Assistant Production Manager, TST

TITLE:Ted Shawn Theatre Assistant Production Manager

STATUS:Seasonal

LOCATION: Becket, MA

REPORTS TO: Ted Shawn Theatre Production Manager

DEPARTMENT:Production

SUPERVISES: Overhire Staff

WORKS WITH:Artistic Programming; Archives and Preservation; The School at Jacob's Pillow; Philanthropy; Marketing and Patron Services; Finance and Operations; Video Documentation Team; Facilities, Safety and Security; Visiting Companies Staff and Artists

START:May 12, 2026

END:September 4, 2026

ARRIVAL:May 11, 2026

DEPARTURE:September 5, 2026

COMPENSATION: $ /hr; Time and a half after 48 hours

SCHEDULE:May: 5 day work week

June–September: 6 day work week

BENEFITS (ON-SITE ONLY): Three meals a day, free access to classes, performances, talks, and studio usage.

The primary responsibility of the The Ted Shawn Theatre Assistant Production Manager (TST APM) is supporting the Ted Shawn Theatre Production Manager (TST PM) in supervising the technical operations of all Ted Shawn Theatre (TST) programming during the 2026 Festival. Built in 1942 as the first theater in America designed specifically for dance, the TST is a proscenium venue that seats 620 patrons. The TST reopened in 2022 after two years of extensive renovations to its stagehouse. The TST is programmed for 11 weeks of the season with an opening gala performance followed by productions by 1 company a week. The typical TST performance schedule is 6 shows from Wednesday through Sunday.

During the pre-season the TST APM attends advancing and production meetings and is responsible for taking notes and documenting all technical details that are discussed. They also assist the TST PM in the creation of schedules, labor plans, signage, standard operating procedures, and other paperwork. During the Festival they act as the crew chief of the TST run crew which is made up of the TST Production Team, other seasonal staff, and local overhire. They work closely with the stage manager of the visiting companies to document and plan all pre-sets, scene changes, fly moves, and floor swaps. The TST APM also assists the TST PM and the Facilities, Safety and Security Department in ensuring the building and its equipment are being operated safely in accordance with all protocols and capacity limits.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in the creation of an accessible and collaborative work environment that enables artists and technicians to create together positively and safely.
• Participate in communication with TST artists and their teams and document all production requirements.
• Collaborate with the TST PM on maintaining detailed paperwork including standard operating procedures, schedules, labor plans, and safety information.
• Distribute paperwork and information to all stakeholders in a timely and detailed manner.
• Participate in communication between Departmental Supervisors and other production staff and TST artists.
• Lead TST run crew during tech rehearsals and performances.
• Actively participate in work calls, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• In the TST PM's absence or as assigned supervise TST work calls, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Assist in the management of the use of the TST, its support spaces, and its equipment to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance.
• Assist in managing the use and scheduling of Bakalar Studio.
• Attend all organizational, departmental and production meetings including a weekly All-Staff Meeting.
• Participate in regular meetings with the TST Production Team.
• Assist in the coordination with the Facilities, Safety and Security Department on all building maintenance, improvements, cleaning and upkeep as well as general and production specific safety and accessibility requirements.
• Assist Patron Services in the planning for efficient movement of patrons into the venues and coordinate with backstage personnel on starting times, late seating pauses, intermissions, etc.
• Under the general direction of the DoTP, assist with coordination of emergency response for staff and patrons in the event of an emergency or extreme weather.
• Complete Adult/Child CPR, First Aid, Cultural Competency, and required Safety training.
• Assist and support other departments, including non-production departments, as needed on use of the TST.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of professional experience in production management, stage management, or other technical theater leadership.
• Knowledge of general theatrical production systems and standard operating procedures.
• Strong knowledge and experience with the Google App suite.
• Willingness to learn.
• Ability to work proactively, creatively, flexibly, kindly, safely, and collaboratively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working and/or teaching in a performing arts educational environment.
• Knowledge and experience in dance production management.
• Knowledge and experience with production software including lighting, sound, and drafting applications.
• Knowledge of production-related health & safety best practices/concerns and ability to identify and correct potential hazards.

SKILLS & QUALITIES

• Active commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.
• Strong communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to understand technical drawings and paperwork, stage plans, and related technical documents.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive, strategize, manage, and prioritize between multiple projects with accuracy and attention to detail.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Working in wooded areas with exposure to native wildlife including, but not limited to, rodents, ticks, and mosquitos.
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions including inclement weather.
• Working 6-day work weeks including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends during Festival weeks and non-Festival programming.
• Moving equipment up to 50 lbs alone or with assistance.
• Moving through and between multiple locations throughout the entire campus.
• Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Working at heights above 6 feet and up to 30 feet.
• Ascending and descending straight and step ladders.
• Operating push around or drivable person lifts including at heights.
• Working in show conditions with theatrical and atmospheric elements including but not limited to: fog, haze, strobes, dim lights, and loud sounds.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• We believe that no one meets 100% of the listed qualifications. We are less concerned about whether you've done everything on a laundry list of specific things and more interested in cultivating a pool of candidates who want to join a connected, mission-driven, hard-working team driven by creativity, curiosity, inclusion, integrity, flexibility, and partnership.

HIRING PROCESS

• Apply: Interested individuals are encouraged to send a cover letter, resume, and references by submitting an application using the "Apply" buttons below. Video and/or audio applications are welcome (though not required) in addition to written expressions of interest.
• Interview: Pre-Screen on Zoom, Interview with Hiring Manager on Zoom, Site Visit and Panel Interview
• Supplemental Materials: A writing sample, spreadsheet example, or other relevant materials may be requested from candidates should they be a top candidate.

If you need accommodations to make this application process happen, please connect with us at We will work to support you through the application process via email, phone call, and/or video chat.