A Production Administrator is responsible for managing and coordinating the administrative and logistical aspects of theatre productions.
What are the main responsibilities of a Production Administrator?
- Manage and maintain production documents, including contracts, schedules, and contact lists
- Serve as a point of contact for internal and external communications, ensuring information is accurately and efficiently conveyed between all parties involved in the production
- Develop and manage production schedules, ensuring all team members are aware of deadlines and rehearsal times
- Regularly update schedules and distribute them to the production team to keep everyone informed of any changes
- Arrange travel and accommodation when necessary
- Work with venues to coordinate the use of space for rehearsals and performances, including booking rehearsal spaces and ensuring they meet the production's needs
- Assist in managing the production budget
- Handle invoices, payments, and expense reports, ensuring that all financial transactions are processed correctly and on time
- Coordinate the purchase and rental of supplies and equipment needed for the production, ensuring they are available when needed
- Provide administrative support to the production team, including directors, designers, and technical staff
- Assist with the onboarding of new team members, ensuring they have the necessary information and resources to begin work on the production
- Ensure that health and safety regulations are followed during rehearsals and performances, coordinating with relevant departments to address any concerns
- Ensure that all necessary permits and licences are obtained and that the production complies with legal requirements
What qualifications do I need to be a Production Administrator?
Whilst there are no specific qualifications required to become a Production Administrator, it could be useful to have a degree in Theatre, Arts Management or Business Administration and/or an Administration apprenticeship.
What skills do I need to be a Production Administrator?
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently
- Strong verbal and written communication abilities for liaising with various stakeholders
- Meticulous in managing documents, schedules, and logistical details
- Ability to address challenges creatively and practically
- Understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and expense tracking
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse team and build relationships
- Efficient in managing time and prioritising tasks to meet production deadlines
- Familiarity with office software and tools for managing schedules, budgets, and communication
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What does a career as a Production Administrator look like?
Having a qualification in relevant subjects will help towards securing a job as a Production Administrator. You could also gain experience through internships or entry-level roles such as Production Assistant or Administrative Assistant in a theatre company.
It is important to build a professional network within the theatre industry through internships, volunteer work, and attending industry events.
How much does a Production Administrator earn?
Starting salary for Production Administrator can be between £18k - £20k and can grow to around £25k - £30k. These roles are often full or part-time, but can sometimes be contract and/or freelance.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
Reference:
https://uk.indeed.com/cmp/National-Theatre/salaries/Administrator
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/theatre-administration-assistant-salary-SRCH_KO0,32.htm
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/arts-administrator
https://www.theatreartlife.com/staying-still/what-it-means-to-work-in-theatrical-administration/
