POSITION SUMMARY
The Production Manager is responsible for planning, advancing, and delivering exceptional production operations for a diverse portfolio of performances, special events, and rentals across Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This role oversees the successful execution of assigned events from pre-production through settlement, ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence, operational efficiency, financial stewardship, safety, and guest service.
Working collaboratively with artists, touring productions, clients, vendors, union and non-union crews, and internal partners, the Production Manager serves as a key operational leader responsible for translating technical and production requirements into seamless event execution. This role balances strategic planning with hands-on leadership, overseeing production logistics, crew scheduling, budgets, vendor relationships, backstage operations, and departmental administration while maintaining compliance with union agreements, OSHA standards, and organizational policies.
The ideal candidate is an experienced live entertainment professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume performing arts environment and is committed to delivering exceptional service, operational excellence, and seamless event execution. They are an organized, solutions-oriented leader with strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure while creating outstanding experiences for artists, clients, colleagues, and guests.
As a live entertainment venue, this position requires the flexibility to work a variable schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to support performances, events, and operational needs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work with the Director of Production in managing the general day to day and business operations of the Production Department, including colleagues, union crews, production assistants, vendors, and backstage technical crew by making decisions regarding technical matters, emergencies, safety, financial interest of the client (internally or externally), and the financial interest of the arts center.
- Exercise discretion and independent judgement when advancing performances as assigned i.e., identifying technical needs, creating crew schedules, executing all necessary logistical details, tracking budgets, etc.
- Responsible for acquiring and disseminating all necessary technical, production, and department information essential to ensure the successful execution of each assigned event. Effectively understand and communicate the client’s technical needs to allow for supporting staff to execute successfully.
- Organize, plan, and execute all aspects of assigned event, including: purchase orders & check requests, ordering rental equipment, coordinating ground transportation, airline scheduling and reservations for self-presentation performers, hospitality, scheduling crew, backstage catering, piano tuning, and any other requirement for the event to be implemented smoothly and completely as required.
- Perform production and stage manager roles for shows and events at the Dr. Phillips Center and Seneff Arts Plaza.
- Organize and assist in the setup of dressing rooms and green room; and assist in the setting up of spaces for rehearsals as required.
- Follow all financial and budgetary requirements. Ensure all equipment rentals for shows are in the best interest of the center with regards to cost and quality. Follow purchasing procedures to include completion of purchase orders and coding of invoices.
- Respond to requests from Finance for any purchase or budget explanations. Maintain and distribute all Production Department invoices, client invoices, and show invoices following established arts center procedures.
- Accurately prepare all necessary correspondence and distribution of information in a clear, concise, and professional manner, including staging sheets, crew call sheets, information sheets, and settlement sheets for all events assigned. Respond to requests for information in a timely manner.
- Schedule union and non-union stage crews according to a shows’ needs and the client’s budget. Adheres to union contract rules regarding breaks, overtime and holiday schedules. Communicate all scheduling information to the Director of Production. Assists the Director in completing union stagehand payroll.
- Participate in department and arts center required meetings and trainings. Build an effective and collaborative work environment.
- Accountable for administrative responsibilities to include: recruiting, scheduling, payroll, budgets and purchasing. Interviews, selects, trains, leads, supervises, counsels, disciplines and evaluates performance of team for the efficient operation of the department.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with all policies and procedures that relate to the department as well as local, state and federal laws and regulations. Maintain a safe work environment by ensuring that safety procedures are followed by all staff, union crew and visiting artists/production teams. Adhere to all OSHA regulations.
- Follow and support all operational policies and procedures. Assimilate into the arts center culture through understanding, supporting and demonstrating the core values.
- Maintain a professional and friendly relationship with other departments, colleagues, and partners.
- Able to remain calm under pressure. Ability to work effectively with internal and external customers, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact, and diplomacy. Maintain Dr. Phillips Center standards of customer service at all times.
- Able to effectively communicate in English in both written and oral forms.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in General/Theater Production preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of live theater stage management experience required.
- Minimum of 2 years of management/supervisory experience required.
- In-depth knowledge of production areas in the theater, concert industry and events.
- Practical knowledge of event management, timekeeping or scheduling software.
- Ability to stage and successfully manage a wide range of events in theaters of 250 to 2,700 seats, event rooms and outdoor spaces.
- Ability to exercise creativity, initiative and good judgment in the handling of all internal and external customers including the ability to work well under pressure maintaining a consistent and polite attitude.
- Ability to communicate in a manner that is effective, efficient and friendly in order to represent the arts center in the best possible manner.
- Skilled in Windows based programs, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- This position requires the ability to work a variable schedule, evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet operational needs.
- Valid Florida driver’s license preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The following physical requirements must be met, with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Ability to be able to stand/walk for extended periods of time.
- Ability to be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. with assistance.
- Ability to work at heights and climb ladders as required.
- Ability to work in dark or low-light environments.
Dr. Phillips Center participates in an employment electronic eligibility verification program through E-Verify.
