Technical Production Manager

John Gore Organization•Baltimore, MD

6d•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Production Manager works at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, which includes the Hippodrome Theatre and M&T Bank Exchange. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this position manages technical operations for assigned performances and events, working closely with the Technical Director. The role directs technical personnel, determines event staffing and equipment needs, manages approved production budgets, and exercises independent judgment to resolve operational issues. In the Technical Director’s absence, the Technical Production Manager assumes operational duties within established policies and delegated authority. The position plans and oversees technical production for Broadway engagements, concerts, private events, and other programming. It coordinates clients, touring personnel, vendors, venue resources, crew assignments, schedules, technical readiness, budgets, and safety. Work takes place across offices, performance spaces, backstage areas, and loading areas at both venues, with an event-driven schedule that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and late nights.

Requirements

At least three years of relevant experience in live event production, theatre operations, audiovisual services, or a comparable technical environment.
Strong working knowledge of professional audio, lighting, video, staging, and backstage operations, including the ability to evaluate technical riders and determine practical production requirements.
Experience supervising technical crews, managing vendors, and directing event operations.
Demonstrated ability to develop production estimates, manage event budgets, evaluate vendor proposals, and monitor labor and equipment costs.
Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and ability to explain technical information clearly to clients with varying levels of experience.
Ability to independently manage assigned events, exercise sound judgment within delegated authority, and provide technical management coverage for the Technical Director.
Availability to work a flexible, event-driven schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and late nights as required.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients, touring personnel, union crews, vendors, and internal departments.
Ability to read and interpret technical riders, event schedules, equipment specifications, and production estimates.
Ability to explain technical capabilities, limitations, and client responsibilities to people with varying levels of technical experience.
Ability to prioritize competing event needs and respond effectively to schedule changes and technical issues.
Ability to evaluate equipment, staffing, and scheduling options with attention to safety, cost, and the agreed scope of services.
Ability to exercise independent judgment within delegated responsibilities and promptly escalate significant issues.

Nice To Haves

Performing arts venue experience.
Experience working with IATSE or other union crews.
A degree or technical training in theatre production, production management, or a related field; equivalent practical experience is welcomed.

Responsibilities

Manage technical advances for assigned Broadway engagements, concerts, private events, and other programming by evaluating riders, schedules, and production requirements with clients, touring personnel, and vendors.
Determine event staffing, equipment, and scheduling requirements while balancing production needs, budget, safety, and available venue resources.
Develop and direct technical schedules, crew assignments, and work plans for load-in, setup, testing, rehearsals, performances, and load-out.
Allocate technical resources across assigned events and coordinate shared equipment and personnel between the two venues in consultation with the Technical Director and venue operations.
Explain venue technical services and confirm client responsibilities for finished presentation content, program direction, stage management, and outside production services.
Participate in client site visits, venue walk-throughs, and technical planning meetings to assess needs and identify production requirements.
Represent venue technical management at assigned events, make operational decisions, and resolve production issues within approved budgets, policies, and delegated authority.
Direct stagehands, department heads, technical personnel, and vendors during events, assigning work and priorities in accordance with union agreements and venue policies.
Evaluate crew performance, address operational concerns, and provide feedback and staffing recommendations to the Technical Director and Director of Operations.
Provide technical management coverage in the Technical Director’s absence, direct event operations, respond to technical or safety issues, and refer major decisions for approval.
Develop labor and equipment estimates, manage approved technical budgets, evaluate production options, and recommend cost-effective solutions.
Evaluate rental and vendor proposals, select appropriate equipment and services within delegated authority, and authorize expenditures within approved limits.
Monitor labor utilization and production expenses, adjust event resources within approved parameters, and obtain approval for commitments beyond delegated authority.
Review labor records, rental charges, and production expenses for accuracy, and oversee preparation of technical information for payroll, client billing, and event settlements.
Manage technical readiness for assigned events and coordinate preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs with the Technical Director and qualified personnel.
Oversee equipment inventories and maintenance records; evaluate repair, replacement, and purchasing needs; and recommend priorities to the Technical Director.
Direct advance testing of client media and playback arrangements, establish preparation requirements, and resolve compatibility issues before event day.
Maintain technical packets, client preparation guides, and technical support packages, and recommend improvements to event procedures and resource planning.
Oversee safe technical operations, enforce venue safety procedures, applicable safety requirements, and union work rules.
Assess technical risks, stop unsafe work when necessary, and coordinate an appropriate operational response with venue management and qualified personnel.
Communicate professionally with clients, visiting personnel, vendors, and colleagues, including when explaining technical limitations or resolving event issues.