DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Senior Production Manager
STATUS: Full-Time, In-person
LOCATION: Becket, MA
REPORTS TO: Director of Technical Production
DEPARTMENT: Production
SUPERVISES: Doris Duke Production Staff; Interns and overhire staff
WORKS WITH: Programming Department; Facilities, Safety and Accessibility Department; Patron Services Department; Archives; IT
COMPENSATION: Grade 5: $70,000-$80,000
SCHEDULE: September–May: Five (5) day work week
June–August: Six (6) day work week (1 comp day for every 6-day work week during
the Festival)
BENEFITS: Health and dental insurance, FSA, 403B matching contribution, paid time off, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, Employee Assistance Program, and housing options might be available.
BENEFITS (SUMMER ONLY): Three meals a day, free access to classes, performances, talks, and studio usage.
The primary responsibility of the Senior Production Manager (SPM) is the management of the operations of the Doris Duke Theatre (DDT). Opened in July 2025, a major focus of the Duke is supporting choreographers, designers and performers working at the intersection of dance and technology. The SPM takes the lead in the planning, preparation, and execution of all technical elements of all festival and year-round programming including supporting artists in the creation process during technical residencies.
During the festival the SPM supervises the DDT’s seasonal staff of professionals and during non-Festival months, the SPM supervises a team of overhire technicians. The Senior Production Manager also manages the use and maintenance of the theatre's support spaces, including 2 dance studios, exhibition space and workshop. The SPM coordinates with the Facilities, Safety and Accessibility Department to ensure the building and its equipment are being operated safely in accordance with all protocols and capacity limits. Reporting directly to the Director of Technical Production (DoTP) the SPM will also assist the DoTP in budgeting, scheduling and hiring as well as creating and facilitating departmental strategy and policy.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Create and maintain an accessible and collaborative work environment that enables artists and technicians to create together positively and safely.
- Establish clear communication with DDT artists and their teams to coordinate, confirm and collaborate on all production elements.
- Create and maintain detailed paperwork including standard operating procedures, schedules, labor plans, and safety information.
- Distribute paperwork and information to all stakeholders in a timely and detailed manner.
- Maintain early and constant communication with the DoTP regarding the artist’s requirements and use of organizational and departmental resources.
- Facilitate communication between production staff members and DDT artists.
- Assist the DoTP in the creation and maintenance of departmental, organizational and production specific schedules and budgets.
- Assist the Production Administrator in coordinating schedules for all DDT crew calls, including load-ins, load-outs, extended rehearsals or performance calls, notes, and changeovers.
- Coordinate with the Production Administrator on all necessary purchases and rentals
- Supervise all DDT work calls, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances.
- Supervise the use of the Doris Duke Theatre, its support spaces and its equipment to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance.
- Supervise, schedule, train, and communicate clearly with DDT full-time, seasonal and overhire production staff.
- Manage the installation and operation of exhibits in the DDT’s exhibition space.
- Attend all organizational, departmental and production meetings including a weekly All-Staff Meeting.
- Facilitate regular meetings with DDT production staff and facilitate departmental meetings as necessary.
- Coordinate with the Facilities, Safety and Accessibility Department on all building maintenance, improvements, cleaning and upkeep as well as general and production specific safety and accessibility requirements; and set standards for third-party uses.
- Support the Events & Operations Production Manager on all events or rentals taking place in the DDT and approve all uses.
- Assist Patron Services in the planning for efficient movement of patrons into the venues and coordinate with backstage personnel on starting times, late seating pauses, intermissions, etc.
- Under the general direction of the DoTP, assist with coordination of emergency response for staff and patrons in the event of an emergency or extreme weather.
- Complete Adult/Child CPR, First Aid, Cultural Competency, and required Safety training.
- Assist and support other departments, including non-production departments, as needed on use of the theater.
- Take on tasks as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- +7 years of related experience in production management, stage management or other technical theater leadership.
- Proven ability to manage diverse teams, resolve cross-cultural conflicts, and apply an equity lens to decision-making, hiring, and scheduling.
- Strong knowledge and the ability to instruct others on general theatrical production systems and standard operating procedures.
- Strong knowledge of production-related health & safety best practices/concerns and ability to identify and correct potential hazards.
- Working knowledge of the role, responsibilities and standard operating procedures of all production departments.
- Knowledge and experience with production software including lighting, sound, and drafting applications.
- Proficiency with the Google App suite.
- Experience with budgeting and scheduling.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Willingness to learn.
- Ability to work proactively, creatively, flexibly, kindly, safely, and collaboratively.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working and/or teaching in a performing arts educational environment.
- Knowledge of dance or the performing arts industry.
- Experience managing a modular black box theater.
- Experience managing productions that incorporate motion capture technologies, extended reality technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, or robotics.
- Advanced knowledge of theatrical rigging best practices, systems, and safety.
- Experience in production or stage managing dance productions or companies.
SKILLS & QUALITIES
- A deeply ingrained commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.
- Excellent communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
- Analytic and empathetic problem-solving, conflict resolution, negotiating, and mediation skills.
- Ability to read, interpret, and instruct others on light plots, stage plans, and related technical documents.
- Demonstrated ability to conceive, strategize, manage, and prioritize between multiple projects with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to train, lead, and supervise a large, diverse, and ever-changing team of members with varied backgrounds and experience levels.
- Emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate high-pressure festival environments without perpetuating urgency culture.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Working in wooded areas with exposure to native wildlife including, but not limited to, rodents, ticks, and mosquitos.
- Working outdoors in all weather conditions including inclement weather.
- Working 6-day work weeks including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends during Festival weeks and non-Festival programming.
- Moving equipment up to 50 lbs with or without assistance.
- Moving through and between multiple locations throughout the entire campus.
- Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
- Working at heights above 6 feet and up to 30 feet.
- Ascending and descending straight and step ladders.
- Operating push around or drivable person lifts including at heights.
- Working in show conditions with theatrical and atmospheric elements including but not limited to: fog, haze, strobes, dim lights, and loud sounds.
APPLICATION PROCESS
*We believe that no one meets 100% of the listed qualifications. We are less concerned about whether you’ve done everything on a laundry list of specific things and more interested in cultivating a pool of candidates who want to join a connected, mission-driven, hard-working team driven by creativity, curiosity, inclusion, integrity, flexibility, and partnership.
HIRING PROCESS
- Apply: Interested individuals are encouraged to send a cover letter, resume, and references by submitting an application using the “Apply” buttons below. Video and/or audio applications are welcome (though not required) in addition to written expressions of interest.
- Interview: Pre-Screen on Zoom, Interview with Hiring Manager on Zoom, Site Visit and Panel Interview
- Supplemental Materials: A writing sample, spreadsheet example, or other relevant materials may be requested from candidates should they be a top candidates.
If you need accommodations to make this application process happen, please connect with us at [email protected].. We will work to support you through the application process via email, phone call, and/or video chat.
DURATION
Jan 19, 2026 -
SALARY
$70,000.00 – $80,000.00 per year