What does a Production Manager (Theater) do?
A flexible problem-solver, the production manager is responsible for overseeing the broad budget and schedule of a theatrical production. This generally includes finding creative ways to keep costs low, hiring and scheduling crew members, and resolving any issues that threaten to slow progress towards opening night. Staging a play or musical is costly work, and every additional hire, material order, or unforseen delay means money that isn't available to enrich other aspects of the production or solve last-minute problems. As the keeper of the production budget, it's the production manager's job to monitor and approve expenses, find creative ways to cut costs, and negotiate contracts with new hires and other contractors.
At a Glance
Production managers are generally expected to have a bachelor's degree, or better yet, a master's, in theatrical production, management, or design. The ideal production manager has a broad range of theatrical knowlege to draw on, understanding the craft of set, costume, lighting, and sound designers just as well as the work of technical crews and engineers. In addition, prior experience as a stage manager or assistant production manager is essential. Successful production managers might advance to become general managers, try their hand at producing, take on a more administrative role as business managers, start working in film and television, or shift into the live music and events industry as concert producers.
In the small, tightly knit world of live theater, networking makes all the difference. In order to secure a position, qualified individuals should stay in touch with past collaborators, attend dedicated networking events, subscribe to industry-specific publications and mailing lists, and typically seek to leave a good impression on coworkers and higher-ups. In particular, It's important to cultivate connections with aspiring and current general managers, producers, and directors, who may have the power to choose production managers in the future.
Personnel management; creative problem-solving; budgeting; creating a production timeline; contract negotiation; written and verbal communication; office suite (advanced spreadsheets); knowledge of union rates and regulations; leadership; networking
As organizers and negotiators, production managers need emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and written and verbal communication skills in spades. In addition, while production managers tend to be helpful, humble, and invested in creating an efficient workplace environment, they also need the confidence and leadership abilities to get things done on a deadline, even if it means giving orders to someone with whom they've rarely worked before.
While a show is in production, production managers split their days between active problem-solving and management in the theater and administrative oversight in the office. Once the show is running, the administrative half of the job takes over. This job has many benefits, chief among them the ability to work professionally with artists, the combination of boots-on-the-ground and administrative work, and the potential for continued learning, given that no two jobs are the same.
