POSITION TITLE: PRODUCTION MANAGER
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) is a modern cultural center that occupies a full city block in downtown Pittsburgh. Formerly managed and programmed by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust (“Trust”), and now managed by a new board and President & CEO, the AWAACC continues to engage local and national audiences through its performing and visual arts programming. The AWAACC also hosts symposia, a film series, educational classes and is a venue for other local and national and international arts groups. The AWAACC has a fully operational, 486-seat theater, a large temporary exhibit gallery, a separate permanent exhibition on the life and work of namesake August Wilson, an education center, a black box dance studio and ancillary spaces. The annual operating budget is approximately $6 million.
SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The primary responsibility of this position is to coordinate the presentation and/or production of performances and events presented by and/or at the AWAACC. Under the supervision of the Director of Production, this position primarily manages and administers production operation details of multiple productions and events with many occurring at the same time or in close sequence in theaters and event spaces. The Production Manager will be responsible for creatively solving production problems while working within the guidelines of labor agreements, existing inventory, and available schedule; and in keeping with the policies, procedures, and standards of the AWAACC.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Serves as Production Manager for theatrical productions, including Center sponsored events & facility rentals. The Production Manager contacts artist and/or artist’s management to request technical information, receives technical forms and stage plots from programming staff, artists or traveling productions, and determines production needs, crew (Stagehands, wardrobe, hair and make-up) staffing, and schedule requirements.
• Serves as primary production liaison for all productions as assigned.
• Maintains and disseminates technical specifications of the venue(s); reviews artist show technical specifications; works with the Rental Team to provide pre-event estimate, crew schedules, and post-event reporting for all productions as assigned.
• Works closely with event staff to develop, construct and implement creative design. Create appropriate scenic, lighting and seating plots, ensuring that the event is code compliant with respect to egress. Work with vendors to produce theatrical elements as required.
• Support set-ups & breakdowns for events; orders and tracks production equipment and supplies; assists Director of Production with yearly budget and expense tracking.
• Facilitate clear communications throughout the production process, and act as a liaison between directors, designers, stage managers, and AWAACC production and administrative staff. Included but not limited to: Coordinate and conduct design and production meetings. Attend first read through, designer run, technical rehearsals and previews as necessary. Maintain department contact information and show rosters.
• Ensure company compliance with all union rules.
• Oversee inventory and maintenance of all shop, lighting, costume and sound equipment. Oversee all routine facility supply stocking as well as general facility hardware such as lamps and stage supplies such as tape.
Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required:
• A minimum of 3 years in professional theatrical production management, technical production, stage management, and/or production design is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in theater or arts management or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in theatrical design or theatrical technical management is required.
• Thorough working knowledge of all areas of theatrical production and presentation.
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Vector works is very helpful.
• Excellent organizational, communication and financial management skills as well as supervisory experience is necessary in order to successfully and efficiently facilitate the duties as required.
• The ability to work well under pressure and prioritize in a multi-task environment is essential.
• Must be able to translate the artistic and financial concerns of the AWAACC while ensuring the safe and successful mounting of productions or presentations.
Work Environment:
The AWAACC is a very busy, fast-paced environment which requires flexibility in adjusting to changing priorities and demands. Safety, guest service and teamwork are primary values in this Department. The sound and light levels in the work environment, particularly for theatrical events, can vary greatly. Production Managers must be capable of dealing with while monitoring work environments where it is loud, dusty, where there are variable lighting levels, and where many distractions happen simultaneously. Occasional travel to observe complex productions is a possibility.
August Wilson African American Cultural Center is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair treatment of our employees and constituents across culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status or sexual orientation.
Candidates who identify as Black, African-American, Afro-Latinx or otherwise identify as a part of the African Diaspora are strongly encouraged to apply.