Production Manager

Production Manager

Posting Category:

About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at .

Application deadline: 6/10/2026

Minimum Starting Salary: $35.90 per hour / 7.5 hour workday

Job Summary:

The Production Manager supervises the technical operations of Sangamon Auditorium and support spaces. This position is responsible for ensuring a safe backstage working environment at all times, is responsible for event administration from a technical production standpoint, is responsible for backstage/back-of-house management of the performance venue, is responsible for all administrative and financial aspects related to backstage/back-of-house operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Serves as the units Chief Safety Officer for the Auditorium, promoting a culture of safety in all backstage operations as the top priority. Maintains expertise in backstage safety and industry best practices and develops and implements written safety policies and procedures for the Auditorium backstage area. Collaborates with the Studio Theatre counterpart to maintain consistent safety standards across venues where appropriate. Advises the Director on significant safety issues requiring additional resources. Maintains a positive working relationship with the Universitys designated safety officer, welcomes surprise safety inspections, and promptly corrects any identified safety concerns.

Reviews technical riders and related materials for incoming events and artists and develops labor and equipment estimates as requested, identifying requirements that cannot be fulfilled or may generate additional costs. Leads the advancement process for events, planning the effective and cost-conscious fulfillment of contractual technical, backstage, hospitality, and artist needs. Ensures productions meet venue standards while remaining within or below projected budgets. Works directly with artist personnel to resolve technical issues and proactively supports enhancements to production quality when appropriate. Oversees restoration of stage and backstage areas following events and leads post-show reviews with staff to assess outcomes, refine operational procedures, and recommend repairs or equipment needs.

Ensures appropriate supervision of all personnel supporting Auditorium backstage operations, including full-time staff and extra-help stagehands. Recruits, hires, trains, and evaluates backstage staff. Oversees the maintenance and readiness of stage equipment, supplies, and technical systems. Identifies and implements operational improvements to increase efficiency, capability, and safety. Recommends facility upgrades and equipment replacement to maintain the UIS Performing Arts Center as a desirable performance venue supporting modern technical standards.

Prepares annual and event budget forecasts for Auditorium backstage operations. Researches and develops short- and long-term maintenance and repair plans, including labor, equipment, and contractor recommendations as appropriate. Oversees the hiring, training, scheduling, discipline, and termination of backstage operations personnel in accordance with departmental and University procedures. Prepares and submits accurate payroll and event cost data in a timely manner that is clear and auditable.

Ensures and documents that all personnel working backstage in the Auditorium are appropriately trained in the safe operation of equipment, the proper use of personal protective equipment, and compliance with departmental, University, OSHA, and industry safety standards. Conducts regular walkthroughs of backstage areas to monitor safety conditions and address identified issues. Leads and coordinates comprehensive safety inspections of Auditorium backstage spaces with the Director and appropriate staff, including scheduling third-party inspections of stage equipment such as rigging systems. Maintains a positive working relationship with the Universitys designated safety officer and promptly addresses any reported safety concerns.

Ensures all stage equipment in the Auditorium is maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturer specifications, University and departmental policies, OSHA standards, and all applicable laws and regulations. Works in conjunction with the House Manager and Director to develop comprehensive written emergency plans, including contingencies for show interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, severe weather, medical emergencies, worker or artist accidents, audience intrusion on stage, and security breaches. Responsible for ensuring all staff working under the Production Manager are trained on and capable of executing emergency procedures as required.

Special Projects and Other Duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
1.High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any one or combination totaling eighteen months (18 months) from the categories below:
A. course work in arts, theatre, theatre management, music business, or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
-30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
-Associates Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
B. work experience in technical operations of event production or closely related experience.
3. One (1) year (12 months) of supervisory work experience in technical operations of event production.

Specialty Factors:
Additional requirements:
1. Demonstrated leadership ability in creating and maintaining a safe working
environment
2. Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing at a professional level
with the ability to well represent the University
3. Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical calculations as they pertain to
event cost estimating and billing, developing accurate payroll, developing and tracking
budgets/expenditures, etc.
4. Demonstrated ability to provide a vision and leadership for the Department in
terms of continuously improving backstage operations and safety
5. Demonstrated knowledge of standard theatrical stage equipment and the ability
to safely operate such equipment (i.e. counter-balanced rigging, chain motor rigging,
audio, lighting, and electrical systems)
6. Demonstrated knowledge of industry standards in terms of venue services
provided to facility renters, artists, and local/touring productions and how to advance
the technical requirements of touring events.
7. Demonstrated ability to supervise and/or train assigned personnel
8. Demonstrated ability to operate standard hand tools
9. Demonstrated ability to perform minor maintenance, repair, and/or modification
of stage and sound equipment and oversee major maintenance & repairs.
10. Willingness to work unusual and varying hours

Preferred Qualifications:
1.Five (5) or more years of professional experience in technical stage operations, including work as a stagehand, assistant production manager, assistant technical director, or similar role in a performing arts venue and/or on national touring productions
2.Demonstrated experience working with national touring productions, including advancing, load-ins/outs, and coordination with visiting production teams
3.Bachelors degree in a relevant field (e.g., Theatre Production) preferred
4.Six (6) months or more on-the-road touring experience with a professional bus and truck tour or similar live event tour highly preferred
5.Masters degree in a relevant field (e.g., Theatre Production) strongly preferred
6.Experience working in multiple venues with varying stage configurations, union environments, and production standards
7.Familiarity with touring riders, production advances, and venue/tour communication workflows

Employment Policies and other information:

Failure to accurately describe work experience, or failure to submit college transcripts may result in an applicant not being admitted to the exam.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment .

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility .

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.

• You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.
• Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:

1. Social Security benefit and
2. Social Security benefit as a spouse

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at ... or call ....

***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***