What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at UPTOWN KNAUER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER?
Production Manager
Department: Show Operations
Reports To: Executive Director
Salary Range: $60,000 - $68,000
Schedule: Wednesday–Sunday (evenings and weekends required)
Healthcare Benefits: QSEHRA as administered by People Keep
Position Summary
The Production Manager is responsible for the seamless execution of all live events and performances, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and high-quality patron experience. This role oversees front-of-house and hospitality operations, manages production-related contracts, and works in close partnership with the Technical Director to align artistic, technical, and guest service needs. The Production Manager directly supervises the House Managers and Hospitality Manager and serves as the operational bridge between production, facilities, and audience services.
Core Responsibilities
Event & Performance Operations
- Oversee all performances, rentals, rehearsals, and special events from load-in through strike.
- Serve as the primary on-site operational lead during events.
- Coordinate schedules, staffing plans, and event timelines with the Technical Director.
- Schedule and lead Show Operations meetings in tandem with the Technical Director.
- Develop and execute Run of Show plans for key events, including the Annual Fundraiser (in tandem with the Director of Membership and Individual Giving) and designated volunteer-driven events (in tandem with the Box Office Manager).
- Support programming efforts through detailed event tracking and coordination.
- Ensure all production elements align with safety, union, and venue policies.
Staff Leadership & Front-of-House Operations
- Directly supervise House Managers and the Hospitality Manager, including oversight of performance, training, and accountability.
- Schedule House Managers and ensure appropriate front-of-house coverage for all events.
- Establish service standards and ensure a consistent, high-quality patron experience.
- Create event staffing schedules, oversee call times, and ensure coverage.
- Coordinate and schedule Security Officers as required for events.
- Train, evaluate, and support front-of-house and hospitality staff.
Artist, Vendor & Contract Management
- Manage production-related contracts, riders, hospitality agreements, and rental terms.
- Secure Certificates of Insurance (COIs) for rental events as required.
- Coordinate with visiting artists, tour managers, promoters, and vendors.
- Ensure contract requirements are executed accurately and on schedule.
Collaboration with Technical Director
- Work closely with the Technical Director to coordinate technical needs, staffing, and timelines.
- Participate in production meetings, advance shows, and problem-solve in real time.
- Align front-of-house, backstage, and technical teams for smooth event execution.
Facilities, Safety & Guest Experience
- Oversee event-day building readiness, safety compliance, and crowd management.
- Ensure emergency procedures are followed and documented.
- Address patron issues and resolve concerns with professionalism and discretion.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain event reports, incident logs, and post-show evaluations.
- Identify workflow improvements to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Key Relationships
Direct Reports: House Managers, Hospitality Manager
Works Closely With: Technical Director, Box Office Manager, Director of Membership and Individual Giving
Reports To: Director of Operations or Executive Director (as applicable)
Works Closely With: Technical Director, Box Office Manager, Director of Membership and Individual Giving
Reports To: Director of Operations or Executive Director (as applicable)
Ideal Background
3–7 years of live event or performing arts operations experience.
Supervisory experience in front-of-house or hospitality teams.
Knowledge of production workflows, contracts, and guest services.
Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and a Wednesday–Sunday schedule.
Supervisory experience in front-of-house or hospitality teams.
Knowledge of production workflows, contracts, and guest services.
Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and a Wednesday–Sunday schedule.
Salary : $60,000 - $68,000