What are the responsibilities and job description for the Henry J. Leir Stage Production Manager position at JACOBS PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL INC?
TITLE: Henry J. Leir Stage Production Manager
STATUS: Seasonal
LOCATION: Becket, MA and Remote
REPORTS TO: Director of Technical Production
DEPARTMENT: Production
SUPERVISES: HJL Assistant Production Manager; 3 member HJL Production Team; Overhire Staff
WORKS WITH: Artistic Programming; The School at Jacob’s Pillow; Marketing and Patron Services; Finance and Operations; Video Documentation Team; Facilities, Safety and Security; Visiting Companies Staff and Artists
START: Remote, Part-Time: March 16, 2026
On-Site, Full–Time: May 12, 2026
END: August 28, 2026
ARRIVAL: May 11, 2026
DEPARTURE: August 29, 2026
COMPENSATION: $25.63-27.00/hr; Time and a half after 48 hours
SCHEDULE: March-April: 0-5 Hours a Week, Remote
May: 5 day work week
June–September: 6 day work week
BENEFITS (ON-SITE ONLY): Three meals a day, free access to classes, performances, talks, and studio usage.
The primary responsibility of the The Henry J. Leir Production Manager (HJL PM) is supervising the technical operations of all Henry J. Leir Stage (HJL) programming during the 2026 Festival. The HJL is an outdoor uncovered amphitheater style space with wood bench seating. HJL is programmed for 9 weeks of the season with most companies’ engagement being one performance. The typical HJL performance schedule is 3 shows Thursday through Saturday. Performances are moved into the Perles Family Studio in the event of inclement weather.
During the pre-season the HJL PM assists the Director of Technical Production (DoTP) and the Programming Department in communicating with visiting companies to clarify and confirm all of their production requirements. During this time the HJL PM also works with the DoTP and Departmental Supervisors to organize and plan for the Festival including by creating production schedules, labor plans, and other show specific documents. Once on campus they act as the primary production point of contact for all HJL Artists and Staff and work closely with the HJL Associate Producer to prepare for all programming.
The HJL PM supervises the HJL Assistant Production Manager and the HJL Production Team which consists of a Stage Carpenter, Wardrobe Technician, and Head Audio Engineer. They are responsible for facilitating communication and collaboration between the HJL Production Team and the Departmental Supervisors ensuring all stakeholders are always up to date on all HJL production schedules and details. The HJL PM also coordinates with the Facilities, Safety and Security Department to ensure the building and its equipment are being operated safely in accordance with all protocols and capacity limits.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Create an accessible and collaborative work environment that enables artists and technicians to create together positively and safely.
- In partnership with the HJL Associate Producer, establish clear communication with HJL artists and their teams to coordinate, confirm and collaborate on all production elements.
- Create and maintain detailed paperwork including standard operating procedures, schedules, labor plans, and safety information.
- Ensure paperwork and information is distributed to all stakeholders in a timely and detailed manner.
- Facilitate communication between Departmental Supervisors, the HJL Production Team, and HJL artists.
- Assist the Production Administrator in coordinating schedules for all HJL crew calls, including load-ins, load-outs, extended rehearsals or performance calls, notes, and changeovers.
- Coordinate with the Production Administrator on all necessary purchases and rentals.
- Supervise the HJL Production Team and ensure they have all of the information and materials needed to execute their responsibilities efficiently, effectively, and safely.
- Supervise all HJL work calls, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances.
- Supervise the use of the HJL, its support spaces, and its equipment to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance.
- Attend all organizational, departmental and production meetings including a weekly All-Staff Meeting.
- Facilitate regular meetings with the HJL Production Team.
- Facilitate production meetings with visiting companies inviting all stakeholders as needed.
- Coordinate with the HJL Associate Producer, DoTP, House manager, and Production Manager of The School to prepare and facilitate the weather plan when HJL performances are moved into the Perles Family Studio due to inclement conditions.
- Coordinate with the Facilities, Safety and Security Department on all HJL maintenance, improvements, cleaning and upkeep as well as general and production specific safety and accessibility requirements.
- Assist Patron Services in the planning for efficient movement of patrons into the venues and coordinate with backstage personnel on starting times, late seating pauses, intermissions, etc.
- Under the general direction of the DoTP, assist with coordination of emergency response for staff and patrons in the event of an emergency or extreme weather.
- Complete Adult/Child CPR, First Aid, Cultural Competency, and required Safety training.
- Assist and support other departments, including non-production departments, as needed on use of the HJL.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years of professional experience in production management, stage management, or other technical theater leadership.
- Ability to manage diverse teams, resolve cross-cultural conflicts, and apply an equity lens to decision-making, hiring, and scheduling.
- Knowledge and the ability to instruct others on general theatrical production systems and standard operating procedures.
- Knowledge of production-related health & safety best practices/concerns and ability to identify and correct potential hazards.
- Working knowledge of the role, responsibilities and standard operating procedures of all production departments.
- Experience managing outdoor or non-conventional performance venues or productions.
- Proficiency with the Google App suite.
- Experience with budgeting and scheduling.
- Willingness to learn.
- Ability to work proactively, creatively, flexibly, kindly, safely, and collaboratively.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working and/or teaching in a performing arts educational environment.
- Knowledge and experience in dance production management.
- Knowledge and experience with production software including lighting, sound, and drafting applications.
- Valid driver’s license.
SKILLS & QUALITIES
- Active commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.
- Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Ability to read, interpret, and instruct others on audio plots and paperwork, stage plans, and related technical documents.
- Demonstrated ability to conceive, strategize, manage, and prioritize between multiple projects with accuracy and attention to detail.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Working in wooded areas with exposure to native wildlife including, but not limited to, rodents, ticks, and mosquitos.
- Working outdoors in all weather conditions including inclement weather.
- Working 6-day work weeks including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends during Festival weeks and non-Festival programming.
- Moving equipment up to 50 lbs alone or with assistance.
- Moving through and between multiple locations throughout the entire campus.
- Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
- Working at heights above 6 feet and up to 30 feet.
- Ascending and descending straight and step ladders.
- Operating push around or drivable person lifts including at heights.
- Working in show conditions with theatrical and atmospheric elements including but not limited to: fog, haze, strobes, dim lights, and loud sounds.
APPLICATION PROCESS
*We believe that no one meets 100% of the listed qualifications. We are less concerned about whether you’ve done everything on a laundry list of specific things and more interested in cultivating a pool of candidates who want to join a connected, mission-driven, hard-working team driven by creativity, curiosity, inclusion, integrity, flexibility, and partnership.
HIRING PROCESS
- Apply: Interested individuals are encouraged to send a cover letter, resume, and references by submitting an application using the “Apply” buttons below. Video and/or audio applications are welcome (though not required) in addition to written expressions of interest.
- Interview: Pre-Screen on Zoom, 1-2 interviews with Hiring Manager and other JP staff on Zoom.
- Supplemental Materials: A writing sample, spreadsheet example, or other relevant materials may be requested from candidates should they be a top candidate.
If you need accommodations to make this application process happen, please connect with us at hr@jacobspillow.org.. We will work to support you through the application process via email, phone call, and/or video chat.
Salary : $26 - $27