Production Manager

Full-time, $56,000 per annum, plus superannuation

Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre is seeking a capable and resourceful production manager to play a key role in our company.

Our passionate team works with tiny budgets to deliver award-winning productions, and requires an adept and collaborative professional to work with our ensemble, staff and guest artists to make theatre of outstanding quality.

ABOUT RED STITCH 

Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre is Australia’s leading ensemble theatre company. Established in 2002, we are unique in our structure: an artist-driven organisation led by our resident actors with the support of a small, dedicated staff and board.

Performing contemporary Australian plays and award-winning new writing from around the world, we are renowned for presenting bold theatre produced with raw integrity.

We play a vital role in the development and presentation of new Australian works through our unique INK playwriting program, and offer opportunities for theatre-makers at all stages of their careers to hone and develop their craft.

With a national reputation for the quality of our work, Red Stitch remains at the forefront of contemporary Australian theatre practice.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Production Manager will foster positive working relationships with stakeholders including the general manager, artistic director, ensemble members and guest creatives, ensuring high-quality artistic outcomes, and effective use of resources within agreed budget, time and technical parameters. The role encompasses diverse production and venue management duties, including:

• Developing a comprehensive understanding of the creative and technical needs of each production (including touring and special events) from pre-production to bump-out;

• Working with creative teams to oversee the delivery of each production’s needs to a high standard, including:

  • Budget management

  • Scheduling and managing regular production meetings

  • Sourcing appropriate construction materials and production personnel

  • Preparing and managing production and touring schedules

  • Supervising bump-in, bump-out and set/scenery construction and rigging

  • Attending technical rehearsals

  • Identifying and promptly resolving technical and maintenance issues identified in rehearsal, performance and Front-of-House reports;

• Supervising and supporting stage managers, assistant stage managers, and other production personnel including volunteers in the application of their duties;

• Ensuring both Red Stitch venues (Red Stitch @ Home and Red Stitch @ Cromwell Rd), as well as plant and equipment, are maintained in a clean, safe, and compliant manner;

• Supporting renovation works at our Cromwell Road venue;

• Appointing and managing venue cleaners and other contractors;

• Acting as the company’s safety officer, including o Inducting all personnel in safety and emergency procedures

  • Overseeing venue upkeep and maintenance records

  • Ensuring compliance with OSH legislation

  • Ensuring a high standard of safety for workers and the public, and promptly reporting incidents, accidents and near-misses to the General Manager;

• Completing other tasks from time to time, as deemed appropriate by the General Manager or Artistic Director;

• Representing Red Stitch with professionalism and courtesy all times, and upholding the Red Stitch Code of Conduct.

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Essential 

• Demonstrated performing arts production management experience (min 5 years), preferably in a theatre environment

• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant OSH regulations and procedures, and experience implementing these requirements in a performing arts context

• Excellent project management skills, and the ability to strategically allocate resources

• Knowledge of and practical experience with set design and construction

• Ability and willingness to work flexible and long hours, particularly during production week

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to work independently

• Strong communication skills, suitable for engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders

• Attention to detail, planning and problem-solving skills

• Well-developed time management skills and the ability to manage conflicting deadlines

• The ability to remain calm, professional and positive in a high-pressured position where time and resources are limited and artistic expectation are high

• A co-operative attitude and willingness to work collaboratively with artistic personnel

Desirable 

• Current Senior First Aid certificate

• A current driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle

• Good knowledge of rigging, lighting, sound and projection

• EWP and rigging licences

• Previous venue management experience

• Qualifications or commensurate experience in a specialist field of technical production (e.g. – production management, carpentry, rigging, lighting or sound)

• Regional / interstate touring experience

• Networks of production personnel, (e.g. – stage managers, builders, mechanists, etc)

• Proficiency in MS Office and G Suite applications.

ACCESS & INCLUSION

Red Stitch is an Equal Opportunity Employer, which values diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural backgrounds and people with disabilities.

APPLICATIONS AND ENQUIRIES 

To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to gm@redstitch.net by 1pm on Monday 23rd November 2020

There is no need to individually address selection criteria. 

Enquiries can be addressed to the General Manager, Fiona Symonds on 0407 989 982 or gm@redstitch.net