A Day In The Life Of A Production Manager

A day in the life of... A PRODUCTION MANAGER:

Load in day.

6am – check that extra copies of plans and schedules have been made, and that you have all paperwork, petty cash, and tools required to get you through the day (including food as it is unlikely you will get any meal breaks).

7am – Drive 3 tonne truck to theatre – truck is filled with set, props, costumes, programs, and technical equipment required for the show.

8am – check that all crew have arrived and gather them for venue safety induction.

8:15 am – Ensure that venue heads of departments are able to start work as per your production schedule (final draft after 10 amended drafts have been published, consulted on, and then reworked).  If crew are missing or deliveries haven’t arrived, follow up immediately and develop a strategy to absorb the impact of the deficit within the schedule.  Ensure that venue OHS requirements are being complied with including the use of PPE, management of space use, and restricted access.

8:30 – Supervise unloading of truck and dispersal of contents.

9:30 – Check items that have been unloaded for damage and/or appropriate certifications.  Consult with Venue technician to arrange testing and tagging of portable electrical appliances.  Consult with head mechanist to arrange any set repairs and any specific installation requirements and safety issues.  Consult with stage management about the supply and set up of dressing rooms and props.

10:30 – Manage the rotation of coffee breaks for crews, and specialised use of space to maximise use of time.  Liaise with the heads of departments about progress, impediments, and any required adjustments to schedules.

11:30 – Supervise the rigging of stage elements such as masking, flown scenery, and anything that requires specialist rigging skills and equipment.

1pm – Manage the rotation of lunch breaks for crew, and specialist use of time on stage to maximise efficiency.  Assess crewing requirements for the rest of the day in liaison with heads of departments and with an eye to budget allocations.  Action as appropriate and/or amend schedule and budget as required.  Liaise with Venue manager and General Manager on impact of changes.

2pm – Negotiate use of stage for the afternoon with Heads of Departments with regard to the production schedule, safety, and information that has been gained over the course of the morning.  Make adjustments as required and reallocate priorities where necessary.  Advise all crew that from this point they will be working in low light conditions.  Inspect the stage to ensure safety and organise tidying and sign posting where required.  Check with Stage Management that they have set up their office and are prepared for the week ahead.  Help problem solve any advised concerns.  Ensure a first aid station is established.  Ensure all security arrangements are in place i.e. a lock up for fire arms if required, space for children if required, facilities for animals if required, etc.

2:30 – Run errands such as shopping for extra lighting or rigging equipment or picking up items that could not be delivered.  Report to General Manager and/or Artistic Director regarding the progress of the load in and check that media appointments have been attended.

4:30 – Return to theatre and check with department heads that things are progressing and that no new difficulties have arisen.  Assist in problem solving and schedule adjustments as required.  Ensure that crew have taken their break.  If not, supervise breaks.

5pm – Liaise with stage management and front of house management about venue procedures, dissemination of programs, and opening night function arrangements.  Ensure that all signage is in place.

6pm – Manage the rotation of dinner break for crews and specialist use of time on stage.  Discuss crewing requirements for the rest of the day and the likely requirements for the next morning with heads of departments.  Action as appropriate.  Meet with the director and discuss progress, issues, delays and schedule changes.

7pm – Inspect stage area for safety before the next work sessions begin.  Supervise stage management in organising the back stage areas.  Liaise with department heads regarding what can be done during the next work session without interrupting the prioritised activity for the evening. At this point the lighting plot will most likely begin so this will usually mean working in low light and quiet conditions with frequent stoppages due to unexpected black outs, and no calling out or making loud noises permitted.

10:30pm – Call a halt to all work and supervise cleaning of the work space and powering down of all equipment.

11pm – Clear the building and drive truck home so that you can return it to the hire place the next morning before returning to the theatre.