Production Manager – 2026 Season

Summer Theatre Of New Canaan; New Canaan (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional summer theatre is seeking a Production Manager to oversee the technical and production operations for their MainStage productions. This role requires strong leadership and organizational skills, managing production planning and technical staff, and ensuring the successful execution of artistic visions. Key responsibilities include scheduling production meetings, managing budgets, and mentoring emerging technicians. Candidates should have experience in theatrical productions and be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Housing is not provided.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing theatrical productions and technical teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience mentoring or supervising students or early-career technicians preferred.
• Experience with summer theatre or festival environments highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and run production meetings, coordinate communication among teams.
• Manage production planning and technical staff, ensuring execution aligns with artistic vision.
• Oversee budgeting, resources, and production purchases.
• Hire and supervise technical/load-in/strike crew.
• Manage and mentor a team of technical theatre college interns.
• Serve as backstage crew chief during performances.
• Manage the overall production schedule, including rehearsals, builds, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Maintain the theatre’s space schedule to coordinate Mainstage productions alongside educational programs and performances.
• Work with the Stage Manager to develop the technical rehearsal schedule.
• Run technical crews for educational program performances.
• Support program directors in adapting scenery, backstage operations, and technical elements for educational productions.
• Oversee all flying and rigging operations with ZFX Flying Effects when applicable.
• Collaborate with the Technical Director to address technical challenges and production needs.
• Manage the production budget and oversee production-related spending.
• Coordinate production purchases, rentals, and materials as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Experience managing productions

Experience mentoring technicians

Tools

ZFX Flying Effects

Job description

The Production Manager oversees the technical and production operations for The Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s MainStage productions and educational programs. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Production Manager manages production planning, technical staff, and production resources to ensure the safe, efficient, and successful realization of each production.
This position requires a collaborative leader who can balance artistic goals with practical execution, anticipate challenges, and guide a team of technicians and interns in a fast-paced summer theatre environment.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and Run production meetings and coordinate communication among directors, designers, stage management, and technical staff.
• Support the director and design team in realizing their vision in a practical and achievable manner.
• Anticipate challenges and troubleshoot production issues as they arise.

Technical Staff & Intern Management

• Hire and supervise technical/load-in/strike crew.
• Manage and mentor a team of technical theatre college interns.
• Serve as backstage crew chief during performances.

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Manage the overall production schedule, including rehearsals, builds, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Maintain the theatre’s space schedule to coordinate Mainstage productions alongside educational programs and performances.
• Work with the Stage Manager to develop the technical rehearsal schedule.

Educational Program Support

• Run technical crews for educational program performances.
• Support program directors in adapting scenery, backstage operations, and technical elements for educational productions.

Technical Oversight

• Oversee all flying and rigging operations with ZFX Flying Effects when applicable.
• Collaborate with the Technical Director to address technical challenges and production needs.

Budget & Resources

• Manage the production budget and oversee production-related spending.
• Coordinate production purchases, rentals, and materials as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing theatrical productions and technical teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience mentoring or supervising students or early-career technicians preferred.
• Experience with summer theatre or festival environments highly beneficial.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and access to a car required for production-related pickups and supply runs.
• Residence within commuting distance of New Canaan, CT strongly preferred.
• Housing is not provided.

Status: Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director
Dates: May – August 2, 2026

The Production Manager is a central leader of the production team and plays a critical role in supporting both the artistic vision and the technical execution of the theatre’s work. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver, a strong collaborator, and a supportive mentor to emerging technicians.

How to Submit

Please send a cover letter and resume to [e-mail]. Please include “Production Manager 2026” in your subject line.