Production Manager

The Laguna Playhouse•Laguna Beach, CA

11d

About The Position

The Production Manager ensures productions are delivered on schedule, within approved budgets, and in line with the artistic and operational goals of Laguna Playhouse. The role works closely with the Technical Director, artistic leadership, designers, stage managers, and production personnel, and serves as the central point of coordination across production departments. The position supervises production staff, including scheduling, performance feedback, and day-to-day direction, in accordance with Laguna Playhouse policies. It also manages vendor relationships and purchasing within approved authority, maintains production documentation, and supports compliance with applicable safety, labor, and workplace regulations.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of professional theatrical production experience, including demonstrated management or supervisory responsibilities.
Experience in production management, production coordination, or a comparable leadership role in professional theater.
Strong understanding of theatrical production processes, including scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, props, and stage management.
Demonstrated experience developing and managing production schedules and budgets.
Experience working with professional designers, stage managers, technicians, and production personnel.
Proficiency with standard office software, spreadsheets, and production scheduling tools.
Ability to read technical drawings and design documentation.
Working knowledge of sound, lighting, and A/V systems.
Ability to coordinate multiple departments and competing priorities simultaneously.
Sound judgment, problem-solving, and timely decision-making.
Clear, direct communication with artistic, technical, and administrative teams.
Availability to work evenings and weekends as production schedules require.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and monitor production schedules from concept through close across multiple productions running in parallel.
Build and manage production budgets, track spending against approved allocations, and flag variances.
Coordinate scenic, lighting, sound, costume, props, and stage management departments to resolve conflicts and keep productions moving.
Supervise production staff and manage performance, scheduling, and day-to-day direction.
Manage vendor relationships and purchasing for production needs, including contracts and invoices within approved authority.
Serve as the primary liaison between artistic leadership and production departments on timelines, resources, and technical feasibility.
Anticipate production risks, make timely decisions, and escalate issues appropriately.
Maintain accurate production documentation, including schedules, budgets, and post-production reports.
Ensure production operations comply with applicable safety, labor, and workplace regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Provide supervisory input on hiring, scheduling, performance feedback, and day-to-day direction.