With a mission to enrich and inspire our community through exceptional live performances, Vivo Performing Arts (formerly Celebrity Series) has become a mainstay of Boston’s cultural life by bringing a widening spectrum of performers to the city’s major concert halls. Vivo Performing Arts presents over 70 subscription series performances in 10 different venues and more than 150 community engagement activities annually.

Vivo Performing Arts’ audiences experience the world’s great orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists, as well as leading artists in contemporary dance, jazz, global and folk music, and spoken word. Alongside the subscription series performances, Vivo Performing Arts’ Arts for All! community engagement programs introduce the joy of live performance and connect with a dynamic network of hundreds of community collaborators, reaching thousands of individuals annually.

Position: Dance Production Manager
Department: Performance Operations
Immediate Supervisor: Senior Associate Director of Performance Operations

Status: Part-time employee (W-2)

Salary/Hourly rate: $40-45/hr with possible overtime during performance engagements, expected total income of approximately $15,000-20,000 per year

Work Location: Approximately 40% of time spent in this role is in-person, on-site work in Boston-area venues. Approximately 60% of time is spent on advance/follow-up remote/off-site work.

Summary of Position

This position oversees production and technical management of all subscription series dance and theatrical events by national and international-level touring companies.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Dance Production Manager will:

• Review and provide feedback on technical riders during the booking process of future seasons (late fall), and in advance of the current season (typically during the summer months);
• Establish relationships and serve as the primary liaison between touring company technical staff and venue personnel while representing the interests and needs of Vivo Performing Arts;
• Work within a variety of venue environments, including:
  • Boston Arts Academy (500 seats, non-union, responsible for directly hiring several labor functions)
  • Cutler Majestic Theater at Emerson College (1200 seats, non-union, responsible for directly hiring several labor functions)
  • Boch Center Wang Theater (3000 seats, union 4-wall, responsible for coordinating IATSE crew calls)
  • Museum of Science Public Science Common (300 seats, non-union, responsible for directly hiring some labor functions and working alongside museum staff)
  • Occasional consultation on possible new venues for new initiatives, including site visits and meetings, and drafting plans

• Monitor crew calls and schedules for IATSE and non-union labor calls for all aspects of the engagement;
• Recruit, hire, and supervise overhire crew and other department head positions as needed, working with Finance department on timekeeping;
• Work closely with venue staff and crew to ensure appropriate staffing is in place and safety precautions are known and followed to ensure a safe working environment;
• Coordinate production-related rentals and other needs outlined in artist technical riders;
• Manage production budgets and deadlines;
• Schedule and facilitate production meetings, as appropriate;
• Oversee onsite logistics associated with load-in/out, technical rehearsals, performances, and strike;
• Facilitate proactive and professional communication between staff of the venue, artist, and presenter, acting as on-site advocate for Vivo Performing Arts;
• Participate in company-sponsored training and workshops related to racial equity, accessibility, and safe and inclusive work environments;
• Depending on the candidate’s background and experience, additional stage management or lighting design work for music performances could be included in the manager’s work portfolio for additional hours.

Vivo Performing Arts will:

• Provide its resources, connections, networks, and relationships to help the Dance Production Manager fulfill the list of responsibilities above, and
• Coordinate company management details for each company such as hotel, ground transport and hospitality
• Provide Vectorworks drafting software and Mac laptop
• Reimburse mileage for work-related travel

Requirements:

• Minimum 5-7yearsdirect experience in theater/dance production management, including working knowledge of lighting control, audio systems, and current video/projection technology.
• Previous experience hiring production roles within Boston-area theater and dance production community preferred.
• Knowledge of IATSE union contracts and direct experience working in union theatrical environments a plus.
• Ability to interpret company riders and technical drawings, including negotiation of tour requirements to fit budget constraints.
• Direct experience working for or in support of national and international touring dance, opera, or theater companies.
• Proven drafting ability and strong command of Vectorworks drafting software (license provided by Vivo) a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills with previous supervisory experience.
• Detail-oriented self-starter who can handle multiple projects at a time efficiently and excels in a fast-paced environment. Proactive, effective communication and follow through are essential to success in this position.
• Proven ability to achieve results and communicate effectively when working collaboratively with people and ideas from a wide variety of artistic, cultural, and professional backgrounds.
• Ability to remain tactful and supportive in stressful situations.
• Comfort working and directing at height on ladders, genie lifts, and lighting grids; ability to carry bulky or heavy loads for short periods of time.
• A commitment to advancing anti-racism efforts in the workplace and an interest in Vivo Performing Arts’ ongoing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion goals.
• Available occasionally during normal business hours plus weekends and nights as dictated by company schedule.
• A bachelor’s degree is preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

26/27 Season:

On-site work with touring companies will be expected during the following dates in the 26/27 season:

• October 19-25, 2026
• November 19-22, 2026
• February 8-14, 2027
• February 22-28, 2027
• April 30-May 2, 2027

Not sure you meet 100% of the qualifications, or have a conflict with some dates listed above? We encourage you to apply if you believe you could excel in this role.

Work Environment

The Vivo Performing Arts offices are located in the Park Plaza Office Building at 20 Park Plaza, Suite 220, in Boston’s Back Bay. The building is convenient to public transportation and is fully accessible.

Vivo Performing Arts is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates demonstrating diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and national origin. Vivo Performing Arts is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, artist and audience focus, and innovation.