Production Manager (Interim to Full-Time)

Job Description: Production Manager (Interim to Full-Time)



Organization: Open Arts Alliance



Position: Production Manager



Employment Status: Interim Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Dec 1, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027) with potential to transition to permanent full-time



Compensation: $27,000 total across 5 months



Benefits: None



Reports To: Board/Artistic Director



Position Overview

Open Arts Alliance, a regional children’s theatre in Connecticut, seeks an organized, hands-on Production Manager for a full-time interim role (December 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027) covering our Spring Season (Peter Pan, The Lion King KIDS, Alice in Wonderland). This position offers a potential pathway to a permanent, year-round full-time role upon successful completion of the season.



The Production Manager oversees technical logistics and production budgets while serving as a hands-on creative who supports set and costume fabrication alongside guest designers/directors. Successful candidates will have a strong commitment to fostering positive relationships with K-12 youth across diverse age groups.



Key Responsibilities

Technical Production & In-House Design Support



Act as the primary liaison between Stage Directors and technical staff (lighting, sound, sets, costumes).



Hands-On Craft & Build Support: Utilize background in set construction or costume design/construction to support production builds. Ability to build scenery or sew/construct costumes directly is a strong plus.



Hire and manage independent contractors/staff for spring productions.



Coordinate props, costume needs, scenic elements and technical logistics across all shows (varying age groups & levels.)



Logistics, Scheduling & Operations



Manage tech week, load-in/out, and strike schedules; recruit and supervise tech staff/volunteers.



Rent, schedule, and drive trucks for load-ins and load-outs as needed.



Manage production budgets, material purchasing, and safety/venue compliance.



Liaise between rental venues.



Qualifications & Requirements

Experience: 2-4 years in theatre production management or technical direction.



Education: Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Performing Arts, Technical Theatre, Arts Administration, or a closely related field (or equivalent professional experience).



Craft Discipline: Background in set design/construction or costume design/fabrication. Direct skills in carpentry/scenery build, painting, sewing/stitching, dyeing or draping are preferred.



Technical & Administrative: Familiarity with lighting/sound, budget management, Canva and MTIPlayer, QLab, CAD and other industry standards preferred.



Licensing & Physical Requirements: Valid driver’s license with a clean record; comfortable driving 10-15 ft rental trucks and handling heavy gear during load-ins/outs.



Operational & Team Execution: Drives high-quality outcomes through exceptional attention to detail, proactive self-direction, and cross-functional collaboration to consistently meet team objectives and performance goals.



Pre-Employment Screening: Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a post-offer background check, in compliance with federal and state regulations.



Production Assets & Marketing: Coordinate the installation and field deployment of promotional materials and signage across targeted community locations. Manage paid advertising budgets, including boosted social media posts and digital ad campaigns, to maximize reach and performance.



Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Statement

Open Arts Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with CT state and federal laws, we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.



DURATION

Dec 1, 2026 - Apr 30, 2027