I am often asked this question. The Production Manager is an integral role in any company and runs the Production team/department.
I studied Stage Management and Theatre Production at Queen Margaret University College. I spent a term in each department – Lighting and Sound, Set and Construction, Stage Management, Audience Development and Wardrobe. This gave me an insight and grounding in the various departments. Production Managers don’t necessarily need to be able to programme a lighting or sound desk or focus a light, but it's important they know what is required for those teams to do their jobs effectively. This allows the Production Manager to plan and schedule accordingly, ensuring that everyone knows what’s happening, when and how is integral to the successful delivery of any production.
The Production Manager should work closely with the Producer to identify the roles required for the production, then employ and line manage the team dependent on the scale of the production. This could be one Stage Manager or Technician right up to a team of twenty.
Production Manager Responsibilities include:
Oversee and coordinate all aspects of physical production and the production process from initial design stages to the final performance and returns.
Prepare job descriptions for each member of the Production Team.
Engage and line Manage all production staff and crew.
Organise and manage production design, including deadlines.
Source scenic builders to cost on designs submitted.
Manage the Production Budget, accounting for commitments and expenditures from all production departments.
Establish technical schedules and coordinate all activities related to the productions.
Oversee set builds and manufacturing of scenic elements.
Overseeing the organisation of rehearsal props, sets, and costumes.
Preparation of all show paperwork.
Coordinate and oversee the installation, maintenance and inventory of technical equipment and facilities.
Facilitate communication between Designers, Directors, and staff.
Lead on all Health and Safety guidelines and Risk Assessments.
Ensure schedules and technical requirements are communicated to tour venues.
Prepare crew calls for fit ups.
Run fit ups ensuring Best Practice working conditions.
Ensuring accurate ground plans are drawn.
Booking transport where required during rehearsals and touring.
Ensuring each department has suitable touring boxes, cases, bags etc.
Managing and overseeing returns at the end of the production.
Ensuring the production archive is complete and up to date at the end of the project.