What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Coordinator position at Boston Arts Academy?
About Boston Arts Academy:
Boston Arts Academy (BAA) is Boston’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts, preparing a diverse community of aspiring artist-scholar-citizens for success in college, professional careers, and civic life. As a laboratory and beacon for artistic and academic innovation, BAA is committed to inclusion, equity, and excellence in both academic and artistic instruction.
BAA is an autonomous pilot school within the Boston Public Schools.
Position Overview:
The Production Coordinator is a part-time position (.6 FTE) and key member of the Boston Arts Academy artistic and production teams, responsible for the safe, professional, and effective implementation of all technical elements of school performances and productions. This includes supervising technical operations, maintaining equipment, managing production timelines, and mentoring students in technical theater practices.
The Production Coordinator must possess excellent technical knowledge, strong organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and a demonstrated ability to engage and train students in a diverse urban public school setting. This part-time position requires some evening and weekend availability in alignment with the performance calendar.
Key Responsibilities:
Mentor students designing technical elements for performances, along with students in the MEP program to lead technical aspects of shows and earn work-based learning hours for CTE.
Train and supervise student board operators, stage managers, and technical crews during productions.
Maintain an inclusive, supportive, and safety-conscious learning environment for all students.
In collaboration with lighting, sound, video, and scenery faculty, organize and execute all technical elements of productions, including lighting, sound, rigging, staging, and set construction.
Collaborate with the Creative Director to develop and manage the annual production calendar.
Ensure timely setup and breakdown (load-in/strike) of all materials, and the return of borrowed items.
Manage and oversee all aspects of technical support for rehearsals and performances.
Serve as liaison with outside groups using BAA theater spaces and advise on technical requirements and specifications.
Attend and contribute to all required production and planning meetings.
Maintain, inventory, and manage all technical theater equipment and supplies.
Perform preventative maintenance and arrange for repair or replacement of equipment as needed.
Provide annual recommendations for capital improvement and equipment upgrades.
Monitor compliance with safety standards (OSHA, ADA), and ensure a safe backstage and stage environment.
Qualifications:
Strong working knowledge of lighting, sound, video, and rigging systems, and current industry software and design tools.
Experience working with high school students, particularly in a diverse, urban educational setting.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet production deadlines.
Capacity for physical labor, including lifting, rigging, and equipment transport.
Commitment to equity and inclusive practices in arts education.
Familiarity with ADA and OSHA compliance guidelines.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills; a collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset.