WORK WITH STUDIO TENN

  • Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
    Pay Range: $50,000–$65,000, depending on experience/qualifications
    Reports To: Artistic Director

    Summary: Studio Tenn Theatre Company seeks a collaborative, organized, and solutions-oriented Production Manager to oversee the planning and execution of all production operations. Reporting to Artistic Director Patrick Cassidy, this role serves as a key member of the company’s management team and collaborates closely with both artistic and administrative leadership to ensure productions are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.

    Studio Tenn Theatre Company is one of the leading professional theatre companies in the Southeast, producing Broadway-quality musicals, plays, concerts, educational programming, and community engagement initiatives in Franklin, Tennessee.

    Annual programming includes a five-show mainstage season in the 319-seat Turner Theater at The Factory at Franklin, featuring a mix of well-known musicals and plays. Productions typically run for three weeks with six performances per week, along with occasional extensions for high-demand titles. In addition to its mainstage season, Studio Tenn offers educational camps/student presentations, fundraising and special events, community programming, and rental activity throughout the year.

    As Studio Tenn continues building the operational infrastructure to support its growing artistic and community impact, the Production Manager will play an important role in strengthening production systems, communication practices, budgeting processes, and organizational workflows for the future.

    The ideal candidate is an experienced production leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates proactively, anticipates challenges before they become problems, and can support artistic vision while balancing the financial realities of a growing nonprofit professional theatre company. This is a highly collaborative and hands-on managerial role requiring strong leadership, project management, financial tracking, and day-to-day production oversight.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

    Production Leadership & Operations

    • Lead and manage production operations for Studio Tenn productions, concerts, educational programming, community engagement initiatives, special events, and partner organizations and rental clients utilizing Studio Tenn venues and facilities. 

    • Develop and maintain comprehensive production calendars including rehearsals, load-ins, tech, performances, strikes, and venue transitions. 

    • Coordinate production logistics and communication between artistic, technical, administrative, venue, and rental teams. 

    • Anticipate scheduling, staffing, and technical challenges and proactively develop solutions. 

    • Coordinate and manage relationships with production vendors, rental providers, rehearsal facilities, and outside service partners. 

    • Oversee rehearsal and performance operations to ensure productions run safely, efficiently, and on schedule. 

    • Coordinate production rentals, equipment needs, trucking, and outside technical services. 

    • Maintain organized production systems, documentation, contracts, schedules, communication workflows, technical records, and production archives.

    • Coordinate production timelines and staffing needs with artistic, education, development, marketing, and operations teams.

    Budgeting & Financial Management

    • Develop, track, and manage production budgets in collaboration with senior leadership. 

    • Monitor labor, rentals, materials, and production expenses throughout the production process. 

    • Oversee payroll-related workflows for overhire crews, technicians, stage management, and backstage personnel, ensuring accurate and timely submission of hours, contracts, and related documentation. 

    • Communicate budget updates, variances, and financial concerns proactively and consistently. 

    • Assist leadership in evaluating production priorities and balancing artistic goals with financial realities. 

    • Review invoices, reconcile production expenses, and support production accounting processes.

    Team & Personnel Management

    • Recruit, hire, schedule, and supervise seasonal production staff, technicians, and overhire crews. 

    • Foster a collaborative, respectful, organized, and accountable work environment. 

    • Lead regular production meetings and ensure clear communication among all departments and production personnel. 

    • Coordinate with directors, designers, stage managers, and technicians to support artistic intent while maintaining practical production expectations. 

    • Support the professional development and mentorship of emerging production professionals and interns. 

    Safety & Facilities

    • Maintain and enforce safe working practices across all production activities, rehearsal spaces, shops, and performance venues. 

    • Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, venue policies, and theatrical union regulations. 

    • Oversee the organization, maintenance, and readiness of production equipment, storage, and backstage spaces. 

    • Coordinate facility-related production needs with venue staff and outside vendors. 

    Organizational & Community Support

    • Support Studio Tenn fundraising events, donor experiences, community engagement activities, educational programs, and special projects as needed. 

    • Provide production planning and operational support for student programs, camps, workshops, and community initiatives. 

    • Help coordinate logistics and create a welcoming, professional, and collaborative experience for guest artists, students, rental clients, and community partners. 

    • Serve as an active and collaborative member of Studio Tenn’s management team, contributing to organizational planning, communication, and operational strategy. 

    QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS

    Qualifications

    • Minimum 3–5 years professional experience in production management, technical direction, stage management, venue management, or related theatrical leadership roles. 

    • Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills. 

    • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple productions, timelines, and priorities simultaneously. 

    • Experience developing and tracking production budgets. 

    • Demonstrated experience managing production labor workflows including crew scheduling, overhire coordination, payroll tracking, contractor documentation, and timely communication of labor-related budget impacts. 

    • Ability to communicate proactively and clearly with both creative and administrative teams. 

    • Working knowledge of theatrical production processes including scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, props, and stage operations. 

    • Experience coordinating vendors, contractors, rentals, and production service providers preferred.

    • Experience working with theatrical unions and professional production environments preferred. 

    • Ability to lead teams calmly and effectively in fast-paced situations. 

    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production-related software systems.

    Expectations

    • Ability and willingness to work a schedule that includes evenings, weekends, technical rehearsals, performances, load-ins, strikes, educational programming, special events, and other production-related activities as required. 

    • Maintain a substantial on-site presence in support of productions, crews, facilities, and organizational operations. 

    • Success in this position requires exceptional follow-through, proactive communication, and the ability to keep multiple stakeholders informed throughout the production process. 

    • Serve as a collaborative member of Studio Tenn's management team and contribute to a culture of professionalism, communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

    This position requires a combination of office, rehearsal, backstage, and venue-based work. 

    • Ability to move throughout rehearsal, performance, and production spaces. 

    • Ability to occasionally climb stairs and ladders. 

    • Ability to safely lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. 

    • Ability to stand, walk, sit, and work at a computer for extended periods as required. 

    • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond effectively to changing production needs. 

    • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

    COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

    • Salary range: $50,000–$65,000, depending on experience and qualifications. 

    • Full-time, exempt position. 

    • Two weeks paid vacation annually. 

    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance available, with Studio Tenn covering 80% of employee premiums and employees contributing 20%. 

    • Complimentary tickets to Studio Tenn productions. 

    • Studio Tenn supports reasonable flexibility for administrative and planning work when operational schedules permit. 

    • Opportunity to play a meaningful role in strengthening production operations and organizational infrastructure during an exciting period of growth.

    EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
    Studio Tenn Theatre Company is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful workplace and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

    TO APPLY:Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining relevant experience to Patrick Cassidy, Artistic Director, at PatrickCassidy@studiotenn.com

  • (formerly Box Office Associate)

    Classification: Part-time, hourly, non-exempt
    Starting Pay: $16/hr
    Reports to: Patron Services Manager

    Summary: The Patron Services Associate is a crucial role in Studio Tenn’s success both financially and in building long-term relationships with its patrons. This position serves as a primary point of contact for patrons and donors, supporting not only ticketing transactions but the full patron experience. The role reflects Studio Tenn’s shift from a transactional box office model to a relationship-based Patron Services approach, where each interaction contributes to ongoing engagement, loyalty, and support.

    Detailed Description: To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation:

    • Support all aspects of Patron Services to ensure efficient operations and an excellent patron experience 

    • Serve as a welcoming, informed, and responsive representative of Studio Tenn 

    • Contribute to building and maintaining strong relationships with patrons and donors 

    • Adhere to all Studio Tenn policies and procedures 

    • Perform other duties as assigned that support patron engagement, ticketing operations, and the overall patron experience 

    PATRON SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES

    Patron Interaction & Service

    • Manage incoming calls, emails, and walk-up interactions with a focus on personalized, responsive service 

    • Serve as a primary point of contact for patron and donor inquiries 

    • Provide clear, accurate, and helpful information about programming, ticketing, and engagement opportunities 

    • Respond to patron concerns with professionalism, maintaining a calm, solution-oriented approach and escalating issues when appropriate

    • Respond to general inquiries related to Studio Tenn programming, including education programs, classes, and registration information 

    • Act as the “voice” of Studio Tenn, representing the organization’s mission and values 

    Ticketing, Registrations & Sales

    • Process ticket orders, exchanges, and upgrades 

    • Process registrations for education programs, classes, and related offerings 

    • Support ticket pricing and promotional strategies in coordination with management 

    • Assist with group sales and non-public performances 

    • Run box office operations for performances, including will call and walk-up sales 

    Patron Engagement & Giving

    • Offer patrons the opportunity to add a donation to their purchase as a natural part of the transaction 

    • Support questions related to donor giving and the Circle 

    • Help create a positive experience that encourages ongoing engagement and support 

    • Recognize returning patrons and provide a more personalized level of service when possible 

    External Ticketing & Earned Revenue

    • Support ticketing operations for external organizations and events utilizing the Turner Theater 

    • Assist in the setup, execution, and management of third-party ticketing within Studio Tenn systems 

    • Represent Studio Tenn professionally in service to external partners 

    • Contribute to the growth of this earned revenue stream, supporting increased organizational stability and expanded work opportunities 

    Data & Administrative Support

    • Manage importation and organization of internal and external data (prospect lists, customer lists, etc.) 

    • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patron records within ticketing and CRM systems 

    • Assist with mailings and fulfillment projects 

    • Conduct light research projects as assigned (patron-related, organizational, or event support) 

    • Complete additional administrative tasks as needed to support patron engagement and organizational operations 

    Event Support

    • Assist with coordination, logistics, and hospitality for events (gala, readings, special events, etc.) 

    • Support both ticketed and non-ticketed patron experiences 

    KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

    Strong customer service skills with the ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused in a fast-paced environment; Ability to handle sensitive or challenging patron interactions with discretion, patience, and sound judgment

    Education and/or experience: High School Diploma required, Bachelor’s in Communications, Business, or related field preferred. Minimum one (1) year of relevant experience required.

    Computer skills/Technical knowledge: Windows, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Suite, Word Press, email programs. Ability to learn and effectively use Archtics, TM1, and related platforms

    Mathematical skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages.

    Language skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills; Ability to interact professionally and effectively with patrons, donors, staff, and partners; Ability to present information clearly and respond to questions in a service-oriented manner

    Reasoning ability: Ability to problem-solve in real time and respond to patron needs effectively; Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize in a fast-paced environment

    Other Qualifications: Strong attention to detail and organizational skills; Ability to handle multiple, simultaneous tasks; Comfort balancing patron interaction with administrative responsibilities; Availability to work evenings and weekends as required

    PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job responsibilities.

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit for extended periods of time; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and ladders; balance; stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.

    The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Repetitive motion of upper body. Required specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work in a fast paced, sometimes stressful, customer service-oriented environment, perform duties under pressure and meet deadlines in a timely manner. The employee must work as part of a team, complete assignments independently and take instructions from supervisors.

    Regular and reliable attendance and adherence to organizational standards of availability required. Must be willing and able to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of the position.

    WORK ENVIRONMENT

    Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job responsibilities. Works in well-lit, ventilated and climate-controlled office environment where routine equipment is used; some equipment has moving mechanical parts. May need to work in warehouse setting assisting with production with poor ventilation. May be exposed to hot and cold temperatures. May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals, flammables, pesticides, etc. Noise level varies from an office environment to theater with music and entertainment.

    EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

    Studio Tenn is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and patrons. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

    TO APPLY: Please email a resume to Jean Thornton, jeanthornton@studiotenn.com.

  • If you have technical theatre skills (such as carpentry, scenic painting, sewing, etc.) and would like to join our database of overhire workers, please send your resume and letter of inquiry to matthewhunter@studiotenn.com. No phone calls please.