Production Manager

Position:
Production Manager

Department:
Artistic Operations

Reports to:

Chief Operating Officer

Supervises:
Technical Coordinator

Status:
Full-time, Exempt

The Production Manager provides overall leadership for production planning and execution across all VSO rehearsals, performances, tours, and special events – about 40 projects across 35 venues each season. This role establishes technical and production requirements for each project and is the primary point of contact with production service vendors and venue production personnel. Serving as primary stage manager for orchestra services, this role supports optimal working conditions for musicians and ensures performances run efficiently, safely, and at the highest artistic standard.

• Production Leadership and External Coordination
  • Establish technical and production requirements for each project, including orchestra stage plot, riser configurations, acoustic shell specifications, audio, video, lighting requirements, and external production service contracts.
  • Define hall crew staffing needs, backline, instrument rental, tuning services, and other production equipment rental.
  • Serve as the primary production contact with service vendors and venue staff.
  • Develop and manage detailed master production schedules, hall sheets, run‑of‑show, and other event documentation, advancing shows in coordination with the Operations Manager.
  • Coordinate with the Principal Percussionist and Technical Coordinator on instrument lists and ensure delivery to services.
  • Coordinate with venues and vendors regarding deliveries, pick‑ups, tuning schedule, and load ins/outs.
  • Serve as primary production contact for conductors, guest artists, soloists, composers, and artistic staff.
  • Conduct site visits to evaluate opportunities in unfamiliar venues.
  • Coordinate VSO production needs with external co‑pro partners or concert‑presenting customers.
• Stage Management & Oversight
  • Finalize stage plots for each project in coordination with the Music Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Artistic Administrator.
  • Supervise the Technical Coordinator and support their management of part‑time production crew members. Oversee stage setup to ensure technical requirements are met, including temperature, equipment, video, sound, lighting, and recording needs.
  • Serve as primary stage manager for orchestra services, overseeing backstage operations and coordinating change/strike procedures while providing musician support to ensure optimal working conditions and consistency.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational policies, venue policies, labor agreements, and safety regulations; coordinate emergency procedures and incident reporting.
• Administration
  • Support production budget development, including acquiring quotes and negotiating with vendors and production service providers.
  • Process contracts, invoices, and rental agreements and track production expenses against approved budgets.
  • Monitor and restock production and hospitality supplies as needed.
  • Maintain production records, inventories, and archival documentation.
  • Maintain in‑person office hours (varies by production week); attend staff and department meetings.
  • Perform other duties in support of the VSO’s mission and organizational values.

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Technical Theater, or a directly related field.
• Three or more years of experience in stage management and concert production within orchestra, theater, dance, and/or touring environments, demonstrating strong knowledge of stage craft and production practices.
• Strategic leadership and organizational skills with attention to detail and a high sense of professionalism in performance presentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure in live performance environments while interacting with many different personalities (musicians, conductors, stage crews, technicians, administrators, and external stakeholders/customers).
• Familiarity with orchestral repertoire and performance practices preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace; experience with OPAS and Vectorworks software preferred.
• Flexible availability including…