What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Production Manager / Stage Manager position at Michigan State University?
Working/Functional Title
Senior Production Manager
Position Summary
Wharton Center for Performing Arts seeks an organized, collaborative Senior Production Manager to help bring live performances and events to the stage. Working closely with the Technical Director, this position coordinates technical production for touring attractions, performances, rehearsals, rentals, and special programs.
The Senior Production Manager serves as a key contact for visiting productions and rental clients, supervises event crews, and coordinates lighting, sound, video, scenery, rigging, and stage equipment. The successful candidate will combine hands-on technical experience with strong planning, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
This position requires a flexible schedule to meet production and departmental needs, including evenings, weekends, and other hours dictated by event schedules.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Production and Event Operations
An associate’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience: up to five years experience in theatre technology including, but not limited to, stage set up, lighting and sound design, film/video projection and related technical areas in production and presentation.
Desired Qualifications
Experience in managing the activities of union stagehands; ability to perform willingly under the pressure of deadlines, limited support staff, space and equipment. Knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations; including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Powerpoint and CAD. Strong organizational skills, customer service skills, attention to detail, problem solving skills and the ability to operate under pressure.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Cover letter and resume
Work Hours
Regular nights and weekend work
Website
https://www.whartoncenter.com/
Summary of Physical Demands
Duties associated with this position involve frequent use of stairs, ladders, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, and climbing
The Bidding Eligibility ends on 10/20/2026 at 11:55 PM
Senior Production Manager
Position Summary
Wharton Center for Performing Arts seeks an organized, collaborative Senior Production Manager to help bring live performances and events to the stage. Working closely with the Technical Director, this position coordinates technical production for touring attractions, performances, rehearsals, rentals, and special programs.
The Senior Production Manager serves as a key contact for visiting productions and rental clients, supervises event crews, and coordinates lighting, sound, video, scenery, rigging, and stage equipment. The successful candidate will combine hands-on technical experience with strong planning, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
This position requires a flexible schedule to meet production and departmental needs, including evenings, weekends, and other hours dictated by event schedules.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Production and Event Operations
- Advance and manage assigned productions, including technical requirements, staffing, equipment, schedules, and all activities from load-in through load-out.
- Serve as event stage manager and technical contact; supervise crews, operate and troubleshoot production equipment, and coordinate with event support teams.
- Maintain production spaces, equipment, and inventories to ensure readiness for performances and events.
- Support production systems and facility improvements; coordinate specialized repairs, inspections, and installations as assigned.
- Enforce safety requirements and emergency procedures, address production hazards, and stop or modify unsafe work.
- Coordinate staffing and labor calls under applicable agreements; train crews and uphold professional, inclusive workplace standards.
- Develop production budgets, technical estimates, and settlements; monitor expenses and evaluate vendor proposals.
- Maintain accurate labor, billing, and payroll records, ensuring compliance with the collective bargaining agreement.
An associate’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience: up to five years experience in theatre technology including, but not limited to, stage set up, lighting and sound design, film/video projection and related technical areas in production and presentation.
Desired Qualifications
Experience in managing the activities of union stagehands; ability to perform willingly under the pressure of deadlines, limited support staff, space and equipment. Knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations; including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Powerpoint and CAD. Strong organizational skills, customer service skills, attention to detail, problem solving skills and the ability to operate under pressure.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Cover letter and resume
Work Hours
Regular nights and weekend work
Website
https://www.whartoncenter.com/
Summary of Physical Demands
Duties associated with this position involve frequent use of stairs, ladders, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, and climbing
The Bidding Eligibility ends on 10/20/2026 at 11:55 PM