Production Manager
We are looking to appoint an experienced Production Manager to work in our on-site theatre (as well as other locations on occasion), coordinating and overseeing all technical aspects of our high quality school productions.
Tring Park School for the Performing Arts is one of the UK’s leading vocational and academic schools, set in glorious countryside just half an hour from London. With 360 boarding and day pupils aged 7 to 19, you will join a dedicated and supportive staff team that offers the benefit of small classes with talented and committed students, along with strong public examination results.
We offer a wide range of benefits, including free school lunches during term time (while you are working), a cycle-to-work scheme, an employee assistance programme, free onsite parking, and enhanced maternity and paternity schemes. You will also have the option to join one of two pension schemes available (TPS or APTIS).
About the role
The contract is full-time (1 FTE) Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm, all year round (not term time only). Please note that hours may be flexible as there will be a requirement to work the hours of performances/rehearsals, including some weekends. The working day/week will be flexed to accommodate this.
Main Duties
Production
- The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of technical theatre requirements for the school, including the coordination and supervision of external technical theatre staff when required.
- To have overall responsibility for coordinating all aspects of the technical support required for the school, including the Markova Theatre and School Productions, Holiday courses and School Events.
- To be able to provide technical support for all in house productions when required including: lighting design, set building, sourcing props and furniture, sound operation and any other element technical requirement for the production.
- To act as a first point of contact and liaison between relevant designers, directors and visiting technicians that may be hired to work on individual productions or projects for the school.
- Coordinate a high standard of delivery of all technical aspects of productions in conjunction with Vocational Directors within agreed briefs, budgets and timescales.
- To ensure that the Business Director is made aware of any required maintenance of theatre equipment and to coordinate all service and compliance checks as required by the school. To also advise the Business Director on future equipment requirements.
- Show duties: include operating sound, lighting or work on stage as required, including frequent evening and weekend work.
Scheduling
- In liaison with the Vocational Directors, create and manage production schedules, both within the Markova theatre and other venues for school productions, including rehearsals, set building, load-in, performances, and strike (strike/get-out), within time scales to be agreed with the Director of Studies.
- To liaise with the Business Director over any third-party usage of the theatre and ensure that any requirements are fulfilled.
Budgeting and Financial Management
- Develop and manage production budgets, track expenses, and negotiate with suppliers and contractors, ensuring that Vocational Directors are aware of the impact and practical limitations of technical and design requirements to budgets and schedules.
Staff and Team Management
- Hire, supervise, and coordinate with technical staff, designers, and stage managers. Facilitate production and design meetings to ensure clear communication and timely decision-making
Safety and Maintenance
- Ensure all work calls, rehearsals, and performances adhere to safety protocols. Oversee the maintenance of theatrical systems and equipment. To risk assess all productions and technical theatre activities and processes.
Person Specification
Essential
- A demonstrable breadth of professional experience in theatre electrics, technical stage management or technical teams
- Evidence and experience of working with young people
- Detailed knowledge of current theatrical technical resources, production and technical practices within theatre including sound, lighting and scenic construction with specialism to a high standard in either set design and construction, lighting design and operation or sound design and operation
- Ability to lead an effective team and ability to build effective working relationships
- Evidence of an excellent working relationship with directors, designers and other creative artists
- Able to multitask, work calmly under pressure and meet tight deadlines consistently
- The ability to work at height
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with diverse teams and negotiate effectively
- Knowledge and practical experience of the implementation of current health and safety legislation
- Strong organisational and logistical skills including IT and administration
- Proven ability to deliver to schedule and budget
- A thorough working knowledge of Production and all technical aspects of theatre
- Experience of rigging, focusing and plotting for lighting, sound and AV and constructing set and sourcing props
- Highly organised with excellent efficiency and time management
- Self-motivating with an ability to use own initiative, responsive and flexible
- The ability to remain calm, professional and positive when working under pressure
Desirable
- Experience of working within educational settings
- First aid and health & safety qualification
- Hold a valid driving license
Apply
Step 1. Complete Application Form
Step 2. Apply via email
If you would like to apply for this role, please email us the Application Form along with a cover letter.
Tring Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a self-declaration form relating to any criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children.
Tring Park School aims to create an inclusive culture that encourages and values diversity within its workforce, building on the differences individuals bring, enabling the School’s ongoing success.
We seek to embrace diversity drawing on a wide range of views and experiences to provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment whilst observing our commitment and responsibility to current legislation.
For information on how we will use your personal information during the recruitment process, please see the Recruitment Privacy Notice.