Production Services Manager

United States Institute for Theatre Technology; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading performing arts center in Virginia seeks a Production Services Manager to oversee technical management for performances. The role involves supervising staff, managing production logistics, and collaborating with faculty and guest artists. Ideal candidates will have experience in production management and strong leadership skills to ensure successful events. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising technical production personnel in a performing arts setting.
• Significant production management experience.
• Ability to operate and train others in theatre systems.

Responsibilities

• Managing technical aspects for performances and events, including sound and lighting.
• Supervising technical staff and coordinating with various departments.
• Managing daily operations of the production office.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Organizational Skills

Budgeting

Scheduling

Flexibility

Tools

Theatre Systems

Job description

The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts is the premier performing arts destination in the Shenandoah Valley. The Center houses 5 performance venues – a 600-seat Concert Hall, 450-seat Mainstage Theatre, 200-seat Recital Hall, 200-seat E. J. Miller Dance Theatre, and a Studio Theatre Black Box. Over 300 ticketed and non-ticketed performances by guest artists, faculty, and emerging talent from the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) are presented annually to more than 45,000 patrons. CVPA includes Schools of Art, Design and Art History (SADAH); Music (SOM); and Theatre and Dance (STAD), with a commitment to fostering strategic goals and empowering students to act boldly, justly, and inclusively.

The Production Services Manager is a full-time, exempt, 12-month classified staff position within CVPA. We seek a qualified production management professional to support a complex performing arts season and CVPA. The ideal candidate will oversee technical management and production staff for performances involving guest artists, students, and faculty. This position reports to the Executive Director of the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts.

Responsibilities include:

1. Managing technical aspects for performances and events, including sound, lighting, and stage setup in Center venues.
2. Supervising the work and scheduling of the Technical and Operations Coordinator, up to four production fellows per season, guest designers, over-hire labor, part-time student crew, and contractors.
3. Collaborating with the Dean, Executive Director, SOM, STAD, faculty, and staff on the yearly production calendar.
4. Coordinating with the Sound Engineer on all productions.
5. Managing daily operations of the production office, including expenditures per show.
6. Working with the SOM Opera Director.
7. Assessing and managing technical equipment needs, including inventory and upgrades.
8. Providing technical guidance to faculty and staff in STAD to maintain systems.

To learn more and apply, visit jobs.jmu.edu and reference posting 20001214. Review begins on 05/09/2025. The maximum starting salary is $68,000.

JMU is an EOE committed to diversity and inclusion, supporting a community free of discrimination and harassment based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Requirements:

• Experience supervising technical production personnel in a performing arts setting.
• Significant production management experience.
• Ability to operate and train others in theatre systems such as lighting, sound, automation, and rigging.
• Budgeting and scheduling skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and planning skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups while adhering to budgets.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt to change.

Additional considerations:

• Lighting and scenic design experience.
• Safety training (OSHA or other certifications).