Purpose
As the most senior person associated with a show after the Director, the Production Manager is responsible for getting a show from the rehearsal room to the stage and ensuring that it meets the Crescent’s high standards. That means this is a hands-on role, coordinating with all the sections to ensure that they are on track to get the show on stage.
The Production Manager chairs the Pre-Production and Progress meetings to elicit the necessary information from the Director and sections to ensure that the get in for the show happens smoothly.
In addition to chairing the meetings, the Production Manager works with the Stage Manager to produce a plan for the get in and get out, taking into account all the constraints on the production, such as availability of spaces, equipment and facilities, e.g. the pit lift, before and after the run. It is normal for the Production Manager to attend the technical rehearsal or the first dress rehearsal to ensure everything is coming together as it should and to assist with any troubleshooting if necessary.
Whilst not expected to be competent in every section, the Production Manager must be able to hold their own in a conversation with each section to understand what is involved from them and ask the pertinent questions around safety, legislation and theatre policy. To achieve this, the Production Manager should maintain a general awareness of what’s happening in each section on an informal basis.
You’re not on your own. The Head of Production is the person on the Board of Management to whom all Production Managers and Section Heads report, and they are able to offer advice and support. You will be guided through the process before being put in charge of a production, so don’t worry that you don’t know how to do it immediately – like every section, we will support you through the learning process.
Essential Skills
- An understanding of how the theatre functions
- An understanding of the function of each section and the boundaries between them
- An organised approach to planning
- An awareness of the health and safety and other legislation pertinent to a production
- Good communication skills to keep everyone informed and avoid misunderstandings