Assistant Production Manager

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

16h

About The Position

Reporting to Musco Center’s Director of Production, the Assistant Production Manager works closely with Center’s Technical Production Department Heads (Lighting, Audio/Video, Stage & Rigging) and part-time production crews to help plan, coordinate and execute productions and events at Musco Center for the Arts. This position must display exemplary client-oriented service; a safety-first approach to technical show operations; and an ability and desire to foster a collaborative, respectful work environment. Musco Center works closely with the College of Performing Arts, Chapman University Departments, and Musco Center Presents touring artists and companies to present exemplary performances and events in our facility. The Assistant Production Manager is a key position in managing these relationships and serving these users, with an emphasis on balancing artistic vision and integrity with practical needs via creative problem solving. The Assistant Production Manager, supported by the Director of Production, provides expertise and support for stage productions and festivals at Musco Center. This support includes: Rider review & interpretation; Production advance, including, as needed, hospitality, housing, transportation; and Day-of production support of artists as well as production staff; Oversight of rehearsals and performances as assigned – this position is often the ranking Musco Center representative for after-hours CoPA rehearsals, and for some CoPA performances. The Assistant Production Manager is the primary labor scheduling point of communication, as instructed by the Director of Production, and must be able to, on occasion, make thoughtful and considered labor schedule decisions with the Collective Bargaining Agreement rules, event needs, and budget in mind. In a typical season, the Assistant Production Manager acts as the production primary for the majority of College of Performing Arts (CoPA) events/performances, a selection of Musco Center Presents events/performances, and occasionally for University Department or Rental events. This position fulfills administrative duties for the Production department – including, but not limited to: coordinating artist services, crew scheduling, securing services from outside vendors/partners, assisting with event budgeting/forecasting as well as settlements, scheduling departmental and event-specific production meetings, safety training planning and scheduling with staff/crew and vendors. This position maintains, creates, and updates event production information within Musco Center’s event management systems. This position provides day-to-day oversight for implementation and adherence to the Collective Bargaining Agreement governing the IATSE Local 504 Casual Stage Technicians and full-time Technical Department Heads in support of Production Department leadership. Musco Center for the Arts’ commitment to cultural equity aims to create a brave space in authentic partnership with artistic, academic, and surrounding communities to re-imagine, dream, and work toward a just, anti-racist, and equitable arts hub that reflects the community’s values and advocates for the most vulnerable. Musco Center produces a variety of programming and has a diverse group of users – the successful candidate will navigate the season with impeccable, client-oriented service; a safety-first approach; and a desire to foster a collaborative, respectful work environment.

Requirements

A minimum of related experience in production management, venue management, stage management, technical theater or special events to accomplish assigned duties.
Strong attention to detail
Intermediate level knowledge of contracts, budgeting, and accounting
Self-starter.
Project initiator and owner from inception to completion, strong communication and follow-up skills possessing perseverance and the ability to finish challenging projects
Ability to set priorities and organize work to meet multiple deadlines
Proven ability to carry out duties in a timely manner.
Experience carrying out duties when faced with interruptions, distractions and a fluctuating workload
Strong oral communication skills to convey accurate information in a tactful and diplomatic manner
Strong written communication skills to prepare clear, concise, and grammatically correct business correspondence, including solid editing and proofreading skills
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to foster effective relationships and work with a diverse group of individuals from within and outside the University community
Problem solving skills including the ability to formulate and communicate logical conclusions and recommendations
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
Ability and experience leading projects and crew members providing vision and clarity building upon trust and respect
Strong commitment to teamwork
Clean driving record holding a current driver’s license; able to drive larger vehicles including stake bed truck and passenger van

Responsibilities

Production Logistics & Administration
Safety management of crew and events, in collaboration with Department Heads and Director of Production
Coordinate production calendars, including scheduling of events and work calls; maintaining Outlook, Teams, Google, and other working calendars
Provide production-related administrative support, working with other Musco, CoPA, and University Departments
Expense tracking & reconciliation
Special Project/research support
Event documentation management: Record & update production information in Event Workbook
Prepare & distribute event information (such as Crew Packets, Stage Door schedule/support needs)
College of Performing Arts Advance and Coordination
Collaboration with CoPA staff and faculty to advance production and logistical needs for CoPA departments (Dance, Theatre, Music)
Assists in problem solving and negotiation of production and logistical elements
Day-of-event production representative for assigned rehearsals and performances, overseeing show production elements
Sole Musco Center representative for many CoPA rehearsals and some CoPA performances
Maintain respectful and professional interactions with CoPA students, faculty, and staff
Attend production meetings, rehearsals, notes sessions, and preview performances.
Musco Center Presents Advance and Coordination
Production management of select Musco Center events
Review and interpret artist and tour contracts and technical riders to plan show logistics and coordination of production aspects for assigned shows communicating directly with tour and artist management
Plan, book, and/or provide artist ground transportation
Coordinate details of artist housing and vehicle parking
Interpret, and with support from Operations, implement hospitality and artist’s catering needs
Provide post-event reporting and evaluation
University Department Event Support
Provide technical production and project management support for the University’s varied uses and users
Day-of-event production representative for assigned rehearsals and performances, overseeing show production elements
General Support
Provide immediate response to requests for assistance to events in progress
Assist and support Musco Center’s Operations, Front of House, and Programming & Marketing departments with their respective special event needs
Schedule team and production meetings for general operations as well as for shows/events