Production Manager

The Ordway: The Ordway is the arts epicenter of Saint Paul, Minnesota, and one of the leading nonprofits performing arts centers in the country. Founded on the belief that performing arts should be wide-ranging and accessible to all, the Ordway is home to a variety of performances that encompass the finest in Broadway musicals, concerts, dance and vocal artists. Known as the most comfortable place to catch a show in Minnesota, the Ordway includes a magnificent 1,900-seat Music Theater, a state-of-the-art 1,100-seat Concert Hall and spacious lobbies. The Ordway aims to reflect the communities it serves and address barriers to ensure everyone can experience the power of the performing arts.

Position Purpose: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is seeking a full-time Production Manager, This role is responsible for providing event planning, cost estimating, execution, oversight, assistance and expertise to clients including the Arts Partners, Rentals and Ordway Programming. The Production Manager will work with the Manager of Production Department Operations to schedule House Crew and IA Dispatch Labor, will supervise and document crew hours during production calls, create VectorWorks drawings or layouts and support materials, ensure the safe operation of the backstage area, and support the Production department and the operations of the Ordway.

Position Details:

Posting Date: 2/2/24

Closing Date: The Ordway is dedicated to building an equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender, and non-binary candidates. This position will remain open until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Employee Type: Exempt, Full-time

Pay: Starting at $60,000

Department: Production

Reports to: Director of Production

Key Performance Areas:

Supervise house crew and IATSE Stagehands on a show by show or call basis that meet the Ordway’s production or event goals.

Draft drawings as needed, such as stage diagrams, festival layouts, building floor plans and technical specifications for the Flint Hills Family Festival, Concert Hall, Music Theatre, and Special Events as assigned to effectively communicate technical details of the event to production and operations staff.

Plan and execute events as assigned from the Director of Production to ensure the event executed as scheduled and in budget.

Research and source vendors of services and products for the production department.

Coordinate safety measures for all back of house areas to ensure the on-going safety of staff and guests within established safety parameters.

Other Qualifications:

BA or BFA degree. Additional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Five to seven years of experience as a Production Manager or Technical Director. Specific experience working in a performing arts center and Broadway Tours highly desirable.

Three to Five years supervisory experience required.

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as assigned.

Extensive knowledge of theatrical systems including lighting, sound, rigging and A/V.

OSHA Certification preferred.

Excellent communication skills and ability to remain calm and focused in fast paced situations.

Valid driver’s license and ability to use own vehicle required.

Understanding of technical theatre equipment, processes, and protocols. In depth understanding of how each technical department functions, the equipment used, and how they fit into the production process.

Knowledge of workplace safety standards including General Duty Standards, Hazardous Communications Standards, Occupational Noise Exposure, Personal Protective Equipment, Lockout/Tag Out, and Blood Borne Pathogens.

Knowledge of theatrical union contracts, especially I.A.T.S.E. and A.E.A. contracts.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher and Word).

Proficient in VectorWorks software.

Basic Stage Management skills required.

Ability to demonstrate positive, proactive and self-motivated behavior.

Ability to give others work direction and/or set priorities for others; ability to coach and guide others; ability to coach others to supervise.

Ability to research, comparison shop, and purchase equipment and supplies as related to technical theater and show production.

The Ordway requires all employees to adhere to the COVID safety standards set by the artists and tours that perform on our stages. This means that at times Ordway employees may be required to wear masks, to take COVID tests, and possibly, to provide proof of COVID vaccination. The Ordway is an equal opportunity employer and will consider requests for reasonable accommodation for employees and applicants based on disability or sincerely held religious beliefs.

To Apply: For more information or to apply, visit ordway.org/employment.

Ordway is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, age, local human rights commission activity, national origin, and veteran, or disability status. The Ordway Theater and administrative office are wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcomed. All applicants who have questions or needs regarding access accommodations or interpreting assistance for job interviews are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.

We know there are great candidates who may not fit into the criteria we’ve outlined here, or who have important skills we haven’t listed. If that’s you, please don’t hesitate to apply anyway and tell us about yourself.