Production Manager

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