Production Manager - Harris Theater

Department: Production

Job Title: Production Manager

Reports to: Director of Production

Type of Position: Full-Time, On-site / Nights, weekends, and holidays based on Performance & Event Schedule/ Hybrid work is possible based upon Harris Theater’s in-office requirements and when permissible for the responsibility of the role.

HARRIS THEATER MISSION

The Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance is Chicago’s primary residence for music and dance, connecting diverse audiences with outstanding artists from across the city, the nation, and the world.

General Description

The Production Manager is a full-time position reporting to the Director of Production at the Harris Theater, a 1,499-seat venue hosting a broad range of local, national and international companies and artists. This role works closely with the Harris Theater I.A.T.S.E. Production Department Heads and collaborates regularly with Operations, Facilities, Programming, and Box Office departments to deliver cohesive success for all engagements at the Harris Theater.

Primary responsibilities include day-to-day production management of resident company and rental productions, and supporting the Director of Production in the execution of the Harris Theater Presents season. This position will provide production support onsite for performances and events to help ensure the success of all programming, productions, and events connected to the Harris Theater.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Advancement & Management:

•Serve as the point of contact and the venue’s production on-site decision maker for rental client and resident company shows. This includes nights and weekends, based on the needs of resident companies and renters.

•In concert with the Director of Production and Harris Theater I.A.T.S.E. Production Department Heads (Steward/Carpenter, Electrics, Sound, Props, and Fly), ensure smooth production load-ins, performances, events, and loadouts.

•Coordinate and participate in Front of House & Production Meetings for all renters and resident company productions.

•Maintain detailed and organized advancement notes for Production Department Heads and other Harris Theater Staff.

•Support the Director of Production in budget tracking for the Production Department. Maintain all credit card transaction memos and receipts. Submits all necessary payment processing documents to the finance department.

•Work with lighting, backline, and audio-visual vendors to rent, quote, and purchase production related materials and equipment. Maintain vendor contact information.

•Track needs for I.A.T.S.E. Local labor calls for wardrobe, stagehands, and projectionists.

•Perform production management and/or stage management duties for performances and events based on the needs of the programming and/or renter(s).

•Support Director of Production in creating proposals for production related capital improvement projects.

•Understand the innerworkings of the audio, lighting, rigging, and video technologies throughout the theater.

•Schedule crew provided meals and piano tunings, as well as maintenance and special projects as assigned.

•Understand and retain knowledge of production collective bargaining agreements.

•Other general support duties as assigned cross-organizational support:

•Contributes production details for upcoming performances and events at the Weekly Onsite Meeting.

•Work in collaboration with Operations Team on specific event and reception production set-up needs for renters, resident companies, and Harris Theater Presents programs.

•Distribute backstage security lists for performances and events.

•Communicate Production related information to the Audience Services Manager & House Managers.

•Maintain production records and data to help inform budgetary items and find further efficiencies for the renters and resident companies.

•In collaboration with the Operations and Facilities departments, work to ensure a safe and clean environment for all production staff and clients, including being up to date on best theater practices for health and safety.

•Maintain and update Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in production related rooms throughout venue.

EXPECTATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

As a member of the Theater team, the Production Manager is expected to:

Uphold the Harris Theater’s mission to be a home for music and dance, and embody organizational core values of integrity, collaboration, belonging, respect, and resilience.

Be onsite for or attend performances/events as required for your role. Includes nights, weekends, and holidays.

•Participate in organizational and regular team meetings, share ideas, and communicate openly with peers and supervisors about questions, challenges, and successes.

•Participates in cross-departmental working groups relevant to the role.

•Support the organization’s diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging (D.E.I.A.B) efforts.

•Maintain professional conduct and represent the Harris Theater positively in all interactions with artists, renters, partner organizations, donors, vendors, volunteers, and patrons.

•Create and maintain a positive and safe work environment for all members of the production team and Harris Theater staff.

The ideal candidate will have:

•Experience or demonstrated interest in production and technical theater, I.A.T.S.E. venues and building labor calls, stage management, event management, and/or artist and company management.

•Superior written and verbal communication skills.

•A love of learning and a curious attitude.

•Excellent customer service skills to navigate a variety of artists, renters, and users of the venue and relationships.

•Strong organizational skills, willingness to collaborate with colleagues,

•Comfortable acting without requiring prompting and direct supervision.

•Ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere with a variety of teams and artists with diverse backgrounds.

•The ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment.

•Experience with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) on a PC and Mac, advanced skills in using and creating spreadsheets and Internet collaboration tools.

•Ability to interpret technical drawings and production riders.

SALARY RANGE AND INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY

The salary range/hourly rate for this position is $55,000 - $65,000 per year plus benefits package. Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@harristheaterchicago.org. No phone calls please.

The Harris Theater is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, veteran, national origin, or disability status or any protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, and local laws.

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