The Production Manager's Toolkit

Cary Gillett has worked as a production manager and stage manager in the Maryland/Washington DC area for over two decades. Cary was recently appointed as the Director of Production at Baltimore Center Stage – the state theatre of Maryland. In addition, she has worked as a Production Manager for the University of Maryland in College Park, Round House Theatre, the Potomac Theatre Project and the Helen Hayes Awards, celebrating theatre in the Washington DC area. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland in College Park and annual visiting professor at the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts in Beijing. Cary is married to director and educator Bill Gillett and together they manage their biggest production – Mary Louise. A 30 year resident of San Diego, Jay Sheehan oversees the production management and stage management areas for the School of Theatre, Television and Film at San Diego State University. Additionally, Jay created and leads the Certificate in Entertainment Management Program for the School. In addition to teaching stage management, production management and live concert production., Jay also oversees all aspects of production for the 8 show main stage and student production season. Jay also serves as the National Production Manager for Young Arts, dedicated to help identify and support the next generation of artists in the literary, performing, visual and design arts. In this capacity, Jay oversees productions in Miami, and the Presidential Scholars program at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Jay is an Equity stage manager, having worked on over 50 shows during his stage management career. Jay’s other jaunts around San Diego have found him as the Director of Production and Operations for the San Diego Symphony and Director of Operations for House of Blues, overseeing the 20,000 seat Coors Amphitheatre in Chula Vista. Jay is also owner of Cue One Productions and is a freelance special event manager who’s event list includes the NFL Super Bowl, Major League Baseballs All Star Game as well as non-profit charities concert events in and around the United States.

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Introduction

PART ONE – Hard and Soft Skills

1 – Communication

2 – Relationships

3 – Management Techniques and Theory

4 – Planning and Scheduling

5 – Meetings

6 – Money and Budget

7 – Hiring and Casting

8 – Safety

PART TWO – Connecting it to the Work

9 – Theatre

10 – Opera

11 – Dance

12 – Rock and Roll

13 – Symphony Music

14 – Presenting

15 – Co-productions

16 – Touring

17 – Special Events

Concluding with Balance