Technical Production Manager

John Gore Organization•Baltimore, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Production Manager works at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, operated by the John Gore Organization and home to the Hippodrome Theatre and M&T Bank Exchange. Reporting to the Director of Operations, the role manages technical operations for assigned performances and events at both venues. In coordination with the Technical Director, the manager directs technical personnel, determines event staffing and equipment needs, manages approved production budgets, and exercises independent judgment to resolve operational issues. The role assumes the Technical Director’s operational duties during their absence within established policies and delegated authority. The position covers event planning and technical advancing, crew direction, production estimates and budget management, equipment readiness, and safe event operations. Work takes place in offices, performance spaces, backstage areas and loading areas, and involves computer-based planning, moving through venues, and standing and walking during event oversight. The schedule is flexible and event-driven, including evenings, weekends, holidays and late nights as required.

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 the 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.
Ability to move throughout venues and backstage areas and to stand and walk while overseeing event operations, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

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 the technical advance for assigned Broadway engagements, concerts, private events and other programming by evaluating riders, event schedules and production requirements with clients, touring personnel and vendors.
Determine staffing, equipment and scheduling requirements for assigned events 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 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 event needs and identify production requirements.
Represent venue technical management for assigned events, making operational decisions and resolving production issues within approved budgets, venue policies and delegated authority.
Direct stagehands, department heads and technical personnel; assign work, establish priorities and oversee vendor performance 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, directing event operations and responding to technical or safety issues while referring major decisions for approval.
Develop labor and equipment estimates and manage approved technical budgets, evaluating production options and recommending 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 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.
Direct advance testing of client media and playback arrangements, establish technical 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, and assess and respond to technical risks.
Stop unsafe work when necessary and coordinate appropriate operational responses with venue management and qualified personnel.
Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, visiting personnel, vendors and colleagues, particularly when explaining technical limitations or resolving event issues.