Production Manager

Special Instructions to Applicants

We anticipate the review of applications to begin February 15, 2026. This contract will begin July 1, 2026, and is a full-time staff position, 12-month renewable contract. A completed application will include:

1. A cover letter describing applicant strengths and qualifications for the position
2. A professional resume or CV
3. Contact information for three references
4. A link to a website or other online portfolio of materials

Application materials can be uploaded to the HR site found here: https://jobs.usm.edu.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas, e.g., H-1B.

Job Summary

This staff position serves as Production Manager for public-facing programs produced by the School of Performing and Visual Arts (SPVA), which houses academic programs in Theatre, Dance, and Art and Design. The University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and offers both Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree programs.

Theatre and Dance maintain robust performance seasons supported by a fully equipped multi-theatre complex with production shops. Venues within the Theatre and Dance Building include:

• The Martha R. Tatum Theatre, a 275-seat proscenium thrust
• The Gilbert F. Hartwig Theatre, a flexible black box seating 130-150
• The Woods Theatre, a smaller proscenium seating 80-100
• The Dance Studio Theatre, a 95-seat convertible studio space

SPVA also produces dance concerts on the Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the Manoni Performing Arts Center, a 740-seat proscenium theatre managed by the College of Arts and Sciences. The academic-year performance season includes four to six dance concerts, four mainstage theatre productions, an annual playwrights series, and a summer repertory season with Southern Arena Theatre.

Reporting to the School Director, this position oversees Theatre and Dance production seasons, coordinates equipment and facility maintenance, and manages venue scheduling and rentals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Serve as Production Manager for the SPVA Theatre and Dance academic year production seasons and for Southern Arena Theatre. Coordinate production timelines and schedules for all SPVA performance spaces and work with faculty to develop and manage school-wide production and design-tech calendars.

Demonstrate fiscal responsibility with regard to coordinating production budgets and managing venue rental, ticketing, and other revenue. Coordinate event and venue promotion.

Collaborate effectively with faculty, Theatre Producer, Dance Producer, professional shop staff, and design-tech, as well as with school administrative staff and directors.

Maintain familiarity with current developments in theatrical design and technology and with best practices in production safety. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by production schedules.

Foster strong relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners to support school operations and initiatives.

Perform other duties as assigned.