A Production Manager works with the management team, technical crew and Designers to make sure the technical elements of a show are completed safely, on time and on budget. Production Managers work on a variety of different shows for a theatre season.
Although similar, there is a difference between a Production Manager and a Stage Manager. A Stage Manager liaises with different departments throughout the day and make sure everything is running smoothly, whereas a Production Manager liaises with different departments to ensure decisions being made are within budgets and everything is working safely.
The responsibilities of a Production Manager can vary and they can begin from the audition process and rehearsals of a production, through to the first night of performances and to when the show has finished its run. These responsibilities can include:
As well as searching opportunities on the Get Into Theatre website, you can also search jobs and opportunities on The Stage Jobs here.
Normally, a Production Manager will have a good knowledge of technical theatre. It is usually a requirement that you have a formal qualification in technical theatre or any related subjects such as:
Also, any experience in Production is a great way to learn new skills and improve on the ones you already have. Look at the production management training opportunities available to you here.
You need to have the right personality for this type of work as you’re dealing with a number of different departments and people. You will need the following skills to make you and ideal candidate for this job role:
Search all theatre opportunities here
Most Production Managers will have worked in one or more relevant roles. Any experience of organising events or assisting an organisation with an event is helpful. This includes any sort of experience helping backstage at a local theatre. Production Managers could have started in a lower position such as a member of the Backstage Crew and worked their way up.
Find more theatre careers advice here
A Production Manager can expect to earn £250 per day and for a larger event such as a festival, £300-£500 per day.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
https://ccskills.org.uk/careers/advice/article/theatre-production-manager
https://study.com/articles/Theatre_Production_Manager_Duties_Outlook_and_Requirements.html
https://ccskills.org.uk/careers/advice/article/production-manager
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 19 June 2019