Production Manager/Technical Director (Full-Time)
Salary Range: $40,000-$50,000 (commensurate with experience)
Reports to: Artistic Director
Primary Responsibilities:
- Lead onsite construction of all theatrical sets for a six-show season, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality execution.
- Assist in the selection of Scenic, Lighting, Props, Costume, and Sound designers.
- Coordinate designer outreach and provide oversight to ensure designs align with artistic goals, schedules, and budgets.
- Maintain all production workspaces, including loft areas, tools, equipment, and production supplies.
- Facilitate strikes following each production, ensuring safe, organized teardown and storage.
- Coordinate weekly dry cleaning and costume maintenance during performance weeks.
- Support technical rehearsals, performances, and production transitions as needed.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in technical direction, production management, or related backstage leadership roles.
- Ability to read, interpret, and execute scenic designs, construction drawings, and technical plans.
- Strong understanding of safety standards and best practices in theatrical environments.
Skills:
Technical Skills:
- Carpentry, scenic construction, rigging fundamentals, and basic electrics.
- Proficiency with shop tools, power tools, and theatrical materials.
- Working knowledge of lighting, sound, and general stagecraft systems.
- Working knowledge of QLab, including basic programming, playback operation, and collaboration with sound and projection designers during technical rehearsals and performances.
Management & Organizational Skills
- Strong project management, scheduling, and organizational abilities.
- Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with designers, directors, and production staff.
- Ability to manage budgets for materials, labor, and production supplies.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to production challenges.
Personal Attributes:
- Highly organized, efficient, and detail-oriented.
- Comfortable working independently and taking initiative.
- Able to work under deadline pressure and adapt to changing production needs.
- Committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional working environment.
Preferred Experience:
- Prior experience as a Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, Production Manager, or Master Carpenter in a multi-show season environment (regional, educational, and/or professional theatre).
- Experience supervising production teams.
- Experience with budgeting and procurement of theatrical materials.
- Familiarity with CAD software (such as Vectorworks or AutoCAD).
- Knowledge of costume care, laundering, or wardrobe maintenance (helpful but not required).
- Experience coordinating production strikes and load-outs.
About Act II Playhouse
Act II Playhouse is a professional theatre located in Ambler, PA, producing a six-show season focused on high-quality comedies and intimate, actor-driven work. As a small, collaborative organization, Act II emphasizes clear communication, professionalism, and a hands-on approach to production. Our scale allows for close collaboration among artists and staff while maintaining strong production values and efficient processes. This position plays a central role in bringing each production from design through performance.
Act II Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer and values collaboration, professionalism, and a sense of humor.
Interested applicants can apply by sending resume and cover letter to Act II Playhouse Artistic Director, Tony Braithwaite (tony@act2.org). While we will review all applications, only applicants considered for the position will be contacted.