DescriptionTITLE: Doris Duke Theatre Assistant Production Manager
STATUS: Seasonal
LOCATION: Becket MA
REPORTS TO: Senior Production Manager
DEPARTMENT: Production
SUPERVISES: Overhire Staff
WORKS WITH: Artistic Programming; Archives and Preservation; The School at Jacobs Pillow; Philanthropy; Marketing and Patron Services; Finance and Operations; Video Documentation Team; Facilities Safety and Security; Visiting Companies Staff and Artists
START: May 12 2026
END: September 4 2026
ARRIVAL: May 11 2026
DEPARTURE: September 5 2026
COMPENSATION: $23.58-26.00/hr; Time and a half after 48 hours
SCHEDULE: May: 5 day work week
JuneSeptember: 6 day work week
BENEFITS (ON-SITE ONLY): Three meals a day free access to classes performances talks and studio usage.
The primary responsibility of the The Doris Duke Theatre Assistant Production Manager (DDT APM) is supporting the Senior Production Manager (SPM) in supervising the technical operations of all Doris Duke Theatre (DDT) programming during the 2026 Festival. The DDT opened during the 2025 Festival to replace the former DDT which was lost to a fire in 2020. The theater is a modular wood box with flexible retractable seating extensive catwalks and robust technical infrastructure. A major focus of the Duke is supporting choreographers designers and performers working at the intersection of dance and technology. The DDT is programmed for 7 weeks of the season with productions by 1 company a week. The typical DDT performance schedule is 6 shows from Wednesday through Sunday.
During the pre-season the DDT APM attends advancing and production meetings and is responsible for taking notes and documenting all technical details that are discussed. They also assist the SPM in the creation of schedules labor plans signage standard operating procedures and other paperwork. During the Festival they act as the crew chief of the DDT run crew which is made up of the DDT Production Team seasonal staff and local overhire. They work closely with the stage manager of the visiting companies to document and plan all pre-sets scene changes fly moves and floor swaps. The DDT APM also assists the SPM and the Facilities Safety and Security Department in ensuring the building and its equipment are being operated safely in accordance with all protocols and capacity limits.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Participate in the creation of an accessible and collaborative work environment that enables artists and technicians to create together positively and safely.
- Participate in communication with DDT artists and their teams and document all production requirements.
- Assist the SPM with maintaining detailed paperwork including standard operating procedures schedules labor plans and safety information.
- Distribute paperwork and information to all stakeholders in a timely and detailed manner.
- Participate in communication between Departmental Supervisors and other production staff and DDT artists.
- Lead the DDT run crew during technical rehearsals and performances.
- Actively participate in work calls technical rehearsals and performances.
- In the SPMs absence or as assigned supervise DDT work calls rehearsals technical rehearsals and performances.
- Assist in the management of the use of the DDT its support spaces and its equipment to ensure safety efficiency and compliance.
- Attend all organizational departmental and production meetings including a weekly All-Staff Meeting.
- Participate in regular meetings with the DDT Production Team.
- Assist in the coordination with the Facilities Safety and Security Department on all building maintenance improvements cleaning and upkeep as well as general and production specific safety and accessibility requirements.
- Assist Patron Services in the planning for efficient movement of patrons into the venues and coordinate with backstage personnel on starting times late seating pauses intermissions etc.
- Under the general direction of the DoTP assist with coordination of emergency response for staff and patrons in the event of an emergency or extreme weather.
- Complete Adult/Child CPR First Aid Cultural Competency and required Safety training.
- Assist and support other departments including non-production departments as needed on use of the DDT.
QualificationsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years of professional experience in production management stage management or other technical theater leadership.
- Knowledge of general theatrical production systems and standard operating procedures.
- Strong knowledge and experience with the Google App suite.
- Willingness to learn.
- Ability to work proactively creatively flexibly kindly safely and collaboratively.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working and/or teaching in a performing arts educational environment.
- Knowledge and experience in dance production management.
- Knowledge and experience with production software including lighting sound and drafting applications.
- Knowledge of production-related health & safety best practices/concerns and ability to identify and correct potential hazards.
SKILLS & QUALITIES
- Active commitment to Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility.
- Strong communication critical thinking problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Ability to understand technical drawings and paperwork stage plans and related technical documents.
- Demonstrated ability to conceive strategize manage and prioritize between multiple projects with accuracy and attention to detail.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Working in wooded areas with exposure to native wildlife including but not limited to rodents ticks and mosquitos.
- Working outdoors in all weather conditions including inclement weather.
- Working 6-day work weeks including early mornings late evenings and weekends during Festival weeks and non-Festival programming.
- Moving equipment up to 50 lbs alone or with assistance.
- Moving through and between multiple locations throughout the entire campus.
- Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
- Working at heights above 6 feet and up to 30 feet.
- Ascending and descending straight and step ladders.
- Operating push around or drivable person lifts including at heights.
- Working in show conditions with theatrical and atmospheric elements including but not limited to: fog haze strobes dim lights and loud sounds.
APPLICATION PROCESS
*We believe that no one meets 100% of the listed qualifications. We are less concerned about whether youve done everything on a laundry list of specific things and more interested in cultivating a pool of candidates who want to join a connected mission-driven hard-working team driven by creativity curiosity inclusion integrity flexibility and partnership.
HIRING PROCESS
- Apply: Interested individuals are encouraged to send a cover letter resume and references by submitting an application using the Apply buttons below. Video and/or audio applications are welcome (though not required) in addition to written expressions of interest.
- Interview: Pre-Screen on Zoom 1-2 interviews with Hiring Manager and other JP staff on Zoom.
- Supplemental Materials: A writing sample spreadsheet example or other relevant materials may be requested from candidates should they be a top candidate.
If you need accommodations to make this application process happen please connect with us at We will work to support you through the application process via email phone call and/or video chat.