About mudlark theater
Mudlark Theater is a not-for-profit organization where children are taken seriously as artists and learn theater by making it. Our residencies, classes, and camps teach life skills as well as theater arts. Our productions have real substance and tell innovative stories that surprise and delight all audiences. Actors and students learn empathy, listening skills, public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration—strengths that enhance their academic and personal growth, and will also prepare them to make a difference in any field they choose to enter. At Mudlark, we strive to be a welcoming and safe space where the stories and identities of all youth are honored and celebrated.
Production Manager
Position Summary
Mudlark Theater, a youth theater based in Evanston, is seeking a full-time Production Manager. The Production Manager will oversee all production operations and facilities while supporting young performers, teaching artists, and production staff. The Production Manager is responsible for planning and supervising all technical and production aspects of the theater's live performances, camps showcases, and special events. The Production Manager works closely with staff and artists to ensure artistically exciting productions that provide a safe, positive, and educational experience for youth participants. This position reports to the Executive Director and will supervise production staff, contractors, interns, and event volunteers.
Key Responsibilities
● Manage production teams for performances, camps showcases, and special events.
● Coordinate production meetings and facilitate communication among Mudlark staff and production teams.
● Establish production schedules, deadlines, and staffing plans.
● Oversee all technical rehearsals, load-ins, strikes, and technical troubleshooting during performance runs.
● Create and monitor production budgets, track expenses, and approve production-related purchases.
● Hire and onboard production artists ensuring all paperwork, background checks, and training are completed.
● Manage artist contracts, production vendors, and rental agreements.
Youth Program Support
● Collaborate with staff, production teams, and teaching artists to create age-appropriate tech and performance processes.
● Foster a supportive learning environment for youth participants.
● Supervise youth volunteers and student technicians and train as needed.
Safety & Compliance
● Establish and enforce safety protocols for all production activities.
● Ensure compliance with OSHA guidelines and local regulations.
● Conduct safety training for staff, volunteers, and student participants as needed.
Facilities Management
● Coordinate use of performance and rehearsal spaces.
● Oversee backstage operations and venue readiness.
● Manage storage, organization, and maintenance of theatrical inventory.
● Develop replacement and capital improvement plans for technical equipment.
● Coordinate facility needs with outside users and rental groups.
General Mudlark Duties
● Attend weekly staff meetings.
● Attendance at major Mudlark fundraising events such as Larkabout, Mudlark’s annual benefit (which this year is on Thursday, October 1, 2026).
● Uphold company diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments, centering anti-racist, anti-bias, and anti-oppression principles when executing all work.
Qualifications
● Bachelor's degree in Theater Production, Technical Theater, or equivalent experience.
● Three to five years of production management experience.
● Knowledge of theatrical production processes, including lighting, sound, scenery, costumes, and stage management.
● Experience managing budgets and multiple concurrent projects.
● Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
● Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by production schedules.
● This position requires the ability to lift equipment up to 50 pounds, be on ladders and work in technical theater environments.
● Preferred experience working in youth theater or arts education settings, supervising youth, and access to a reliable vehicle.
● Contingent upon passing a background check.
Breakdown
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-time
Salary & Benefits: $44,000-$46,000 annually. Benefits include health insurance; optional retirement program; and paid time off (vacation, family leave, and holiday).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email a PDF resume to hr@mudlarktheater.org.
Must apply by August 14th
production positions
We are always looking for new designers to be a part of our production cohort. If you are a designer or technician interested in working with Mudlark, please send your production resume to production@mudlarktheater.org.
Sound Designers
Lighting Designers
Costume Designers
Mudlark Theater is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to bringing diverse perspectives to our administrative and artistic teams.