The Kennedy Center - Washington, DC
posted 5 months ago
The primary responsibility of this position is to coordinate the presentation and/or production of performances and events presented by and/or at the Kennedy Center and The Reach. This position primarily manages and administers production operation details of multiple productions and events with many occurring at the same time or in close sequence in theaters and event spaces. The Production Manager will be responsible for creatively solving production problems while working within the guidelines of labor agreements, existing inventory, and available schedule; and in keeping with the policies, procedures, and standards of the Kennedy Center. The Production Manager will also at times serve as in-house production designer for major fund-raising events of the Kennedy Center and general aesthetic designer of some stage presentations and outside events. As Production Manager for internal and external special events, the individual will serve as the production liaison for clients and artists, maintaining and disseminating technical specifications of the venue(s). Responsibilities include reviewing artist show contracts and technical specifications, providing production budgets, schedules, and labor estimates, designing scenic and lighting décor, and producing appropriate plots. The Production Manager will schedule crews, order production equipment and supplies, and report trucking activities. They will prepare and distribute production schedules and layout plans, including drawings of ground or space plans, to departments affiliated with presentations such as Programming, Security, Facilities, and Theater Management. The role also involves managing theatrical productions, including touring Broadway attractions, international theater companies, major and international ballet companies, as well as Kennedy Center productions and rentals. The Production Manager will contact artists or their management to request technical information, receive technical forms and stage plots from programming staff, artists, or traveling productions, and determine production needs, crew staffing, and schedule requirements. They will serve as the primary production liaison for all assigned productions, ensuring that all technical specifications are maintained and disseminated effectively. Additionally, the Production Manager will oversee or act as scenic and lighting designer for Kennedy Center events, which may include high-profile events such as the NSO Ball, Mark Twain Prize Gala, WNO Opening Gala, and others. They will work closely with Special Events staff to develop, construct, and implement creative designs, ensuring that all events are code compliant with respect to egress. The role also includes providing administrative support in Production Operations and Maintenance, maintaining event schedules, coordinating building service group set-ups and breakdowns, ordering and tracking production equipment and supplies, and assisting the Project Manager with the yearly budget. Other duties may include overseeing maintenance or capital improvement projects in theater spaces.