A production manager works with designers, the technical crew, and the management team to make sure the technical elements of a show are completed safely, on time, and on budget. Production managers are often full-time staff members at large theatres and work on every show during a season. Some midsize or small theatres may hire production managers on a per-show contract basis. They have to be very organized, have extensive knowledge about technical theatre, and should enjoy working with a diverse group of people. Production managers usually studied technical theatre at the undergraduate level, and many hold a master's degree in production management or technical direction.

About the Video: Kate Coltun, Assistant Production Manager, Mark Taper Forum

Kate Coltun takes a hands-on role in everything from budgeting and scheduling to load-in and personnel management in order to make the show happen. Coltun discusses the different duties of her job, how she got to where she is, and why being a production manager is so much fun.

Resources & More Information:

• Wondering how production managers are different from stage managers? Linda Cooper, Production Manager for La Jolla Playhouse, can clear things up!
• Watch production managers from the National Theatre and The Public Theater talk about their jobs.
• A few universities offer graduate programs in production management, including Carnegie Mellon University and the Yale School of Drama.