Mission: It is the mission of the Madison Savoyards, Ltd. to preserve the works of Gilbert and Sullivan and other light opera by producing and promoting live performances, to develop the skills and talent of cast, crew and musicians of all ages, and to inspire, entertain, and educate the community through performances and other initiatives.
Responsible to: President, Board of Directors
Responsibilities: Supervise all aspects of the production. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Finances: develop and supervise the production budget in conjunction with the board Treasurer. The production manager will keep the Treasurer apprised of the status of the production budget on a regular basis, and overall expenses may not go over budget without approval from the Treasurer or Finance Committee. Process, track, and reconcile production accounts payable.
Schedule: In collaboration with the Stage and Music directors, develop and administer production calendars and design deadlines for the production. Determine load-in and tech schedule for the stage. Schedule all design and production meetings.
Design Process and Analysis: Guide all director / design teams through the design process to guarantee the timely completion of all designs. With input from technical staff, analyze feasibility of execution within allotted time, money, and personnel available.
Manage Production Personnel: Hire, contract, and supervise, in consultation with the Stage and Music directors where appropriate, all production staff and contractors including, but not limited to: designers, technical staff, electricians, carpenters, stage manager, production assistants, wardrobe personnel, running crew, artistic consultants and any additional personnel required for specific production needs.
Production Liaison: facilitate clear communications throughout the production process, and act as a liaison between directors, designers, stage managers, production staff and board President. Included but not limited to: coordinate and conduct all design and production meetings, attend first read through, designer run, technical rehearsals, and monthly board meetings as necessary. Maintain production personnel contact information and show rosters.
Production Support: As necessary, support production with hands-on projects including, but not limited to: special effects, video and projections, assisting with stage work, purchasing, sourcing and researching materials and techniques. Maintain a safe work environment, and address safety hazards with appropriate personnel promptly.
Human Resources: HR documentation for all production personnel and some artistic, including but not limited to: preparing contracts, collecting tax forms, and handling of initial paperwork for Workers' Compensation for all production-related claims.
Desired Qualities: The ideal candidate will have experience as a Production Manager or equivalent, or as a member of a Production Management team. This includes a broad understanding all aspects of technical theatre, negotiating and acting as a mediator in artistic and technical discussions, experience creating, monitoring, and adhering to budgets, experience overseeing production calendars and schedules. Ability to read a script and assess requirements in regard to staffing, budgeting, and design. Able to lift 40lb, climb ladders, and perform manual labor on an as-needed basis. In addition, the candidate will possess excellent computer skills and detailed knowledge of spreadsheets, experience reading ground plans, light plots, and other theatrical specifications is a plus. Excellent communication skills, the ability to manage shifting and competing priorities, exercise good judgement and discretion, and maintain a positive attitude in stressful environments.
2025 Production: This year’s production will be Gilbert & Sullivan’s light opera, Iolanthe, with live orchestra. Stage Director J. Michael Bruno and Music Director Christopher Ramaekers directing. Dates and location of performances are not yet finalized but will likely be two weekends of performances August 1-10 on the Drury stage at the Bartell Theater (113 E Mifflin St. Madison, WI). Rehearsals will be M-F starting June 23.
Information about past productions can be found on the Savoyards' website: www.madisonsavoyards.org
If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to madison.savoyards@gmail.com or by mail to Madison Savoyards, Ltd., P.O. Box 1612, Madison WI 53701-1612
