What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at usm?
Special Instructions to Applicants
We anticipate the review of
applications to begin February 15, 2026. This contract will begin July 1, 2026
and is a full-time staff position (12-month, renewable contract). A
completed application will include 1) a cover letter describing applicant
strengths and qualifications for the position, 2) a professional resume or CV,
3) contact information for three references, 4) link to website or other
online portfolio of materials. Application materials can be uploaded to the HR
site found here: https://jobs.usm.edu.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a
full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not
sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
This
staff position serves as Production Manager for public-facing programs produced
by the School of Performing and Visual Arts (SPVA), which houses academic
programs in Theatre, Dance, and Art and Design. The University is accredited by
National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), National Association of
Schools of Dance (NASD), and National Association of Schools of Art and Design
(NASAD) and offers both Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA)
degree programs. Theatre and Dance maintain robust performance seasons
supported by a fully equipped, multi-theatre complex with production shops.
Venues within the Theatre and Dance Building include the Martha R. Tatum
Theatre, a 275-seat proscenium thrust; the Gilbert F. Hartwig Theatre, a
flexible black box seating 130–150; the Woods Theatre, a smaller proscenium
seating 80–100; and the Dance Studio Theatre, a 95-seat convertible studio
space. SPVA also produces dance concerts on the Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at
the Manoni Performing Arts Center, a 740-seat proscenium theatre managed by the
College of Arts and Sciences. The academic-year performance season includes
four to six dance concerts, four mainstage theatre productions, an annual
playwrights series, and a summer repertory season with Southern Arena Theatre.
Reporting to the School Director, this position oversees Theatre and Dance
production seasons, coordinates equipment and facility maintenance, and manages
venue scheduling and rentals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as Production Manager for the SPVA Theatre and Dance academic year production seasons and for Southern Arena Theatre.
- Coordinate production timelines and schedules for all SPVA performance spaces and work with faculty to develop and manage school-wide production and design-tech calendars.
- Demonstrate fiscal responsibility with regard to coordinating production budgets and managing venue rental, ticketing, and other revenue.
- Coordinate event and venue promotion.
- Collaborate effectively with faculty Theatre Producer, Dance Producer, professional shop staff, and design-tech and performance faculty and guest artists and with school administrative staff and directors.
- Maintain familiarity with current developments in theatrical design and technology and with best practices in production safety.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by production schedules.
- Foster strong relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners to support school operations and initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.