule, evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs. Schedule will adapt depending on season and programs occurring. Some overnight and out of town travel may be required.

A moderate degree of physical ability is associated with the Production Manager position.

Activity Frequency

• Sitting Frequent
• Standing/Walking Frequent
• Climbing Stairs/Ladders Occasional
• Crouching/Bending/Stooping Occasional
• Reaching Occasional
• Pushing/Pulling (Up to 25 lbs.) Occasional
• Lifting/Carrying (Up to 25 lbs.) Occasional
• Work in areas of low light Occasional
• Work in areas with moderate to loud noise levels Occasional
• Work in areas with varying temperatures Occasional

Some night and weekend hours required.

This job description is not intended to provide a complete and comprehensive list of all job duties, requirements, and responsibilities. Instead, it is provided as a general overview of the expectation for the role. My signature below constitutes my understanding of the position and responsibilities related to the position. I am able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and any current required accommodations have been discussed with my supervisor and Human Resources.