The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio is looking for a dynamic Production Manager to join our team. If you’re an organized, collaborative theatre-maker with a passion for people, processes, and high-quality storytelling - this job is for you.
You’ll be at the heart of every production, leading a thoughtful and inclusive process that brings exceptional contemporary theatre to life in Columbus. You’ll work closely with designers, directors, and technicians to create impactful experiences - all while helping us grow in our work as a nationally recognized contemporary theatre company that anchors a thriving local theatre ecosystem.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent time management skills, including managing numerous projects concurrently.
• Ability to solve problems creatively to keep production within budget and on schedule.
• Strong commitment to health and safety standards.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
• Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are diverse across elements such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigration status.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of theatre.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite.
• Exhibit creativity, enthusiasm, and appreciation for theatrical storytelling.
• Reliable transportation to multiple performance venues as well as The Contemporary’s storage warehouse.
• Light lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling of supplies, etc., up to 50 lbs., as well as occasional stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to drive a 14’ truck a plus.

CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in production leadership at a theatre, arts center, or equivalent organization.
• Exceptional management skills.
• Basic scenic, electrics, sound, and/or costuming skills for purposes of supervision and decision-making.
• Knowledge of AEA, USA, and SDC collective bargaining agreements a plus.
  Required Application Materials: Resume and Cover Letter outlining why you are interested in the position, as well as what makes you the best candidate for the position. Submissions will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applicants who apply by Friday, June 20, 2025.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all production operations in support of The Contemporary’s vision and mission.
• Foster a work environment that demonstrates cultural competency and leads with The Contemporary’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
• Creatively engage and partner with design teams to meet budget goals while maintaining design integrity, production quality, and safety.
• Recruit, hire, and supervise production employees, contractors, and guest artists, in collaboration with the Artistic Director.
• Create and track all show related budgets and maintain effective methods of financial reconciliation, in collaboration with the Controller.
• Read and analyze scripts for possible future seasons.
• Create and maintain season calendar and detailed production schedules.
• Lead production meetings to communicate pertinent information to staff and creative teams.
• Determine and track departmental work throughout the production process, working with directors, designers, stage management, and an outside scene shop to ensure that work is completed on time and within budget.
• Supervise a part-time lead electrician, overhire electricians, and costume shop support.
• Oversee The Contemporary’s equipment inventory and needs (purchases, maintenance, rentals) with an ability to commit to purchases up to a predefined threshold.
• Maintain and approve production timesheets for bi-weekly payroll processing.
• Prepare and submit weekly production reports for Actor’s Equity in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Assist with hands-on production tasks on as as-needed basis and as skill set allows.
• Liaise with CAPA staff regarding space and equipment needs at the Riffe Center.
• Serve on Board/Staff committees as needed.
• This job description is not designed to be an exhaustive listing. Job-related duties may change, or new ones may be assigned from time to time.

We achieve our purpose by being responsive to community needs through exceptional:

• Productions that immerse audiences in a communal experience, captivating senses and emotions; and
• Education Programs that foster creative curiosity, personal growth, and connections rooted in empathy