Senior Production Manager / Stage Manager

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University’s Wharton Center seeks a Senior Production Manager to coordinate technical production for live performances and events. You will work with the Technical Director, supervise crews, and manage lighting, sound, video, scenery, rigging, and stage equipment.

The role requires flexibility for evenings and weekends and combines hands-on technical work with planning and customer service to ensure high-quality productions.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent required; up to five years in theatre tech.
• Experience with union stagehands and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Advance and manage productions from load-in to load-out.
• Serve as event stage manager; supervise crews and coordinate with support teams.
• Maintain production spaces and inventories for performances.
• Develop production budgets and monitor expenses.
• Ensure compliance with bargaining agreements and safety rules.

Skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

CAD

MS Office

Job description

Working/Functional Title

Senior Production Manager

Position Summary

Wharton Center for Performing Arts seeks an organized, collaborative Senior Production Manager to help bring live performances and events to the stage. Working closely with the Technical Director, this position coordinates technical production for touring attractions, performances, rehearsals, rentals, and special programs.

The Senior Production Manager serves as a key contact for visiting productions and rental clients, supervises event crews, and coordinates lighting, sound, video, scenery, rigging, and stage equipment. The successful candidate will combine hands-on technical experience with strong planning, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.

This position requires a flexible schedule to meet production and departmental needs, including evenings, weekends, and other hours dictated by event schedules.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Production and Event Operations

• Advance and manage assigned productions, including technical requirements, staffing, equipment, schedules, and all activities from load-in through load-out.
• Serve as event stage manager and technical contact; supervise crews, operate and troubleshoot production equipment, and coordinate with event support teams.

Facility and Production Systems

• Maintain production spaces, equipment, and inventories to ensure readiness for performances and events.
• Support production systems and facility improvements; coordinate specialized repairs, inspections, and installations as assigned.

Safety and Crew Leadership

• Enforce safety requirements and emergency procedures, address production hazards, and stop or modify unsafe work.
• Coordinate staffing and labor calls under applicable agreements; train crews and uphold professional, inclusive workplace standards.

Production Budgets and Administration

• Develop production budgets, technical estimates, and settlements; monitor expenses and evaluate vendor proposals.
• Maintain accurate labor, billing, and payroll records, ensuring compliance with the collective bargaining agreement.

Minimum Requirements

An associate’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience: up to five years experience in theatre technology including, but not limited to, stage set up, lighting and sound design, film/video projection and related technical areas in production and presentation.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in managing the activities of union stagehands; ability to perform willingly under the pressure of deadlines, limited support staff, space and equipment. Knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations; including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Powerpoint and CAD. Strong organizational skills, customer service skills, attention to detail, problem solving skills and the ability to operate under pressure.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter and resume

Work Hours

Regular nights and weekend work

Website

https://www.whartoncenter.com/

Summary of Physical Demands

Duties associated with this position involve frequent use of stairs, ladders, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, and climbing

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 10/20/2026 at 11:55 PM