PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Production Manager plays a key role in the planning and organization of all CST productions and projects, the strategizing of design and fabrication processes, and the communications processes for all CST productions and departmental initiatives. The PM coordinates the run of show schedules and activities in all CST venues, and directly supervises all employees involved in the running of productions. The Production Manager works closely with the Director of Production to develop and implement department wide programs and initiatives including, but not limited to safety, IDEA, and employee development.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- In collaboration with the Director of Production, oversees the execution of all production requirements in support of the work across Chicago Shakespeare's annual season--comprised of produced, co-produced, developed and presented productions and education/civic programs and creative partnerships
- Provides top-line project management of all physical and operational aspects of assigned projects and supports production activities on unassigned projects
- Along with Director of Production, leads, manages and supervises Chicago Shakespeare's Production Department Heads and teams. The PM directly supervises all lighting, sound, and deck run of show crew at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
- Ensures that the resources and support available to production departments are clearly articulated and managed to achieve the artistic vision and high standards of the Theater
- Provides clear communication to all members of the creative team establishing accurate understanding of resources available to them. Provides leadership throughout the life-cycle of assigned productions, making key decisions when consensus cannot be reached. In concert with appropriate stakeholders, problem solves technical issues which arise during the project execution
- Manages the maintenance and distribution of production calendars to all applicable CST constituents and to creative team members
- Models and supports the mission and values of Chicago Shakespeare by:
- Coaching and developing reporting staff, and completing performance evaluations with a focus on employee growth
- Facilitating conflict resolution among employees as needed
- Ensuring adherence to legal and organizational policies and procedures
- Building a team atmosphere and structure to encourage behaviors among staff members that exemplify respect and inclusion
- Actively participates in fostering a work environment centering Chicago Shakespeare's core values of Service, Ingenuity and Collaboration; advances daily the Theaters IDEA Commitments; and upholds the organizations strong ethos of Fiscal Responsibility
- Cultivates and promotes a safe working environment in which Chicago Shakespeare's production employees operate in accordance with current health and safety regulations and best practices in theater safety. Ensures that all designs and operations for assigned projects adhere to Chicago Shakespeare Theater safety protocols
- Collaboratively manages Production related payroll issues, data entry, and activities with the Production Office Manager and other Production Department Heads
- Runs and/or represents production leadership in department and design meetings, facilitating positive productivity and constructive communication, and fostering shared organizational commitments
- In collaboration with the Director of Production and Director of Human Resources, manages and cultivates positive relations with collective bargaining partners
- Supports special events which occur both on and off stage and involve Chicago Shakespeare production staff such as community productions, events, fundraisers, audience development initiatives, readings, etc.
- In collaboration with the Production Office Manager, oversees administrative systems such as expense tracking, payroll, expense reports, and reports of injury.
- Other duties as required
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
- With Director of Production, creates and maintains annual production budgets and projects operational expenses on an ongoing basis
- Maintains and approves team member timesheets and expense reports, PTO requests, and other personnel records
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to perform work using a computer for extended periods of time; up to 8 hours a day. Ability to monitor tech rehearsals (typically sitting in theater seats while using a laptop) for extended periods of time
- Wearing safety equipment including items such as hardhat and safety glasses
- Use of manual dexterity in the operation of office equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT
- Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days reflective of the dynamic schedule of a theater, which includes evenings, weekends, and weeks in which over 40 hours are required
- Position will primarily function at the CST facilities on Navy Pier in Chicago, IL but will at times work in other locations such as warehouses and city parks
- Working in a variety of environments including but not limited to construction shops, stages, trap rooms, catwalks and grids, warehouses, exposed loading docks, and outdoors
- Work environment may be noisy or in low light
