What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production-Technical Services Manager position at The Carson Center?
DESCRIPTION
ABOUT THE CARSON CENTER:The Carson Center for the Performing Arts, also known as The Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center, is a regional, multiple-use facility with beautiful spaces for public and private events of all types. Enjoy superb staging and near-perfect acoustics for a wide range of entertainment, cultural, and educational programming. The mission of The Carson Center for the Performing Arts is to serve the Four Rivers region as a leader in presenting exceptional live performances and cultural experiences that are both entertaining and educational, while also being economically beneficial to our community. The Carson Center is located in downtown Paducah, Kentucky, and overlooks the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. It is a significant component of Paducah’s downtown area revitalization and serves a diverse population from a four-state region and beyond. The Carson Center is a not-for-profit organization (501(c)(3).
THE ROLE IN A NUTSHELL: The Production & Technical Services Manager oversees the technical planning, advancement, and execution of performances and events at The Carson Center. This role bridges touring production management and in-house technical operations, ensuring that all events are delivered safely, efficiently, and professionally. This position works in partnership with the Technical Director to support the successful execution of performances, rentals, and special events across the facility. The role advances shows, coordinates technical requirements with touring productions, supervises stage crews and labor calls, and ensures that stage and production systems are properly prepared for each event. The Production & Technical Services Manager also works closely with the Chief Operating Officer and other Carson Center departments to ensure that production planning, scheduling, and event execution are aligned across the organization from load in through load out.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Production Advancement: Advance all performances and events by reviewing technical riders, coordinating logistics with touring production managers, and identifying labor, equipment, and scheduling needs.
• Technical Operations: Oversee the operation, readiness, and safe use of stage, backstage, and house production systems including lighting, audio, rigging, staging, and related technical infrastructure.
• Crew Leadership: Supervise stagehands, part time production staff, and union labor crews when applicable.
• Technical Liaison: Serve as the primary technical contact for touring production teams, artists, promoters, resident companies, and renters. Facilitate clear communication between visiting crews and internal departments.
• Production Administration: Prepare labor estimates, show schedules, and production documentation. Support event settlements, production related invoicing, and payroll documentation tied to stage labor.
• Event Execution: Serve as the on-site production lead during load in, rehearsal, performance, and load out, ensuring coordination between touring crews, Carson Center staff, and local stagehands.
• Facility and Equipment Oversight: Coordinate maintenance, inspection, and repair of stage equipment and production systems. Assist in planning upgrades and capital improvements related to technical infrastructure.
• Team Collaboration: Partner with Programming, Operations, Marketing, and Front of House to ensure event readiness and alignment across departments.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE
• Experience: Five to seven years of professional experience in performing arts venue production, technical theater operations, touring production management, or a combination of touring and venue-based production work.
• Skills: Strong working knowledge of theatrical lighting, sound, rigging, and stage operations. Experience advancing shows and interpreting technical riders. Ability to translate touring production requirements into labor calls, equipment needs, and operational plans. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to prepare production schedules, labor estimates, and technical documentation.
• Mindset: Highly organized, calm under pressure, and capable of managing multiple productions and priorities in a fast-paced live event environment.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with artists, touring personnel, crew members, and internal staff.
BONUS POINTS FOR...
• Experience working in a performing arts center or similar presenting venue. • Familiarity with production design software such as Vectorworks or CAD tools.
• Experience working with union stage crews, including familiarity with IATSE labor environments.
• Industry certifications such as OSHA safety training or First Aid and CPR. WHY JOIN US?
• Compensation: This is a full time, exempt position with a salary range of $60,000 to $65,000, depending on experience.
• Health & Wellness: Benefits include group health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, paid time off, paid holidays, and 401k match. 3
• Growth: Opportunity to work with national touring productions and play a key role in shaping the Carson Center’s technical and production operations.
HOW TO APPLY: Send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Carson Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
DURATION
Apr 28, 2026 -
SALARY
$60,000.00 – $65,000.00 per year
- NON-UNION