JOB OPPORTUNITY - Production Manager

PRODUCTION MANAGER Job Description

 Reporting to:              Artistic Director

Responsible for:        Stage Management, crew, front of house staff and other freelance production staff

Bard in the Botanics is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Production Manager to lead delivery of all production aspects of our 2022 Summer Season in Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens.

Dates

Contract dates – Monday 30th May to Saturday 30th July

How to Apply

To apply for the post please submit a current CV and covering letter by email to Artistic Director, Gordon Barr, at gordon@bardinthebotanics.co.uk

 Deadline for applications is 6:00p.m. on Friday 25th March 2022

 Interviews will be held in the week beginning 4th April. Interviews may be conducted in-person or online (via Zoom) as required.

Background

Bard in the Botanics is Scotland’s premier Shakespeare company and this year will see the company stage its 21st annual summer season of classic plays in Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens. This season will see us stage 4 productions:

 A Midsummer Night’s Dream (22nd June to 9th July)

Medea (23rd June to 9th July)

Much Ado About Nothing (14th July to 30th July)

The Tempest (14th July to 30th July)

 Both “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Much Ado About Nothing” will take place on a purpose-built outdoor stage in the Botanic Gardens. Both “Medea” and “The Tempest” are small-scale, studio-style productions which will take place inside the Kibble Palace Glasshouse in the gardens.

 For more details about the company, please visit our website at www.bardinthebotanics.co.uk or find us on social media.

Purpose of Role

·         To manage freelance seasonal production staff (Stage Manager, DSM, ASM & build crew) and their duties

·         To be responsible for all physical aspects of the season’s 4 productions

·         To be responsible for budget management of the production department

Main Duties and Responsibilities

 Production Management

·         To be responsible for the planning and realisation of productions, liaising with designers and contractors, coordinating and scheduling all technical aspects of the production

·         To liaise with and support season directors & designers and to advise accordingly, in consultation with the Artistic Director

·         Organise on-site set build for mainstage outdoor productions, including recruitment of freelance crew

·         Manage the logistics and transport of core production items (i.e. outdoor stage) from storage to Botanic Gardens

·         Plan and implement set-up of minimal lighting and sound equipment for both outdoor and indoor venues (working from existing equipment and plans)

·         Assist designers and stage manager with sourcing of set items, furniture & props as required

·         Work with the Artistic Director on regular budget reconciliations to manage production expenditure throughout the season

·         Organise and lead regular production meetings

·         Develop and implement production week schedules with the artistic team

·         Support the Stage Manager, DSM & ASM with daily set-up and takedown of that evening’s performances

·         Liaise with and support the front of house duty managers and staff during performance nights

·         Jointly with the Artistic Director, make daily “weather calls” (i.e. decide whether performances can safely go ahead in current weather conditions)

·         Become familiar with the company’s core Healthy & Safety policy and risk assessment, update as required and ensure they are adhered to at all times

·         Complete show and season-specific risk assessments as required

·         Ensure any additional health & safety policies relating specifically to Covid-19 are implemented and adhered to at all times

·         Maintain a close working relationship with the staff & management of Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Person Specification

Essential:

·         At least two years Production Management Experience or equivalent experience at a suitable level as Stage Manager

·         Experience in working in a busy arts environment

·         Good numerical skills and proven experience of managing budgets

·         Experience of working with and managing freelance creative staff, production staff and stage managers

·         Working knowledge of set construction and technical equipment

·         Knowledge of production related health and safety

·         Excellent time management and scheduling

·         Excellent organisational skills

·         Calm under pressure and able to multitask

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with people at all levels

·         Driving licence

·         Strong work ethic and willingness to work long hours when required, within acceptable limits agreed in advance

·         Ability to work well in a small team

·         Able to adapt & problem solve quickly to meet the flexible demands of outdoor theatre

Desirable:

·         First Aid qualification

Terms

Hours:                          5 days per week (excluding production weeks which extend to 6)

Fee:                             £4,500 plus statutory holiday pay