Job Postings

Position Summary:

The Production Manager is a senior leadership role at the Washington Center, overseeing

all technical and production operations across its venues. Reporting to the Executive

Director, this position ensures seamless execution of performances and events by

managing staff, budgets, logistics, and equipment while fostering a safe, collaborative,

and service-centered environment. The Production Manager supervises the IATSE Local 15

production crew, maintaining the highest professional standards, and builds strong

relationships with artistic partners, over hire, visiting artists and their production teams,

supporting the Center’s mission of artistic excellence and it's reputation as a trusted home

for diverse artistic expression.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

Oversee all production staff across technical disciplines, including scheduling,

supervision, performance, evaluation, and development.

• Foster respectful, inclusive, and productive relationships with artists, crew

members, administrative staff, volunteers, and external partners.

• Approve production staff time records to ensure accurate payroll processing.

• Maintain compliance with IATSE Local 15 labor agreements and union payroll

protocols.

• Coordinates production advances for each event.

Production Oversight

• Coordinate all technical aspects of productions including staging, lighting, sound,

audiovisual, rigging, video, and special effects.

• Interpret and execute blueprints, design drawings, and technical plots.

• Collaborate with programming and artistic teams to meet production goals,

budgets, and timelines.

• Provide technical support to outside groups using venue spaces.

• Maintain accurate venue drawings, run-of-show documentation, and production

records.

• Participate in load-ins, rehearsals, performances, strikes, and restore operations as

needed.

• Advance all scheduled events at the Washington Center, including artistic partners,

outside commercial rentals, and the Washington Center’s presented season and

associated special events that require technical support; gather all production

related information per event and place in event software for shared access.

• Work directly with production companies’ agents, staff and artists affiliated with our

presented season to schedule, negotiate, and fulfill contract requests for lodging,

transportation, equipment and labor.

Equipment & Facilities

• Manage technical inventory and oversee preventive maintenance programs.

• Supervise and/or coordinate repairs, upgrades, and training for safe operation of all

technical systems.

• Research and implement emerging technologies to improve production quality.

• Coordinate rentals, materials, and expendables for events.

• Advance all Washington Center contracted events at The Minnaert Center for the

Arts at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC); communicate directly with

their administration, faculty, and staff about scheduling, access, equipment needs,

or safety concerns, as appropriate; submit equipment maintenance/replacement

requests to SPSCC upon need.

• Secure rental and delivery of equipment (lighting, audio, video, backline, effects,

etc.) when needed for Washington Center presented events and coordinate delivery

for rentals events.

• Schedule all other vendors for production related activities, maintain and develop

vendor listings and contacts.

• Collaborate with the City of Olympia and Washington Center staff to meet

municipal building maintenance needs.

Budget & Administration

• Track and manage departmental budgets and capital purchases.

• Review and approve invoices, payroll, and other production-related expenses.

• Prepare estimates for rental clients and finalize departmental billing.

• Prepare rider/labor estimates for internal presented events.

• Maintain production calendars, schedules, and documentation.

• Develop, submit, allocate and oversee all stage production-related budget lines).

• Finalize show reports and time sheets for each event; sign and submit all invoices

and receipts associated with each related budget line.

• Maintain the production crew schedule and submit it to all relevant departments.

Safety & Compliance

• Develop and enforce safety protocols for backstage areas, equipment, and

organizational protocols.

• Oversee safety systems and safety policy development.

• Ensure compliance with labor regulations and union agreements.

• Facilitate genie lift and forklift training for ongoing crew certification.

Event Support & Planning

• Advance technical planning with internal teams, artists, and external clients.

• Attend production meetings and contribute to strategic planning.

• Staff and support special events, fundraisers, and donor functions when requested.

• Provide regular updates on production status and equipment needs.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications, knowledge, and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in technical theater, production management, or related field (or

equivalent experience).

• Minimum 5 years in production management, technical direction, or live event

production.

• Experience in performing arts centers with staging, lighting, sound, and

communication systems.

• Strong knowledge of rigging systems, soft goods, and technical theater disciplines.

• Proficiency in reviewing technical drawings;

• Familiarity with theater management and arts center operations.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, and event management software.

• Valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.

Physical and Mental requirements:

• Capable of lifting and moving up to 100 pounds, able to perform physically

demanding tasks such as climbing, kneeling, and equipment operation.

• Ability to lift/move up to 100 pounds and perform physical tasks including climbing,

kneeling, and operating equipment.

• Meets visual requirements to include near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and

focus adjustment.

• Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and

focus adjustment.

• Available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and irregular shifts.

• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and irregular hours.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Range:

Salary range is subject to the candidate’s qualifications and relevant prior work

experience. This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary of $80,500 to

$87,000.

Benefits: Medical/dental/vision; eligible the first of the month following 30 days of

continuous employment, health savings account (HSA), 10 paid holidays, employer paid

EPA (employee assistance program), up to 3% matching in a SIMPLE IRA.

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume and completed Washington Center employment

application to employment@washingtoncenter.org. This position is open until it is filled.

To learn more about the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, please visit:

https://www.washingtoncenter.org/about-the-center/