Director of Production and Operations

Theater Latté Da, the Twin Cities’ foremost producer of bold new and reimagined musical theater, is seeking exceptional candidates for the full-time, exempt position of Director of Production & Operations. The Director of Production & Operations is a vital senior leadership role at Theater Latté Da, responsible for overseeing both the artistic production and organizational operations of the company. This position ensures the realization and seamless execution of all production elements and of the artistic vision of the Artistic Director (Justin Lucero) through efficient, equitable, and innovative production practices, working closely with creative teams, and department heads, while also providing strategic oversight of the company’s infrastructure, systems, budgets, and daily operations as lead by the Managing Director (Elisa Spencer-Kaplan). The Director of Production & Operations also oversees the physical needs of the Ritz Theater with regard to both theatrical systems and equipment and broader building concerns.

This role sits at the intersection of artistic excellence and administrative strength; and as a member of the senior staff, helps maintain seamless coordination between the production realms, rehearsal room, stage, board room, and the broader community. In line with our organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, they will implement Theater Latté Da’s access and anti-racist commitments in all aspects of their work.

Visit https://www.latteda.org/employment-opportunities to learn more and apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

We are seeking a person who possesses the ability to fulfill the following roles and skills:

Artistic Production (approx. 60%)

Season Planning & Budgeting

• In collaboration with the Artistic Director and creative teams, oversee the planning and execution of the annual season, including, but not limited to, mainstage productions, readings, workshops, annual gala benefit, and ancillary events both on- and off-site.
• Create and manage detailed production budgets, calendars, and resource allocations.
  Participate in season selection discussions with a focus on feasibility and production impact.

Production Leadership

• Lead all aspects of production management, including the execution of scenic, lighting, sound, costumes, props, and technical operations.
• Directly supervise five technical department heads and Associate Production Manager; oversee production teams; hire and contract designers, crew, overhires, musicians, and stage management.
• Serve as the proactive leader and point of contact for all technical and production-related communication, including running production meetings.

Venue & Safety Management

• Serve as the primary liaison for the Ritz Theater and other performance, rehearsal, and build venues as it pertains to operations, facility rentals, and production matters.
• Oversee maintenance and upgrades of production equipment and storage facilities.
  Maintain and enforce safety and compliance protocols, including union rules (AEA, USA, AFM, SDC, where applicable).

Rehearsal & Performance Oversight

• Ensure all rehearsals, tech periods, and performances run smoothly and professionally.
• Troubleshoot production challenges and support artistic innovation within scope and budget.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, communication, accountability, and creativity.

Organizational Operations (approx. 40%)

Organizational Management

• Partner with the Artistic Director in operationalizing the company’s mission and long-term production artistic goals.
• Partner with the Managing Director in overseeing internal systems, including IT, facilities, vendor management, office operations, and risk management.Hire, support, and oversee facility staff
  • Coordinate maintenance and repair contractors
  • Ensure building and technical systems are well maintained
  • Lead or contribute to cross-departmental strategic planning and policy development.

Production Staffing

• Manage hiring, contracting, onboarding, and workplace policies for year-round staff, seasonal personnel, and guest artists.
• Collaborate with the Artistic Director and department heads to ensure equitable and inclusive hiring practices.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contract production employee concerns, scheduling, and organizational health.

Financial Administration & Operations 

• Develop annual production, operations, and capital budgets in consultation with the Artistic Director and Managing Director.
• Work with the Managing Director to track production and operational expenditures; budgeting and forecasting across departments.
• Work with the Managing Director to track production and operational expenditures; budgeting and forecasting across departments.
• Ensure compliance with insurance, licensing, and contracting obligations.
• Serve among a small group of key contacts receiving and evaluating emergency calls during non-work hours regarding production, maintenance, security and safety issues.

Union & Compliance Oversight

• In consultation with the Managing Director, negotiate, interpret and enforce union agreements (AEA, USA, AFM, SDC); maintain positive labor relations.
• Ensure workplace practices meet legal, ethical, and IDEA standards.

Board & Governance Support

• Provide operations and facilities reporting for board meetings and strategic planning sessions as needed, including attendance at monthly board meetings.

KEY REQUIREMENTS: 

A successful Director of Production & Operations candidate will possess the following abilities and skills:

• Emotionally Intelligent Relationship Builder:  Communicate and work effectively with stakeholders of varying communication styles and backgrounds (e.g., communications, thinking, abilities, etc.). Build positive relationships with colleagues, guests artists, reports, board members, and other stakeholders.
• Priority Management:  The ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, keeping a keen eye on details while navigating various priorities. Managing relationships and expectations to meet all stakeholders’ needs, while focusing on overall goals and strategy. Ability to adapt to changing situations and creatively problem solve is key.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail.
  • A good listener with ability to take and follow direction.
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Intercultural Competence and Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA):  Ability to work with individuals of varied styles, perspectives, gender expression and identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class and immigrant status. Proven commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice.
• Creativity and Artistry:  Possess excellent curiosity, creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to a high level of artistic quality and integrity. Apply them in this role to help achieve the mission and strategies of the organization.
• Leadership and Staff Management:  Demonstrated effective leadership, management and staff supervisory experience required.
• Education and Experience:
  • Minimum five years’ experience in theater, with a background in production management, general management, stage management, operations and/or technical direction in a professional theater or performing arts organization.
  • Deep understanding of production workflows, the theatrical design process, and technical theater disciplines.
  • Experience with labor unions, ideally including Actors’ Equity Association, American Federation of Musicians, Stage Directors & Choreographers’ Society, and United Scenic Artists.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and manage budgets.
  • Knowledge of theatrical drafting conventions.
  • Familiarity with the Twin Cities theater community, and/or Theater Latté Da’s mission and repertoire, is a plus.
  • Ability to lift, push or maneuver up to 50 lbs. repeatedly either alone or with others.

Not sure you meet 100% of the qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Theater Latté Da  is committed to acknowledging, addressing, and dismantling practices which impede progress. We are actively seeking a diverse pool of candidates and we welcome all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or ancestry. Theater Latté Da is an equal opportunity employer, committed to telling diverse stories and to fostering an inclusive environment both onstage and off. EEO/W/M/Veteran Disability

SCHEDULE FLEXIBILITY: This position requires consistent weekday availability and periodic evening and weekend availability for technical rehearsals and preview performances, events, meetings, conferences and other activities of the organization. Standard office hours are 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Provided it is consistent with accomplishing their work, administrative staff may work a hybrid schedule, with the option of up to 2 days working remotely each week. While this practice emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid work is expected to remain an option going forward, subject to the needs of each individual and their specific position. Work/life balance is a meaningful value at Theater Latté Da.

SALARY:  $68,000-$78,000 per year DOE

BENEFITS:  Current benefits include employer-subsidized health and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan with 2% employer match,  available vision insurance, 11 paid company holidays annually, paid time off, and complimentary tickets to performances and events.

ABOUT THEATER LATTÉ DA

• Mission:  Theater Latté Da creates new and impactful connections between story, music, artist and audiences—exploring and expanding the art of music theater.
• Vision:  Theater Latté Da is a local and national leader in the friction of new and adventurous music theater, fostering innovation and diversity through a robust commitment to relevance, inclusion, creative exploration and artistic excellence.
• Values:  We believe in work that is bold, inclusive and collaborative; we act with integrity and gratitude

WHAT TO EXPECT

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but should be submitted by July 31, 2025 for earliest consideration. Early applications are strongly encouraged. The selected candidate will ideally be able to begin work in September 2025. Candidates no longer under consideration will be notified of their status.