Description
Position Summary
Reporting to the Artistic Director and the Executive Director, the Vice President of Artistic and Production Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight for all production, technical, stage management, and wardrobe operations. The position is responsible for planning, budgeting, staffing, scheduling, and execution of all performances, tours, special events, and production-related activities.
The Vice President of Production ensures that all artistic productions are delivered at the highest professional standards while maintaining fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement long-term production strategies aligned with the organization's artistic and strategic goals.
Serve as a collaborative member of the senior leadership team and contribute to organizational planning and decision-making.
Advise the Artistic Director and Executive Director on production feasibility, resource allocation, and operational implications of artistic initiatives.
Participate in season planning and production scheduling.
Production Management
Oversee all production and artistic operations for performances, rehearsals, tours, and special events.
Ensure successful execution of all productions from planning through closing.
Supervise production calendars and coordinate timelines across departments.
Manage venue relationships and technical requirements for performances.
Oversee production logistics, transportation, and touring operations.
Budgeting and Financial Management
Develop and manage artistic, production, wardrobe, and technical budgets.
Monitor expenditures and ensure compliance with approved budgets.
Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Participate in capital planning and equipment replacement strategies.
Approve production-related expenditures in accordance with company policies.
Personnel Management
Provide leadership and supervision for the department staff below:
Director of Production
Wardrobe Manager
Company Manager
Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development.
Participate in hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning.
Labor Relations and Compliance
Maintain a thorough understanding of applicable collective bargaining agreements, IATSE, AFM (Musicians Union), and Dancer agreements.
Ensure compliance with labor agreements, workplace safety regulations, and employment laws.
Collaborate with the Senior Director of Human Resources on personnel matters and employee relations issues.
Artistic Collaboration
Work closely with the Artistic Director to support artistic objectives.
Participate in production meetings and artistic planning discussions.
Coordinate technical and production support for new works, commissions, and special projects.
Ensure production elements support the artistic vision while remaining operationally feasible.
Artistic Management
Lead dancer contract negotiations, ensuring compliance with industry standard terms and maintaining a collegial relationship between the dancers and management.
Negotiate and secure choreographic and music rights necessary to execute approved artistic programming.
Manage the relationship with the orchestra and any live music components.
Touring and Venue Management
Oversee all production aspects of domestic and international touring, in close relationship with the touring agent.
Review and negotiate technical requirements with presenting organizations and venues.
Ensure technical riders, production specifications, and touring documents remain current.
Coordinate production staffing and logistics for touring engagements.
Facilities, Equipment, and Safety
Oversee maintenance and management of production equipment and theatrical systems.
Develop and implement safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Ensure compliance with OSHA and industry safety standards.
Plan for future capital improvements and technology upgrades.
Requirements
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Theatre Production, Arts Administration, Technical Theatre, Performing Arts Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible production management experience in a ballet, opera, theater, or performing arts organization.
Demonstrated experience managing large-scale productions and production budgets.
Strong knowledge of theatrical production, stage operations, labor relations, and touring logistics.
Experience working in a unionized environment.
Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and project management skills.
