Status: Full Time, Exempt 

Reports to: Director of Technical Theater & Production and the Executive & Artistic Director / General Manager 

Submit all inquiries and applications to: Jiles King, Interim Executive & Artistic Director, at jking@forestforward.org 

Forest Forward is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that partners with the community to drive equitable development, economic mobility, and improve outcomes for children, residents, and families of the South Dallas community. Forest Forward launched in 2021 and has experienced a wonderful period of growth and impact. 

Forest Forward is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee the planning, coordination, and execution readiness of all productions and events at the Forest Theater. This role serves as the operational bridge between creative teams, production departments, rental clients, and labor partners to ensure the successful execution of performances, community events, and institutional programming. The Production Manager will support cross-functional communication, production systems coordination, labor planning, and event logistics while helping establish operational excellence during the organization’s pre-opening and inaugural operational phases. 

Responsibilities: 

Production Planning & Advancement

• Lead all advancing processes for internal and rental productions from contract through settlement.
• Serve as the primary liaison between clients, artistic teams, touring productions, and internal departments.
• Translate creative and technical requirements into actionable production plans.
• Coordinate production schedules, technical needs, staffing requirements, and event logistics. 

Scheduling & Systems Coordination

• Build and maintain master production calendars, timelines, and event structures.
• Align scheduling workflows with venue systems, including Momentus and Tessitura.
• Ensure efficient allocation of labor, space, equipment, and operational resources.
• Maintain communication flow between production, operations, and administrative departments. 

Budgeting & Financial Coordination

• Oversee production budgets in collaboration with executive leadership and finance teams.
• Track event-related expenses and ensure fiscal responsibility across productions.
• Coordinate settlements involving ticketing, merchandise, labor, rentals, and finance.
• Support long-range operational forecasting and production planning. 

Labor & Union Coordination

• Coordinate with IATSE and additional labor partners to ensure proper staffing levels for all events.
• Ensure compliance with union agreements, labor regulations, and call structures.
• Align staffing plans with event scope, scheduling needs, and budget limitations.
• Support labor communication and operational problem-solving during productions. 

Cross-Department Leadership

• Serve as the central communication hub between production, marketing, front-of-house, operations, education, and executive leadership.
• Improve workflow efficiency, scheduling coordination, and communication standards.
• Resolve operational conflicts and support readiness for all performances and events.
• Assist with the development of SOPs and operational best practices. 

Critical Technical Qualifications (Required) Demonstrated working knowledge of programming and operating:

• GrandMA3 lighting consoles
• ETC Ion XE lighting consoles 
• Extensive professional experience as a Lighting Designer for:
• Theatrical productions
• Live entertainment events
• Cue-based programming environments
• Working knowledge of Integrated production systems, dimmer rack controls and electrical distribution 

Ability to:

• Evaluate lighting plots, system designs, and programming workflows
• Communicate effectively with programmers, electricians, designers, and stage crews
• Step into technical support roles when necessary to ensure production success 

Operational Expectations

• This role is expected to maintain hands-on technical proficiency and operational leadership capabilities.
• Standard schedule: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daytime planning coverage during non-show (dark) days.
• Position provides structured operational handoff to evening technical leadership and event crews.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday work required based on performances, rehearsals, rentals, and special events.
• Schedules are subject to change based on production demands, dark days, and organizational priorities 

Compliance & Standards ensuring adherence to:

• OSHA safety standards • Venue operational and life safety protocols
• Union/IATSE agreements and labor compliance standards
• Maintain accurate production documentation, including staffing records, schedules, event notes, budgets, and operational reports.
• Support safe working conditions for staff, artists, touring personnel, and patrons. 

Business Impact

• Drives operational efficiency and successful execution of productions and events.
• Enhances artist, client, and audience satisfaction through strong production coordination.
• Reduces operational inefficiencies and production cost overruns.
• Strengthens internal communication, accountability, and production readiness.
• Supports long-term operational sustainability and revenue generation for the Forest Theater. 

Skills and Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional production management experience in theatrical, live entertainment, or performing arts environments.
• Extensive experience coordinating live productions, rentals, and technical operations.
• Strong understanding of production scheduling, labor coordination, and venue operations.
• Experience working within unionized labor environments strongly preferred.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated ability to create production documentation, schedules, reports, and operational procedures. 

Compensation and Benefits This is a full-time, salaried position with an annual salary range of $65,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off. 

Additional Information Forest Forward provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age