Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Performance Production Manager

ISGM Core Values:

Isabella Stewart Gardner believed that art had the power to change lives and she built a beautiful, personal, and immersive Museum setting to do so. Today the Gardner is a living embodiment of her bold vision; a dynamic place where ideas and creativity in all its forms inspire visitors.  Through exhibitions, music, programs, and performances we strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions through diverse voices and community members.

Our Core Values are:

• Creativity is our Legacy
• Community is our Purpose
• The Collection is our Catalyst
• Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion are our Commitments

Position Summary:

The Performance Production Manager is responsible for the oversight of the production components of all performance and public presentation events annually (both live and online). Events include on average 5-8 onsite monthly performances and programs of multiple genres created by multiple curators/programmers and take place in Calderwood Hall as well as in the Museum’s galleries and non-gallery spaces.  

This position reports to the Director, Visitor Services and Calderwood Hall Management and oversees all logistical aspects of events, either directly, or, where appropriate, with the help of event-specific production personnel and Curators, including both digital and live performances. The position supports the artistic vision of programmers and ensures  effective communication and collaboration with artists, external creative and production partners as well as internal Museum staff, serving as production lead to ensure the safety of audiences and gallery objects.

Primary Responsibilities:

Production Development, Artist Support and Management:

• Serves as technical and project expert, assessing feasibility and logistical needs of events from the earliest stage of development. Has responsibility for production execution including stage plots, lighting, sound, video, video capture, and run-of-show, acting as liaison between Museum departments and programmers 
• Guides development of production components of performance budgets, ensuring that actual expenses track to budget. Source all production needs and props and arrange for purchasing and shipping of same
• Coordinate all audio/video/photography of performances, as well as broadcasting and streaming of performances
• Coordinates with artist/management and/or internal staff to ensure that needs and requests are accommodated within facility capabilities, budgets and policies
• Manages green room needs, including booking and cleaning. Arrange and lead site visits and production planning meetings with artists
• Ensures that all work conforms to pre-established specifications and highest industry standards;
• Supervises and trains technical and stage crews and ensures that all artists and visiting technical crews adhere to ISGM policies and procedures
• Produces or advises on all private, patron and  member performance events in collaboration with Museum program planners

Production Management:

• Works with outside vendors to provide equipment rentals as needed (e.g. audio-video, lighting, special effects equipment and / or backline equipment), sourcing multiple bids and ensuring best prices, and preparing purchase orders as necessary
• Reviews artist contracts and advise on production details
• Creates production schedules with both internal and external stakeholders; communicate schedules to all stakeholders, and submit event wrap documents
• Determines crew calls and assignments in conjunction with programming departments and the Director of Visitor Services

Equipment Management:

• In consultation with the Music Department, owns the care and management of Calderwood Hall’s technical equipment ensuring all technical equipment is of the highest standard, and in working condition;
  • Draft and execute preventive maintenance programs
  • Participate in ongoing internal assessment and upgrades of systems and production equipment, including piano, harpsichord, lighting, sound, and stage equipment; maintain equipment inventory and manage all upgrade projects as they are implemented
  • Partner with the Music Department in long term planning involving the musical instruments, equipment, and technical capacities of Calderwood Hall, a unique, purpose-built space that excels in presenting unamplified concert music

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate is knowledgeable and passionate about the performing arts and enjoys working closely with artists and technical crew. The candidate will instill and model strong work ethic and adherence to protocols in the AVs, and model paramount priority for collaborative practices and safety around art. It is essential that they stay informed of latest developments in stage technology, be a supportive team player, eager to address new challenges as they arise, comfortable with diverse international cultures and able to maintain a level head under pressure.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of five years of experience working on the production elements of performing arts events, live music, theater, or related performing arts 
• Prior experience with lighting, sound and other performance production equipment and technology
• Prior experience with video projection design and multi camera video capture
• Familiarity with a wide variety of orchestral and ensemble set-ups, including classical, jazz and world music genres 
• Strong writing and excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Previous supervisory experience
• Highly organized, with the ability to problem solve in real time and devise solutions that optimize visitor experience 
• Ability to work with diplomacy and tact
• Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work graciously in a fast-paced environment

Competencies:

• Technical Expertise
• Analytical and Forward Thinking
• Building Collaborative Relationships
• Adaptability
• Oral and Written Communication