Job Details

Job Title: Production Supervisor

Reports To: Operations and Production Director

Direct Reports: None

Status: Regular Full-Time Exempt
Location: In-person work in downtown Houston, Texas

Schedule: Frequent evenings and weekends as event needs dictate

Overview

The Production Supervisor is an integral member of the production team at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. This position will facilitate production responsibilities for the Live at the Founders Club concert series and for events in ancillary spaces throughout the campus. They will assist the Production Managers in Sarofim Hall and Zilkha Hall in the execution of performances and events. In addition, they will assist the Operations and Production Director with documentation and special projects.

Major Functions

Live at the Founders Club/Ancillary Spaces

Under the general supervision of the Operations and Production Director, this position will facilitate production operations for the Hobby Center's newest venue. This 140-seat theatre is created with temporary equipment and furnishings 8-10 times a year in an event space. It features intimate music performances on a small thrust-style stage.

• Advance shows with artist and/or artist's management including schedule and equipment needs.
• Coordinate use of Hobby Center equipment from Sarofim Hall and Zilkha Hall inventory for these performances and arrange for rental equipment, piano moving and tuning as necessary.
• Submit calls for lighting and sound operators. Supervise operators for load-in, rehearsals, performances, and load-out.
• Coordinate house open and start of show with front of house management. Ensure a smooth running event from start to finish.
• Submit labor hours for payroll and production invoices for payment.
• Assist programming department with estimates for future show and redlining of technical riders.
• Recommend and facilitate maintenance and repair of production-related equipment.
• Provide occasional production management for events in the Hobby Center's ancillary spaces including Grand Lobby, Breezeway, and Hines Plaza.

Sarofim Hall/Zilkha Hall

• Assist the Production Managers in backstage operations to ensure excellent customer service experience and event execution for resident companies, touring shows, special event clients, and promoters.
• In the absence of the Production Manager, communicate objectives and requests to the House Carpenter, House Electrician, and House Audio Engineer, as well as any over hire stage crew, in the execution of events and the maintenance of theatrical systems.
• With the Production Manager, communicate event technical info to the house crew. Communicate production scheduling, access lists, and relevant event info to other departments in a timely manner.
• Ensure client and employee compliance with all policies and procedures. Escalate situations to appropriate supervisor and support staff as necessary.

Special Projects/Other

• Participate in weekly operations meetings.
• Maintain the in-house RF TV system including DirecTV equipment, and encoders.
• Maintain two-way radio system.
• Assist production department with creation and maintenance of policies, procedures, and processes.

• Participate in operations, non-routine, and capital budgeting. Assist with planning and management of non-routine and capital projects.

This position will require frequent evening and weekend hours as event needs dictate. Scheduling will be determined based on necessary staff coverage for the production department.

Responsibilities may be modified as needed to meet the organization's goals.

Traits and Characteristics

Team members at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts must thrive on challenge and be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Working with a nimble and efficient team requires that members bring an entrepreneurial spirit to their work, providing leadership across a broad scope of work.

• 4 years of production-related experience in the entertainment industry. A bachelor's degree in technical theatre, production management, or stage management will be considered in lieu of experience.
• Experience working within a performing arts center or as a member of an arts organization is desirable.
• Previous supervisory experience is desirable.
• Basic knowledge in one or more of the following areas: staging, rigging, lighting, audio, and video.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities in a fast-paced work environment with exacting deadlines.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal).
• Customer service-focused approach.
• Budget focused, entrepreneurial mindset.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 applications, especially Excel.
• Experience with Vectorworks software desirable.

The Hobby Center realizes that not all candidates will be an exact match to the traits and characteristics listed above. Anyone with a desire to come work with us is invited to apply.

Compensation

The Hobby Center offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, a 403b savings plan with matching employer contributions and paid time off. The anticipated salary range for this position is $50,000 to $60,000.

About the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts deepens understanding of our shared humanity. We serve as a connector, convenor and incubator for all Houston audiences, artmakers and arts organizations. By presenting engaging performances and educational programs, we strengthen our sense of belonging to shape a more cohesive and connected Houston community. Opened in 2002, the Hobby Center campus houses two theaters including the 2,650-seat Sarofim Hall and the 500-seat Zilkha Hall. Delivering a best-in-class patron experience, the Hobby Center welcomes over 400,000 audience members annually to engage with high-quality arts programming including the Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center series. The Hobby Center is also home to a full season of musical theatre produced by Principal Resident Company Theatre Under the Stars, as well as a variety of diverse performances from both Houston-based and touring artists and companies. Education and accessibility initiatives are central to the Hobby Center's impact in Houston through programs like the Discovery Series that welcomes thousands of students to performances every season.

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is an equal opportunity employer where equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility are deeply valued.