National Black Theatre
New York, NY
US
Barrie Koegel
Mission/Core Values: Since its founding in 1968, National Black Theatre (NBT) has continuously served as a hub for the next generation of Black theatre artists by providing training, creative development and opportunities to showcase their work. For more than a half-century, NBT has maintained its strong commitment to bring new, underrepresented voices to the forefront that provide fresh, diverse perspectives on critical issues of equity and social justice. NBT produces transformational and dialogue-generating theatre that successfully shifts inaccuracies around African Americans' cultural identity by telling intersectional stories of Black life. In 2021, NBT began a major building redevelopment project that will enable it to sustain and grow its mission exponentially. Over the next 18 months while NBT finishes its itinerant phase, NBT is relying on partnerships across disciplines, co-productions, guest curators, outdoor venues, digital developments and other creative outlets to reach audiences near and far.
Job Summary: NBT is seeking a Production Manager as a key role within the Theatre Arts Program (TAP). This individual will work closely with the Executive Artistic Director to help produce transformational works of art at one of the country鈥檚 most vital Black theater companies. The Production Manager will take a lead role in the development, planning, management and implementation of NBT鈥檚 live and digital artistic programs, both public performances, one day events and developmental processes. This includes a robust and diverse annual schedule of productions, readings, workshops, immersive/experiential work, symposiums, short films and residency programs, as well as touring productions and programs produced and/or presented cooperatively with other institutions. This person will utilize strong communications, team building, organizational skills and dexterity with logistics to ensure that multiple stakeholders stay informed and effective every step of the way, from conception to curtain call and beyond.
The Production Manager will also play a role in planning for the reopening of NBT鈥檚 home at 125th Street and 5th Avenue, focusing on how to accomplish the goals of the inaugural season as well as working with facilities, sales/marketing and technical staff to ensure that NBT鈥檚 venue rental program attracts and supports the needs of the community.
This is a full-time exempt role, with an annual salary in the range of $70,000-80,000. The Production Manager reports to the Executive Artistic Director and supervises the Production Coordinator, Technical Director (seasonal), and overhires for a production. This position is currently hybrid, with 2-3 days expected to be in person in NBT鈥檚 Harlem office. Hours and workload intensify during productions. NBT offers unlimited PTO and typically closes two times each year: at the end of December and the beginning of July.
Responsibilities: The Production Manager responsibilities include but are not limited to:
STRATEGY/PLANNING
Oversee Season calendar to ensure balance and productivity;
Think broadly and strategically about content development, producing programs not only for live presentation but for distribution across the full range of broadcast and digital platforms;
Generate creative and entrepreneurial ideas in pursuit of both NBT鈥檚 mission and earned income opportunities;
Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador and spokesperson for NBT and its programs to a wide variety of constituents; maintain a culture that attracts, retains and motivates top quality personnel, both paid and volunteer;
Analyze NBT鈥檚 producing and staffing needs in anticipation of the opening of its new home.
PRODUCING
Help produce and manage an artistically-significant and financially-viable set of programs to maintain and refine the quality of performances that define the NBT brand;
Provide both on and off-site supervision of NBT鈥檚 events and productions to ensure professionally-run programs that properly use the theater鈥檚 resources, providing the highest quality performances and cultural experiences;
Work with Operations team to establish and track the creative programming budget, contracts, and run costs for each production and event, to ensure expenses stay on track; support developing budgets for grant applications and funder reports;
Work closely with EAD and TAP Staff to support the production operations of the SOUL Series LAB residents鈥� culminating presentations, which include playwrights, directors and producers;
Create detailed production schedules and work plans, assigning and delegating tasks as appropriate;
Organize and run production meetings, delegating as needed;
Manage the hiring of design teams, technical directors, and overhires for load ins, production runs and strikes;
Work with TAP and Operations teams to manage and maintain NBT鈥檚 theatrical inventory (lighting and sound equipment, costumes, props, etc.) to inform design and execution of productions;
Represent NBT on site throughout rehearsal and production process; serve as point person for questions from cast, crew and company; delegate or elevate tasks and concerns as needed;
Oversee the implementation of designs, whether digital (facilitating the back-end of web content) or physical (scenery, projection, lighting, etc.);
Determine rental needs for projection, lighting, scenery, instrumentation, etc. in conjunction with designers and event/show-specific venues (in coordination with a Technical Director when applicable);
Execute load-ins and load-outs/strikes and assess necessary crew staffing and their duties for workshops, rehearsals, and productions; attend and oversee technical rehearsals with TD and EAD;
Assist designers with the execution and realization of their designs;
Work with NBT鈥檚 Operations team to analyze tech riders and coordinate performers鈥� contracts and payments;
Collect all show files following the close of the production;
Make approved purchases to support production needs; code and submit receipts in a timely manner;
Collaborate with Marketing team to: support strategies and tactics that promote NBT鈥檚 work and increase ticket sales (e.g., asset/content development such as capturing of rehearsals) manage comps and house seat allocations; facilitate opening and closing celebrations; ensure smooth, positive audience experiences including by preparing FOH staff;
Participate in all-staff meetings and office-wide activities.
Qualifications: The Production Manager will bring a combination of the following experience and skills:
At least five years of experience overseeing in-person artistic production; extensive network of connections (designers, overhires, front-of-house) in theater sector
Highly detail-oriented; demonstrated creativity and dexterity in juggling multiple tasks and timelines; curiosity for learning about new storytelling formats and technologies
Experience sourcing and managing relationships and partnerships with various stakeholders involved in a production鈥檚 development
Ability to set a collaborative tone on multi-layered teams
Excellent communications skills - written and verbal
Experience providing care for cast, crew and companies of theatrical productions
Experience managing budgets and administering contracts
High level of computer aptitude and proficiency in Google Workspace
A creative thinker capable of remaining flexible and adapting to new situations, tasks, or challenges
A patient, empathetic, active listener
Analytical and process-oriented
Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment; ability to juggle vast quantity of day-to-day tasks while keeping an eye on strategy and long-term planning
To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume.
Jul 7, 2025 -
$70,000.00 – $80,000.00 per year