Job Summary
NOTE: To be considered for this position, candidates must include a cover letter specifying their interest in and qualifications for this position. The cover letter should be the first page of your resume and uploaded as one document.
Salary: A higher salary may be available and will be determined by applicants' experience.
As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance. We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields. We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University. SMTD is committed to sharing values of diversity & inclusion in order to achieve and sustain excellence. Our work includes promoting an inclusive space welcome to all.
University Productions is the producing unit of the school. It presents nine fully mounted main stage shows each season, serving the Departments of Theatre & Drama, Musical Theatre, Dance, and Voice in three different venues. These productions are directed by faculty and guest directors; designed by faculty, students, and guests; and crewed by performance and Design & Production majors. Design & Production majors work as stage managers, shop assistants, and technicians for each production; experienced students may design costumes, sets, or lighting for these productions. University Productions also manages the five main performance halls on behalf of the University.
Supervision Received: Administrative and functional supervision is received from the Executive Director.
Supervision Exercised: Administrative and functional supervision is exercised over production staff.
- Functional supervision is exercised over house equipment, safety regulations, work practices, and building mechanical functions in performance halls. Position coordinates closely with the Facilities Manager.
Responsibilities*
Basic Function and Responsibility
1) To plan, budget, schedule, implement and oversee all aspects of technical elements (scenery, properties, costumes, lighting, sound, video, company management, and stage management) of theatrical productions for University Productions. 2) Supervise and facilitate the creative aspects of production while following university procurement procedures, local safety codes, and appropriate building use.
- Create production budgets and schedules in conjunction with Executive Director of University Productions, production stage manager, and stage directors. Read and evaluate scripts; determine how they will impact budget and schedule. Monitor spending on production budgets and make reports to staff and executive director.
- Act as facilitator and a source of information for staff, designers, and directors, giving them the tools and direction necessary to allow them to do their jobs. Keep multiple projects going at the same time. Anticipate future needs and problems.
- Work with directors, designers, and shop supervisors to see that projects can be completed within budgeted time, labor, and financial constraints.
- Oversee the installation, rehearsing, running, and striking of productions once productions have moved into the theatre. Coordinate stage activities with Assistant Production Manager, UProd. department heads, and faculty professor of stage management. Coordinate schedule with Assistant Production Manager to conduct a production meeting at the completion of technical rehearsals with directors, designers, and department heads to plan the next day's activities. On performance days, coordinate schedule with Assistant Production Manager so that one person is available for emergencies until curtain.
- Monitor interactions among designers, faculty, students, and staff; troubleshoot and assist with any problems. When appropriate, inform upper-level administration of any production issues related to staffing or guests, especially questions regarding artistic direction.
- Assure safe work practices and compliance with health, fire, and safety regulations in shops, performance halls, and warehouses.
- Assist with hiring permanent staff. Hire temporary staff (both shop staff and running crew) according to on-line procedures, verify timecards, and process payroll. Interpret and enforce university and unit policies for production staff.
- Make recommendations as needed to facilities manager for maintaining and repairing theatrical equipment in performance halls. Recommend new equipment or the modification of existing equipment to Executive Director. Research current industry standards and practices as it relates to theatrical performance halls and equipment.
- Collaborate in the specification, purchase, and installation of major theatrical equipment.
- Notify and coordinate with Plant Department on building maintenance and improvements.
- Oversee building maintenance for Power Center Annex, in conjunction with Facilities Manager; coordinate with Musical Theatre Department for maintenance in Power Center Rehearsal Room.
- Supervise company-management responsibilities of Assistant Production Manager (Schedule housing, make travel arrangements {flights, car rentals, airport transportation, parking passes, mileage reimbursements}, and complete compliance documentation for guest artists). Make contractual agreements for certain guest artists and assist the Executive Director of University Productions in managing contractual paperwork and progress payments.
- Conduct tours of facilities when requested and assist with various outreach programs.
- Work in tandem with the Executive Director to ensure budgets are on target, to assist with employee relations, to maintain steady day-to-day operations, and to solve problems, especially those involving policy ambiguities and creative personalities.
Related Duties
- Assist with occasional special projects for the School of Music, Theatre & Dance in sundry endeavors that could enhance the profile of the School within the community, enrollment, or the future growth of audiences.
Required Qualifications*
- A MFA degree in technical theatre with 7+ years of experience, or demonstrated professional managerial experience with a performing-arts organization (theatre, opera, or dance), is necessary.
- Candidate must have excellent technical knowledge of the performing arts, including drafting, stagecraft, lighting, sound, and safety practices.
- Candidate must be able to complete, analyze, and manage significant numbers of documents, according to university and SMTD standard practices, in a highly detailed and accurate manner.
- Candidate must have excellent organizational skills, and experience with managing multiple projects running concurrently at one time
- Candidate must have experience working with budgets, managing expenses, and reconciling accounts to ensure budget expenditures are accurate. Candidates must have the ability to read scripts and understand their impacts to overall production budget.
- Excellent use of computer programs including MS Office, Google apps; File-maker pro and Vector works, a plus.
- Excellent communication and human-resource skills. Interacting with a diverse range of knowledgeable and passionate artists, this individual must be able to confidently and sensitively respond to a variety of interpersonal styles.
- Must be available to work varying times, or to be on call when needed for evening dress rehearsals and weekend performances.
- Poise in conducting meetings with directors, designers, and production staff is desirable.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Background Screening
A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.