Director of Production

Position: Director of Production

Reports to: Managing Director

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Theatre Overview

Lookingglass Theatre is a nationally celebrated, Tony Award–winning company that redefines what theatre can be through bold storytelling, innovative design, and a spirit of collaboration. Rooted in Chicago’s vibrant cultural landscape, Lookingglass is known for creating visually rich, ensemble-driven productions that ignite the imagination and inspire meaningful dialogue. With a commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and pushing the boundaries of live performance, Lookingglass offers a dynamic environment where creativity thrives, and every team member contributes to shaping transformative experiences for audiences. Founded in 1988 by a group of Northwestern University theatre graduates, Lookingglass moved into its permanent home in the historic Water Tower Water Pumping Station on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue in 2003. With a roster of 33 Ensemble Members and 17 Artistic Associates, Lookingglass productions are centered on ensemble with training in theatre, dance, music, and circus arts. Now about to enter its 37th Season, the Company is a respected source for story-centered theatrical work that is evocative, physical, and visually rich.

Position Summary

The Director of Production is responsible for managing the Production Department of Lookingglass Theatre Company (LTC) and collaborating with other departments as needed to support and execute a wide array of programming. The Director of Production holds primary responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the technical and design aspects for all Lookingglass Theatre productions in an efficient, timely, and budget-conscious manner, with an emphasis on clear and efficient communication among creative teams, production staff, and other Lookingglass Theatre departments. This includes assisting in the selection of creative teams, supervising and facilitating the punctual and efficient execution of mainstage and additional productions (internal and external) within the artistic and budgetary parameters established by the leadership of the organization. The role supports new play development workshops, external event rentals, the annual gala, and LTC’s Young Ensemble programming, while playing a key role in developing and implementing organizational safety policies and procedures. As a key member of Loookingglass’ senior staff, the Director of Production participates in mid and long-range planning for the company, including season planning, budgeting, and capital improvement planning for the theatre, scene shop, and costume shop facilities. The Director of Production also supervises and works closely with the Company Manager on the execution of contracts, arranging travel and housing for artists and company affiliates, and creating a welcoming environment focused on safety and sustainability for all production participants.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Create and embrace a culture of collaboration, invention, and transformation in leadership and decision making
• Participate with other department heads in leading the daily operations of LTC
• Participate in season planning with other department heads at the direction of Leadership, and with input from the LTC Ensemble
• Create production calendars for LTC and collaborate with other department heads to schedule programming and other projects in the mainstage, studio theatre, lobby, and scene shop
• Create and manage departmental, per show, and capital improvement budgets
• Maintain LTC production values within the scope of established fiscal parameters set forth by leadership
• Create a safe working environment for all LTC personnel, guests, and patrons, including collaboration with other staff and department heads to develop and implement key safety programs (e.g. emergency response protocol, Fall Protection program, intimacy policy)
• Lead development of all technical aspects of all productions in conjunction with the associated production staff and designers
• Manage production process to meet deadlines and benchmarks set in the production calendar
• Attend and supervise technical rehearsals through opening
• In collaboration with Artistic Director, Managing Director, and Company Manager, lead the hiring and contracting process for all LTC production personnel including but not limited to actors, stage managers, designers, and technicians
• Supervise all production facilities and work with other members of staff to address emergent issues and long-term facilities needs
• Develop long-range plan for growth of production department staff, facilities, and equipment
• Other duties as assigned by Leadership.
• Participate in organization-wide anti-racism work and incorporate an anti-racist lens into daily practice. We believe that our work and our lives are infinitely more complex, rewarding, illuminating, and nearer to truth when we have a wider variety of human experiences in our room, at our table, and on our stage. This work, by the Board, Ensemble, and staff, is ongoing and is publicly reflected here: https://lookingglasstheatre.org/organizational-aei-focus-areas-2025-2026/

Work conditions/Physical Demands

• Ability to work in office and hybrid as needed
• Ability to work nights and weekends for technical rehearsals and events
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs, work at heights of up to 25’
• Ability to lift/move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

Qualifications

• Five or more years of technical theater experience in a management role
• Comprehensive knowledge of non-profit theater operations, management strategies, and processes
• Knowledge of local, state, and national labor regulations
• Prior experience with managing theatrical union agreements and relationships (USA, AEA)
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with overlapping schedules
• Fiscal management/comprehensive budgeting skills
• Analytical thinking and problem solving
• Strong interpersonal management and conflict resolution skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Familiarity and facility with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs such as Vectorworks or AutoCAD.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a large cargo van
• Experience with new play development processes
• Prior experience leading a diverse team of collaborators in an empathetic and people-focused manner
• Adaptability and ability to lead with confidence in a dynamic workplace environment

Benefits

• Health Insurance
  Choice of PPO or HMO; Organization covers the cost of 95% of the HMO plan. If PPO plan is elected, staff member pays the difference between the PPO plan and 95% of the HMO plan.
• Dental, vision & Rx plan.
• 12 paid holidays (including Juneteenth and Election Day); Vacation, Personal, Sick and floating holidays, including birthday as per established company policies.

EEO Statement: Lookingglass welcomes applications from all qualified applicants and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the qualifications listed above. Lookingglass Theatre Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse workforce. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, genetics, or status as an individual with a disability.