Production Manager, Theatrical Productions and Events

About The Kennedy Center

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” – President John F. Kennedy

The Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. 

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. 

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. 

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: 

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• Flexible work arrangements
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2022 staff video!

Job Description

The primary responsibility of this position is to coordinate the presentation and/or production of performances and events presented by and/or at the Kennedy Center.  This position primarily manages and administers production operation details of multiple productions and events with many occurring at the same time or in rapid reoccurring sequence in theaters and event spaces.  The Production Manager will be responsible for creatively solving production problems while working within the guidelines of labor agreements, existing inventories, and available schedule; while keeping with the policies, procedures, and standards of the Kennedy Center.  The Production Manager will also at times serve or provide guidance as in-house production designer for major fund-raising events of the Kennedy Center and occasionally collaborate on general aesthetics of some stage presentations and outside events.

Key Responsibilities

• As Production Manager for  theatrical productions, including touring Broadway attractions, Award/Variety type television shows, international theater companies,  major and international ballet companies, as well as Kennedy Center productions, and rentals.  The Production Manager contacts artist and/or artist’s management to request technical information, receives technical forms and stage plots from programming staff, artists or traveling productions, and determines production needs, crew (Stagehands, wardrobe, hair and make-up) staffing, and schedule requirements. Serves as primary production liaison for all productions assigned. Maintains and disseminates technical specifications of the venue(s); reviews artist show contracts and technical specifications; provides production budgets, schedules, labor estimates; schedules crews; orders production equipment and supplies and reports trucking activities. Prepares and distributes production schedules to departments affiliated with presentations including: Programming, Security, Facilities and Theater Management.
• As Production Manager for internal and external special events: serve as production liaison for clients and artists : maintain and disseminate to perspective clients technical specifications of the venue(s); review artist show contracts and technical specifications; provide production budgets, schedules, and labor estimates; collaborate on the design of scenic and lighting décor; and produce  appropriate plots.   Schedule crews; order production equipment and supplies; report trucking activities. . Prepare and distribute production schedules and layout plans including drawings of ground or space plans, to departments affiliated with presentations including, but not limited to: Programming, Security, Facilities and Theater Management.
• As Production Manager, oversees or acts as scenic and lighting designer for Kennedy Center events that may include: NSO Ball, Mark Twain Prize Gala, WNO Opening Gala; Chairman’s Lunch; Spring Gala; WNO Opera Ball, 4th of July Gala.  Works closely with Special Events staff to develop, construct and implement creative design.  Create appropriate scenic, lighting and seating plots, ensuring that the event is code compliant with respect to egress.   Work with vendors to produce scenic elements. 
• Provides administrative support in Production Operations and Maintenance; maintains event schedule; coordinates Building Service group set-ups & breakdowns; orders and tracks production equipment and supplies; assists Project Manager with yearly budget.
• Other duties as assigned such as overseeing maintenance or capital improvement projects in theater spaces.

Key Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years in professional theatrical production management, technical production, stage management, and some aspect of production design is required.
• Bachelor's degree and experience in theatrical design or theatrical technical management is strongly recommended.
• Thorough working knowledge of all areas of theatrical production and presentation.
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.
• Basic working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Vector works is essential.
• Knowledge of Arts Vision software for production and programming calendars a plus.
• Excellent organizational, communication and financial management skills as well as supervisory experience is necessary in order to successfully and efficiently facilitate the duties of a manager in this department. Department projects and productions span from small to very large inter-department festivals, attractions, and events.
• The ability to work well under pressure, and prioritize in a multi-task environment is essential. Must be able to translate the artistic and financial concerns of the Kennedy Center while ensuring the safe and successful mounting of productions or presentations.
• Must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area

Additional Information

Frequent travel to/from office to other parts of the building. Not unusual to walk 5-6 miles, including climbing stairs.  Must be able to work odd hours including evenings, nights, weekends, and frequently work well beyond 50 hours/week. This is a very busy, fast-paced environment which requires flexibility in adjusting to changing priorities and demands.  Safety, guest service and teamwork are primary values in this Department. The sound and light levels in the work environment, particularly for theatrical events, can vary greatly.  Senior Production Managers must be capable of dealing with while monitoring work environments where it is loud, dusty, variable lighting levels, and where many distractions happen simultaneously. Occasional travel to observe complex productions is a possibility.