WIT seeks part-time Production Manager

The production manager manages and meets the production needs for all Washington Improv Theater performance runs, class showcases, and other public-facing performance events at rental venues throughout DC, primarily: WIT’s current artistic residency at Studio Theatre (1501 14th St. NW) and quarterly class showcases at SITAR Arts Center (1700 Kalorama Rd. NW). This includes oversight of lights, sound, projections, audience seating, riser configuration, scenic elements, props, and costumes. This role also includes training, scheduling, and managing the booth technicians for WIT events.

WIT is currently in the process of establishing its own dedicated space in NoMa. The production manager will play a crucial role in defining the production tech needs of the space and coordinating with vendors and installers as needed. As WIT transitions into this new space (a 110-seat venue), this job will focus more on the running and maintaining of the space (coordinating, training, and paying booth staff), and the job will no longer focus on ensuring new theaters within Studio are performance-ready every few months. 

This role requires strong time management, as well as organizational, collaboration, and communication skills to coordinate with production staff, performers, and fellow WIT staff. 

The production manager is expected to attend weekly staff meetings and production meetings as available plus biweekly meetings with our Studio partners, and take a proactive role in ensuring all production elements for shows and showcases are achieved. 

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee all production needs (primarily lights, sound, set/s and props) with the Artistic/Executive Director, Operations Director, special project show directors and/or ensemble directors and performers. 
• Serve as the lighting or scenic designer for WIT productions, taking a lead on coordinating with Studio and adapting light grids for WIT needs. 
• Coordinate load-in and strike for performances at venues in consultation with venue managers, crew, and/or other renters. This includes hiring and contracting, as needed and on behalf of WIT, set designers, technicians, and other crew. Includes operating within agreed-upon budget constraints, communicating about space use, and making appropriate space reservation arrangements. At Studio, this also means moving WIT’s items to the new backstage space from the prior theater space, and ensuring the prior space has been completely reset for the next production.
• Oversee WIT’s booth operatives, including scheduling and coordinating coverage for each run, and ensuring staff are paid in a timely manner. 
• Ensure the theater space is safe for performers and patrons (walking spaces are well lit, stage is safe, and edges are clearly designated; there are no hidden trip hazards, etc). 
• Document production details (lighting, sound design, and sets), including paperwork, training checklists, and manuals. 
• Lead quarterly production training sessions for new lights/sound operatives, as well as work with current light/sound operatives to ensure their success. 
• Be on-call during show runs on nights and weekends to answer production questions and troubleshoot problems faced by on-site staff, as well as help provide coverage as needed to ensure success. 
• Manage video recordings and upload them to WIT’s YouTube page in a timely manner.
• As we plan and execute the move to our new space, help take the lead on production aspects of the new performance venue to ensure high quality production elements and streamlined processes. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Time Commitment and Schedule 

• The production manager should plan to be on-site for load-in and strike maneuvers. As part of our current artistic residence at Studio, we have five to six performance runs per year, as well as four rounds of student showcases annually at Studio or a partner organization. Once we are fully in our new space, we anticipate presenting performances year-round, starting at three nights per week. 
• The production manager will meet one to two times a week with the artistic director and operations director for planning and review purposes, and every two weeks with Studio staff. 
• The production manager attends weekly all-staff meetings. 
• We estimate 25 hours per week on average, noting that work volume fluctuates with production schedule. A note that as WIT moves to a year-round performance schedule in our new space, we anticipate the amount of work per week to fluctuate less than it does during our current multiple-runs-per-year model. 

Useful Technical Skills 

• Technical expertise when it comes to programming ETC Eos light consoles and patching audio equipment. 
• Theatrical electrics for conventional and LED fixtures and audio knowledge
• Proficiency in QLab. 
• Proficiency in Google Docs and Gmail. 
• Ability to lead crews for load in, as well as work independently on set up. 
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve, especially as it relates to light and sound issues. 
• Ability to lift 30 to 50 pounds, stand for one to two hours at a time, and be comfortable climbing and standing on ladders.  
• Knowledge of video storage and uploading videos to YouTube.

You would excel at this job if you have the following soft skills:

• Strong communication skills. The production manager must be able to respond to emails with WIT staff, production staff, and performers in a timely manner, clearly communicate information about the space, and respond to inquiries from staff and performers. 
• A collaborative mindset. The production manager works closely with the artistic director and the operations director, our partners at Studio Theatre, as well as WIT’s performers and special project directors. The role requires strong collaborative skills and a willingness to help out when needed. 
• A proactive and leadership-driven work ethic. The production manager should be able to proactively manage their job responsibilities, and be forward-looking to understand what needs to be achieved and put plans in place to ensure success. 
• A problem solver and out-of-the-box thinker. The production manager should ideally be able to create streamlined processes and efficient methodologies to approach tasks and challenges. Especially as we move into our own space for the first time, having a creative perspective is helpful.  

Pay: This is a part-time, hourly position at $24 – $29 per hour, to be reported bi-weekly via timesheet submitted to the operations director and the artistic/executive director. This is subject to deductions for taxes and other withholdings as required by law or the company’s policies. Payment will be made via ACH direct deposit or in bi-weekly checks (or as otherwise arranged.) Pay is reviewed annually as part of the performance evaluation process. 

Benefits: This is a part-time hourly position and does not accrue paid leave or employee savings benefits. However, DC and Federal holidays are paid holidays for this position (a total of 17 days / year, which includes the week between Christmas and New Year). If scheduling requires holidays to be work days, holiday pay is added on. Individual health insurance is available after a three-month trial period. 

Reports to: The production manager reports to WIT’s Operations Director and works closely with WIT’s Artistic & Executive Director. 

Professional Development: WIT actively encourages professional development and seeks to invest in training and materials to help team members master their jobs and build their skills. Training is approved and funded on a case-by-case basis.

To apply: Please email your resume and cover letter to Operations Director Jordana Mishory at jordana@witdc.org, with “Production Manager Job Application” as the email subject line. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  

About Washington Improv Theater 

Washington Improv Theater is the District’s premier destination for hilarious improv comedy, as well as classes, workshops, and professional training for individuals, businesses, and organizations. 

WIT stages innovative improv shows, including special productions, ranging from political election satires to improvised Hallmark holiday movies, that reach more than 14,000 audience members each year. Our performers have gone on to work on Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show.

We’ve been making Washingtonians – and visitors to the nation’s capital – laugh and learn for more than 28 years as part of our mission to spread joy and facilitate creative self-discovery.

WIT’s new home in NoMa, opening in 2027, will feature a 110-seat theater and seven classrooms.