Assistant Production Manager

Reporting to Musco Center’s Director of Production, the Assistant Production Manager works closely with Center’s Technical Production Department Heads (Lighting, Audio/Video, Stage & Rigging) and part-time production crews to help plan, coordinate and execute productions and events at Musco Center for the Arts. This position must display exemplary client-oriented service; a safety-first approach to technical show operations; and an ability and desire to foster a collaborative, respectful work environment.

Musco Center works closely with the College of Performing Arts, Chapman University Departments, and Musco Center Presents touring artists and companies to present exemplary performances and events in our facility. The Assistant Production Manager is a key position in managing these relationships and serving these users, with an emphasis on balancing artistic vision and integrity with practical needs via creative problem solving.

The Assistant Production Manager, supported by the Director of Production, provides expertise and support for stage productions and festivals at Musco Center. This support includes: Rider review & interpretation; Production advance, including, as needed, hospitality, housing, transportation; and Day-of production support of artists as well as production staff; Oversight of rehearsals and performances as assigned – this position is often the ranking Musco Center representative for after-hours CoPA rehearsals, and for some CoPA performances. The Assistant Production Manager is the primary labor scheduling point of communication, as instructed by the Director of Production, and must be able to, on occasion, make thoughtful and considered labor schedule decisions with the Collective Bargaining Agreement rules, event needs, and budget in mind.
In a typical season, the Assistant Production Manager acts as the production primary for the majority of College of Performing Arts (CoPA) events/performances, a selection of Musco Center Presents events/performances, and occasionally for University Department or Rental events.

This position fulfills administrative duties for the Production department – including, but not limited to: coordinating artist services, crew scheduling, securing services from outside vendors/partners, assisting with event budgeting/forecasting as well as settlements, scheduling departmental and event-specific production meetings, safety training planning and scheduling with staff/crew and vendors. This position maintains, creates, and updates event production information within Musco Center’s event management systems.

This position provides day-to-day oversight for implementation and adherence to the Collective Bargaining Agreement governing the IATSE Local 504 Casual Stage Technicians and full-time Technical Department Heads in support of Production Department leadership.

Musco Center for the Arts’ commitment to cultural equity aims to create a brave space in authentic partnership with artistic, academic, and surrounding communities to re-imagine, dream, and work toward a just, anti-racist, and equitable arts hub that reflects the community’s values and advocates for the most vulnerable.

Musco Center produces a variety of programming and has a diverse group of users – the successful candidate will navigate the season with impeccable, client-oriented service; a safety-first approach; and a desire to foster a collaborative, respectful work environment.

Production Logistics & Administration
•Safety management of crew and events, in collaboration with Department Heads and Director of Production
•Coordinate production calendars, including scheduling of events and work calls; maintaining Outlook, Teams, Google, and other working calendars
•Provide production-related administrative support, working with other Musco, CoPA, and University Departments
•Expense tracking & reconciliation
•Special Project/research support
•Event documentation management:
o Record & update production information in Event Workbook
o Prepare & distribute event information (such as Crew Packets, Stage Door schedule/support needs)

College of Performing Arts Advance and Coordination
•Collaboration with CoPA staff and faculty to advance production and logistical needs for CoPA departments (Dance, Theatre, Music)
•Assists in problem solving and negotiation of production and logistical elements
•Day-of-event production representative for assigned rehearsals and performances, overseeing show production elements
o Sole Musco Center representative for many CoPA rehearsals and some CoPA performances
•Maintain respectful and professional interactions with CoPA students, faculty, and staff
•Attend production meetings, rehearsals, notes sessions, and preview performances.

Musco Center Presents Advance and Coordination
•Production management of select Musco Center events
•Review and interpret artist and tour contracts and technical riders to plan show logistics and coordination of production aspects for assigned shows communicating directly with tour and artist management
•Plan, book, and/or provide artist ground transportation
•Coordinate details of artist housing and vehicle parking
•Interpret, and with support from Operations, implement hospitality and artist’s catering needs
•Provide post-event reporting and evaluation
University Department Event Support
•Provide technical production and project management support for the University’s varied uses and users
•Day-of-event production representative for assigned rehearsals and performances, overseeing show production elements

General Support
•Provide immediate response to requests for assistance to events in progress
•Assist and support Musco Center’s Operations, Front of House, and Programming & Marketing departments with their respective special event needs
•Schedule team and production meetings for general operations as well as for shows/events

Plus: Perform other duties as assigned

Salary: $33.00 – $35.00, hourly

Benefits: Healthcare (incl. vision & dental), retirement, savings, tuition benefits, life & family benefits, various wellness benefits

Education requirements: None

Deadline to apply: February 13, 2026

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter, references

How to apply: Apply via Chapman’s recruiting portal or search for “Chapman University jobs” and filter by Musco Center.