Production Manager in Kent

Job Title:

Production Manager

Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary:

$53,015 - $61,234

Basic Function:

To manage and coordinate technical and operational aspects of Theatre and Dance productions and facilities including time, personnel, space and resources. Reports to Director, School of Theatre and Dance.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

The School of Theatre and Dance invites an engaging and collaborative individual to join a creative staff and faculty for a 12-month staff position as Production Manager to start September 1, 2026. The school produces approximately nine productions annually including Porthouse Theatre, Kent State University’s professional summer theatre.

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

Schedule productions and related activities in School of Theatre and Dance facilities, including Porthouse Theatre.
Manage all technical aspects for each production, including the set design, costume design and sound and lighting design.
Manage and administer the operating budget for the academic and Porthouse seasons, coordinating with the school director.
Coordinate and attend design and production meetings, technical rehearsals, work calls, and strikes.
May evaluate coordinate, and schedule all technical aspects of productions, rental activities, and related activities for the facility.
Supervise technical theatre personnel and students working on productions; make recommendations for hiring and recruiting production personnel, both students and professionals.
May train student workforce in all aspects of technical theatre including lighting, sound, rigging, staging, etc.
Oversee production facilities and maintenance. May schedule and coordinate visits for ongoing technical inspections for equipment and mechanisms.
May approve spending for production materials, technical equipment and supplies.
May teach courses as appropriate.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and two years of professional theatre or dance production experience (this could include stage management or advancing and staging touring productions).

OR

Six years of professional theatre or dance production experience (this could include stage management or advancing and staging touring productions).

License/Certification:

Knowledge Of:

Contracts for the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, United Scenic Artists, and the Actors’ Equity Association
Theatre and dance facilities and technical specifications

Skill In:

Effectively communicating and collaborating with design, technology, and production staff and faculty
Written and interpersonal communication
Computer operating systems, including spreadsheets and databases *

Ability To:

Develop and maintain budgets
Manage people
Draft contracts for individuals and independent contractors, if required by position
Read and interpret contracts for individuals and performing groups, evaluate them, and make recommendations based on venue specifics, if required by position
Actively and positively contribute to the mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which may require assessments. Assessments could take the form of interview questions, a request to provide work samples or a written or practical test to assess job related competencies.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

None.

Working Schedule:

Additional Information:

Must pass a security check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to non-discrimination to employ and advance qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We comply with VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr.

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco is not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free<http://www.kent.edu/smoke-free>.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.