The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio is looking for a dynamic Production Manager to join our team. If you’re an organized, collaborative theatre-maker with a passion for people, processes, and high-quality storytelling - this job is for you.

You’ll be at the heart of every production, leading a thoughtful and inclusive process that brings exceptional contemporary theatre to life in Columbus. You’ll work closely with designers, directors, and technicians to create impactful experiences - all while helping us grow in our work as a nationally recognized contemporary theatre company that anchors a thriving local theatre ecosystem.

Characteristics of a Successful Applicant

The person for this position cares about people and is excited about creating exceptional theatre. You are curious and ask questions that lead to understanding. Additionally, this detail-oriented, organized and focused individual is empathetic toward others and is an active, engaged listener. The person for this position understands all aspects of theatrical production - scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, stage management, projections, etc - and the ways they work together. They are able to guide creative teams into the creation of exceptional stories rooted in our purpose. They care deeply about safety and have the skills to build a people-first production process. The person to join our small leadership team must be open to new ideas and be comfortable in a variety of settings where patrons and donors are present.

This team player is able to work collaboratively and independently on matters of strategic importance to The Contemporary. The position requires the ideal candidate to have the skills necessary to make independent decisions that advance the vision, mission and purpose of The Contemporary. You are willing to jump in and assist with hands-on tasks as needed. The ideal candidate will possess an entrepreneurial spirit and be focused on leading a production process in which production elements are on time, within budget, and created in a way that has artists excited to work with The Contemporary. You must be able to manage multiple projects and consistently meet deadlines by relying on clear processes, structure, and plans.

Primary Function: The Production Manager manages all aspects of production at The Contemporary, as well as supporting occasional education programs. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and strategically to create production frameworks that support staff and guest artists for success. The position reports to the Artistic Director and will collaborate with the entire Contemporary staff, as well as contractors and part-time employees.

Additional Information: This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The selected candidate will be eligible for The Contemporary's benefit package, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), complimentary tickets to productions, and professional development opportunities for personal and professional growth (as funding allows). The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $55,000.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage all production operations in support of The Contemporary’s vision and mission.
• Foster a work environment that demonstrates cultural competency and leads with The Contemporary’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
• Creatively engage and partner with design teams to meet budget goals while maintaining design integrity, production quality, and safety.
• Recruit, hire, and supervise production employees, contractors, and guest artists, in collaboration with the Artistic Director.
• Create and track all show related budgets and maintain effective methods of financial reconciliation, in collaboration with the Controller.
• Read and analyze scripts for possible future seasons.
• Create and maintain season calendar and detailed production schedules.
• Lead production meetings to communicate pertinent information to staff and creative teams.
• Determine and track departmental work throughout the production process, working with directors, designers, stage management, and an outside scene shop to ensure that work is completed on time and within budget.
• Supervise a part-time lead electrician, overhire electricians, and costume shop support.
• Oversee The Contemporary’s equipment inventory and needs (purchases, maintenance, rentals) with an ability to commit to purchases up to a predefined threshold.
• Maintain and approve production timesheets for bi-weekly payroll processing.
• Prepare and submit weekly production reports for Actor’s Equity in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Assist with hands-on production tasks on as as-needed basis and as skill set allows.
• Liaise with CAPA staff regarding space and equipment needs at the Riffe Center.
• Serve on Board/Staff committees as needed.
• This job description is not designed to be an exhaustive listing. Job-related duties may change, or new ones may be assigned from time to time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent time management skills, including managing numerous projects concurrently.
• Ability to solve problems creatively to keep production within budget and on schedule.
• Strong commitment to health and safety standards.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
• Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are diverse across elements such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigration status.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of theatre.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite.
• Exhibit creativity, enthusiasm, and appreciation for theatrical storytelling.
• Reliable transportation to multiple performance venues as well as The Contemporary’s storage warehouse.
• Light lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling of supplies, etc., up to 50 lbs., as well as occasional stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to drive a 14’ truck a plus.

Credentials and Experience

• Experience in production leadership at a theatre, arts center, or equivalent organization.
• Exceptional management skills.
• Basic scenic, electrics, sound, and/or costuming skills for purposes of supervision and decision-making.
• Knowledge of AEA, USA, and SDC collective bargaining agreements a plus.

Required Application Materials: Resume and Cover Letter outlining why you are interested in the position, as well as what makes you the best candidate for the position. Submissions will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applicants who apply by Friday, June 20, 2025.

About The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio

We’re a professional theatre company in the heart of downtown Columbus, working under a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) contract with Actors Equity. We believe theatrical storytelling can transform us as people, because it immerses us in an immediate and communal experience that activates our senses and captivates our emotions. By doing so we are able to inspire audiences to step outside themselves, see their place in the current moment and recognize, understand, and share the thoughts and feelings of another.

Our vision is to become an anti-racist, nationally recognized contemporary theatre company, anchoring a thriving Columbus theatre ecosystem in an empathetic, equitable world. Our purpose is to harness the transformational power of theatre that engages with our current moment to inspire a community of empathy.

We achieve our purpose by being responsive to community needs through exceptional:

• Productions that immerse audiences in a communal experience, captivating senses and emotions; and
• Education Programs that foster creative curiosity, personal growth, and connections rooted in empathy.

The Contemporary is committed to maintaining a workforce that is diverse across many lines of difference. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for every staff member. The Contemporary does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status.