The Production Manager is a vital member of the Production Team at the Wexner Center for the Arts, overseeing all production activity in designated venue(s). This role ensures the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of technical riders and production plans, working in close collaboration with visiting artists, internal teams, and Columbus Arena Sports & Entertainment (CASE), which manages Mershon Auditorium. It requires strong organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to lead and inspire diverse teams.
This role is ideal for a production professional who thrives in dynamic, artist-centered environments and is committed to excellence, safety, and collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
- Advance technical planning with the Director of Production, Programming Staff, Artists, and External Clients
- Coordinate details of all production elements: lighting, sound, rigging, video, special effects, and space usage
- Oversee the setup, smooth operation, breakdown, production settlement, and review of assigned events
- Schedule and manage labor, organize rentals, and manage material and expendables for assigned productions and events.
- Oversee installation and safe operation of production setups, including fly systems and rigging, electrical tie-ins, elevated lift operations, and elevated work environments.
- Supervise and schedule related technical crews, wardrobe personnel, and vendors
- Maintain production documentation: invoices, payroll, calendars, specs, communication, and notes
- Foster a respectful, collaborative environment with artists, designers, technicians, students, and faculty
- Organizational, problem-solving, and creative thinking abilities
- Keep up with current trends, research, and development in the areas of assignment
- Work a variable schedule, including nights and weekends
- Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Direct oversight of contracted technical crew, stagehands, wardrobe personnel, and hired vendors
- Minimum Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 4 years of relevant experience required.
Function: Performing Arts
Subfunction: Performing Arts Production
Band: Specialized
Level: 3
Location:
Wexner Center for the Arts (0386)
Required Experience & Skills:
- Experience managing performance rigging systems (chain motors, line sets, overhead rigging)
- Knowledge and experience with single and double purchase fly systems
- Knowledge of softgoods and scenic painting
- 3+ years in a performing arts center environment with staging, lighting, sound, and communication systems
- 3+ years as a production manager in live event settings (concerts, theater, corporate events)
- Strong working knowledge of technical theater disciplines and safe, creative production practices
- Proficiency in CAD drawing creation and review
- Proficiency with Vectorworks or other drafting/design software
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Familiarity with facility management and arts center operations
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Vectorworks
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ETC lighting consoles and systems
- Ability to troubleshoot venue audio, video, and lighting systems
- Experience working under collective bargaining agreements
- ETCP Rigging Certification (or equivalent)
- Working knowledge of OSHA safety standards and implementation