What does a Production Manager do?

A Production Manager works with the management team, technical crew and designers (such as the Set Designer) 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 makes 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.

What are the main responsibilities of a Production Manager?

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:

Creating and maintaining a production schedule for each show
Maintaining contact information
Organising meetings for cast and production staff
Working closely with Directors and other department heads to make decisions regarding set, costume, lighting and other aspects of a production and ensure these are within the budget of the production
Ensuring decisions made regarding the set of a production are carried out safely
Prepare budgets and monitor accurate expenses
Create construction drawings for all scenery elements
Organise the ‘Get In’ and ‘Get Out’ (you can see a list of theatre terms here) of the set and scenery

What qualifications do I need to be a Production Manager?

Normally, a Production Manager will have a good knowledge of technical theatre. It is not usually a requirement that you have a formal qualification in technical theatre, but you may wish to develop your knowledge through:

Performance production
Technical backstage
Stage management
Lighting
Events management
Arts administration
Producing
Business studies

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 from across the theatre industry here.

What skills do I need to be a Production Manager?

You need to have the right personality for this type of work as you’re dealing with a number of different departments and people. Such as:

Project management skills
Good management of people and finances
Well organised and able to remain calm and clear-headed at all times
Good communication skills, both written and verbal
Can work well to deadlines
An understanding of technical aspects of the production
Problem-solving skills
Attention to detail

Search all theatre opportunities to help you get into theatre here

What does a career in Production look like?

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. Many Production Managers work on a handful of shows at the same time, slotting in production weeks throughout the year.

How much does a Production Manager earn?

A Production Manager fee can vary depending on the scale of the show. They will be expected to be paid higher rate to a Stage Manager, although they will not work on a show for as long as a Stage Manager. See 'What does a Stage Manager do?' for their Equity pay rates. Some venues and theatre companies who regularly produce their own work will have their own in-house Production Manager, who will have a mid-level and regular salary.

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