Director of Production - Columbia University School of the Arts

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting directly to the Chair of the Theatre Program, the incumbent is responsible for overseeing all aspects of MFA student productions, from planning to execution. Advises faculty, students, and collaborating artists on all aspects of productions for the Acting, Directing and Playwriting Concentrations. Fosters a collegial, educational, and supportive environment that enables MFA students, collaborating artists, and staff to do their best work. Leads a production team currently comprised of eight staff: an Associate Director; Schapiro Production and Facility Manager; Technical Director; Assistant Technical Directors (2); Costume Supervisor; Production Resource Manager; Audio Visual Supervisor; and a student crew based at three locations: The Lenfest Center for the Arts at 615 W 129th St, a multi-venue building that that presents a variety of exhibitions, events, performances and screenings; Morris Schapiro Hall at 605 West 115th Street, and the Nash Building at 3280 Broadway. Provides creative leadership to meet students’ production aspirations within the scope of budgetary, labor and scheduling parameters. Advises on best practices and venue policies, including health and safety protocols. Responsible for securing all necessary production rights and necessary rentals of equipment or space. Requires frequent evening and weekend hours.



RESPONSIBILITIES:

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, from planning to execution in close coordination with faculty and with the support of the Associate Director of Production:

• Oversees publicity, sources of equipment rental, liability and security issues, and budgets.

• Acts as primary liaison with Actor’s Equity Association and any theatrical unions, including preparing and filing Showcase paperwork and insuring that all AEA rules and requirements are met for applicable productions.

• Secures all necessary production rights from theatrical publishing companies and all other sources as needed.

• Hires, trains, supervises and conducts performance evaluations for all members of the production team.

• Sources and recommends for appointment designers for the Actors’ Thesis productions.

• Acts as liaison with other Columbia offices and outside organizations including Public Safety, Risk Management, Work Study, Dean's Office, Riverside Church (for rehearsal space) Actor’s Equity Association, Materials for the Arts, and other offices as necessary.

• Provides general oversight and secures venues for off-site performance activities as necessary, including the Actors’ Showcase, and negotiates directly with all rental venues regarding dates, costs, etc.



Company Management

o Liaises with venue Front of House Manager on Box Office build and event listing, ticket information and design, and programs for each production.

o Supervises and trains student Company Managers in best practices/protocol for Box Office, VIP and complimentary ticket management.

o Coordinates information for and print/deliver show programs for each production.



Financial Management

o Projects all production costs, and manages annual production budgets

o Formulates and submits a yearly budget that includes the supplies, materials and equipment necessary for the operation of the technical areas and the Program’s production and rehearsal spaces

o Maintains fiscal control over the technical aspects of productions within approved budgetary allocations

o Provides strong and creative fiscal management of both shop and event budgets



PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

• Prepares and implements master production schedule of deadlines and producing goals for the Program's performance calendar

• Produces budget and labor analyses

• Provides creative solutions to production problems that are within the scope of budgetary, labor and schedule parameters; analyzes labor and equipment costs for all rental requests from internal and external users.

• maintains communication with artistic and production personnel regarding analysis of resources of shop labor and Lenfest labor, and funding:

• schedules and attends production meetings as necessary to provide effective communication between artistic, administrative, and production staffs.

• Supervises technical rehearsals and attends the first performance of each production.



FACULTY/STUDENT ADVISER

Advises faculty and students on all aspects of productions while maintaining a close dialogue with the Chair and Concentration Heads. Guides directors and playwrights through their thesis projects, attends the tech and dress rehearsals of all thesis level productions.

• Oversees key check-in points in the rehearsal and performance process

• Together with the production team, advises faculty and students on the technical aspects and feasibility of all production and project proposals, including budget and schedule

• Maintains a close consulting relationship with the Head of the Stage Management Concentration and actively mentors MFA student stage managers

• Other duties as assigned.



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA and five (5) years of related professional experience required.

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, leadership and supervisory skills.

• Ability to troubleshoot problems quickly and effectively while maintaining a calm demeanor.

• Ability to work independently and under pressure with large numbers of people on concurrent projects with multiple deadlines required.

• Ability to handle confidential matters with tact and discretion required.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to interact with a highly diverse group of constituents that includes faculty, students, production staff, guest artists, and collaborating organizations.

• Knowledge of current changes in theatrical technology and current best practices within the industry.

• Computer experience required; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel programs required.

• Budget management experience required.

• Availability for evening and weekend supervision.



PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates with strong professional experience in the world of production management and to those who have translated that work to an academic setting.



Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran



Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.






Salary: $90,000 - $98,000 / Commensurate with experience