Events and Production Manager

Review: Events Production Manager at Leeds Conservatoire – A Unique Opportunity for Technical Theatre Leaders

This role as an Events Production Manager at Leeds Conservatoire presents a compelling opportunity for experienced live events professionals looking to make a significant impact within a leading arts institution. Situated at the heart of the conservatoire's dynamic School of Drama, this position is crucial for shaping the practical education and performance experiences of future actors, actor musicians, and musical theatre stars.

Here are the key advantages and considerations for candidates exploring this exciting career step:

Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Impactful Educational Role: You will directly influence the practical learning and development of students, leading on Year 3 student shows and supporting academic programmes. This offers immense satisfaction in contributing to the next generation of performing artists.
• Unique Work-Life Balance: The contract is full-time (37 hours per week) but structured as a "reduced year" (42 weeks per year). This provides dedicated periods away from work, offering a rare blend of professional commitment and personal time, uncommon in many full-time production roles.
• Attractive Compensation: The role includes a competitive £2,400 market supplement per annum, acknowledging the specialized expertise required and enhancing the overall compensation package.
• Broad Technical & Managerial Oversight: This position offers a chance to manage a comprehensive range of production elements, including set construction, lighting, sound, and costume. You'll lead freelance production staff, hone your front-line management skills, and ensure efficient, high-standard delivery across various internal and external performance spaces.
• Growth Area Contribution: You will be joining at an exciting time, supporting the successful and relatively new Actor/Actor Musician and Musical Theatre degrees, providing an opportunity to help shape and embed production practices for these flourishing programmes.
• Specialised Arts Environment: Working within a conservatoire exposes you to a vibrant, creative atmosphere, fostering a deep connection to the arts and collaborating with diverse artistic and academic professionals.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Extensive Technical Theatre Background is Essential: The role explicitly requires extensive experience producing theatre from a technical background. Candidates must possess a deep understanding of technical production processes and challenges.
• Strong Leadership and Communication Skills: You will be responsible for leading freelance staff and ensuring seamless communication between production teams, creatives, and host venues. Proven leadership and interpersonal skills are paramount.
• Commitment to Compliance & Safety: A thorough knowledge of current production practices and Health & Safety legislation is critical. The Conservatoire emphasizes high standards of delivery and adherence to regulations.
• Safeguarding Responsibility: As part of an educational institution, there is a strong commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults. A satisfactory DBS disclosure will be a condition of employment, reflecting the importance of this commitment.
• Dynamic and Varied Workload: The role involves managing multiple performances and workshops, often concurrently or in quick succession, requiring excellent organisational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

This Events Production Manager position at Leeds Conservatoire is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to apply your technical theatre expertise in a supportive, educational context, enjoying a unique contract structure and making a tangible difference to the careers of emerging artists. If you are an experienced production professional with a passion for theatre and education, and you meet the demanding technical and leadership criteria, this role offers a rewarding and distinctive career path.