APAP Career Center

The Charleston Symphony (CSO) is seeking a full-time Production Manager to plan and execute all production elements for CSO performances and events. Reporting to the Director of Artistic Operations, the Production Manager ensures each concert and rehearsal meets the highest standards of artistic and technical quality. This role will serve as the primary liaison with guest artists, conductors, venue staff, and stagehands, managing both concert-specific and broader CSO production needs, including donor events.

The Production Manager’s main duties will include stage management, equipment transportation, setup and maintenance, stagehand and livestream hiring and management, and production planning and logistical support duties assigned by the General Manager including, but not limited to, stage diagrams, stage lighting plans, guest artist itineraries, and local travel/lodging.

Founded in 1936, the Charleston Symphony has grown into one of the largest full-time performing arts organizations in South Carolina. The CSO presents more than 150 concerts and educational activities every year, reaching more than 50,000 adults and students annually. Employing 24 full-time musicians, artistic personnel, and administrative staff, the Charleston Symphony’s mission is to inspire and engage our community through exceptional musical experiences and educational offerings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Hire and oversee part-time stagehands
• Prepare and fulfill all show riders and setup requirements
• Obtain quotes for production equipment rental/purchase needs
• Track and process expenses while remaining within organizational resources
• Create stage plots and lighting cues for all major performances
• Create production timelines to be sent to venues before load-ins commence
• Maintain the CSO production calendar and manage rehearsal schedules
• Serve as a liaison with venue technical staff, production equipment rental companies, guest artists and conductors
• Organize and manage itineraries, travel, and accommodations for guest artists
• Help coordinate production work with sound reinforcement, recording, livestream, and lighting personnel including helping setup sound reinforcement, AV recording, and livestream equipment
• Drive and maintain the orchestra’s 26 box truck
• Maintain, clean, and care for all CSO production equipment including chairs, music stands, stand lights, risers, band shell, blowers, sound shields, percussion support equipment, transport cases, carts, AV equipment, etc.
• Maintain storage facility space
• Load in, setup, breakdown, and load out equipment for all orchestra and most chamber services including chairs, stands, percussion, and AV equipment.
• Above all other responsibilities, ensure rehearsal setups are safe for all performers including but not limited to proper safeguards with riser configurations and stage temperatures
• Under the direction of the General Manager, develop documentation, directories, and procedures to standardize the professional orchestra production functions
• Assist the General Manager in other duties as assigned

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A can-do attitude of someone that believes in the vision of the Charleston Symphony and strives to help meet goals within the organization
• Demonstrated ability to proactively prioritize projects in a dynamic and complex environment while functioning constructively with tight deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Collaborative and flexible with strong service mentality
• Extraordinary attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills Robust computer skills required, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) and experience with programs such as Audacity, Dropbox, iTunes, Lucid Chart or ability to learn as needed
• Must be able to lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Must be comfortable driving and maintaining a 26 medium-duty truck
• Familiarity with AV equipment including mic arrays, XLR cable, D/I box interfaces, keyboard and amp setups, HDMI cable, HDMI signal extenders, and video switchers.
• Knowledge of orchestral instruments
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends
• Commitment to creating high quality performances

About Charleston Symphony

The Charleston Symphony is celebrating its 89th season of serving the community through engaging musical performances and enriching education programs. Founded in 1936, the CSO remains a cornerstone of Charleston’s arts and culture scene, performing Masterworks and Pops series at the newly renovated Charleston Gaillard Center. In recent years, the CSO has expanded its education programs and now invests more than $530,000 annually to reach students throughout the tri-county region. As the largest full-time performing arts organization in the state, the CSO serves close to 50,000 adults and children annually. Employing 24 full-time “core” musicians and more than 100 guest musicians throughout the season, the organization has a $3.5 million budget and relies on philanthropic support to cover 55% of annual operating expenses. Every year the orchestra hosts more than 150 concerts and activities throughout South Carolina, including education and family experiences, community engagement events, free performances, chamber music, main series concerts, and more. To continue learning about the CSO, visit charlestonsymphony.org.

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