ABSTRACT

"Our theater world is so much better with this book in it, and even better with Cary and Jay at the helm."
–David Stewart, Director of Production for the Guthrie Theater

The Production Manager’s Toolkit is a comprehensive introduction to a career in theatrical and special event production for new and aspiring professionals, given by expert voices in the field.

The book discusses management techniques, communication skills, and relationship building tactics to create effective and successful production managers. With a focus on management theory, advice from top production managers provide insights into budgeting, scheduling, meetings, hiring, maintaining safety, and more. Through interviews and case studies, the history and techniques of production management are explored throughout a variety of entertainment venues: theatre, dance, opera, and special events. The book includes references, tools, templates, and checklists; and a companion website contains downloadable paperwork and links to other useful resources such as unions, venues, and vendors.

This book is written for student and professional production managers.

chapter |2 pages

Introduction

part |2 pages

Part One—Hard and Soft Skills

chapter 1|12 pages

Communication

chapter 2|10 pages

Relationships

chapter 3|10 pages

Management Techniques and Theory

chapter 4|16 pages

Planning and Scheduling

chapter 5|10 pages

Meetings

chapter 6|12 pages

Money and Budget

chapter 7|22 pages

Hiring and Casting

chapter 8|14 pages

Safety

part |2 pages

Part Two—Connecting it to the Work

chapter 9|12 pages

Theatre

chapter 10|10 pages

Opera

chapter 11|18 pages

Dance

chapter 12|24 pages

Rock and Roll

chapter 13|10 pages

Symphony Music

chapter 14|12 pages

Presenting

chapter 15|10 pages

Co-productions

chapter 16|12 pages

Touring

chapter 17|24 pages

Special Events

chapter 18|6 pages

Concluding with Balance