Associate Producer

Description

Department: Artistic

Reports to: Senior Artistic Producer     

Compensation: $80,000 - $90,000 depending on qualifications 

Benefits: Benefits Eligible

Position Summary 

The Associate Producer is a key member of the artistic staff, serving as line-producer for all mainstage programming and a hub for communication across departments in the organization. The Associate Producer is responsible for seamlessly integrating all artistic programming into the operations of the theater, while also finding efficiencies that enable the Guthrie Theater to produce its work at the highest possible level. Guided by the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility, the Associate Producer is a leader in the organization, working with creative teams, in the rehearsal room, and across the organization as we strive to realize these values. The Associate Producer is instrumental in season planning and the Guthrie’s future programming. As an energetic, organized and resourceful leader, the Associate Producer advocates for the Guthrie’s mission and values and is committed to working collaboratively within a large organization and the community to achieve both short-term and long-range artistic and institutional goals. 

This position is full-time, exempt and benefits eligible. The schedule for this role requires flexibility to work variable hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theatre. 

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams that are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Producing

•  Work with the Artistic Director, Senior Artistic Producer, and Season Planning Committee on planning and curation for future seasons, with a focus on title, director and creative team selection. 
• Participate in the selection of guest artists, lead the hiring process of creative teams, and show-specific support staff, working closely with General Management and Production. 
• Support guest artists in the resourcing and realization of their particular vision and, in collaboration with the Director of Production and Production Manager, ensure clear communication representing Guthrie Theater resources and values is delivered to all visiting artists. 
• Message each production/vision to all Guthrie departments, including Marketing, Development, Education and Engagement, Artistic, Production, House Management and Administration, as well as Guthrie community members, trustees and stakeholders. 
• Work with the Production Manager, General Manager and guest artists to ensure that each production is delivered on time and on budget, helping to ensure key deadlines are met throughout the process. 
• Steward guest artists, in particular directors, through the institution, including weekly 30-minute Director Meetings with the Artistic Director. 
• Supervise Assistant Directors, from hiring to onboarding and coordinating Assistant Director bi-monthly cohort gatherings. 
• Supervise understudy orientation in collaboration with Company Management. 
• Supervise the creation of a Look Book of each production’s creative team, staff and crew; distribute Look Books for each production to appropriate parties. 
• Attend rehearsals 15-30 minutes daily, as well as weekly production meetings. 
• Attend preliminary and concept design meetings, production meetings and technical rehearsals throughout the process.  
• Work with the Director of Production, Production Manager, General Manager and Company Management to ensure a clear and smooth production and design process for all directors, designers, and visiting artists.  
• Support the process of readings and workshops as they occur. 
• Serve as the hub for requests made to guest artists, coordinating schedules and priorities between Education, Development and Marketing. 
• Work with Human Resources to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all artists.  
• Organize producer coverage between the Artistic Director, Senior Artistic Producer, and Associate Producer to ensure attendance at designer run, dress rehearsal, and all previews.  
• Actively participate in the smooth running of productions throughout the run, to ensure they retain artistic integrity.

2. Future Planning and Vision

• Steward The Guthrie’s resources responsibly over the course of the season, working closely with the General Manager and Director of Production.
• Participate in Literary projects: read plays as assigned, offer potential titles, and contribute to conversation around curating future seasons including co-productions and presentations. 
• Maintain relationships with producers in partner theaters, agents and commercial producers for future programming and partnerships. 
• Stay current on playwrights, directors, designers and artists in the field, through meetings and attendance of productions outside of the Guthrie.

3. Administration

• Maintain and distribute Director’s Guides to each incoming director.
• Work with Production Operations Manager and Casting Director in creating and distributing itineraries for director visits.
• Attend and contribute to meetings including the following: season planning, literary projects, Artistic Department, artistic team leadership, artist contracting, Operating Team, Production Department Heads debriefs, Production, design and full company meetings.
• Work with various departments across the organization to organize requests for artist time/ speaking engagements, etc.
• Work with Development Department to coordinate donor visits to rehearsal and tech process and other artist/donor interactions.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS 

• Demonstrated experience in theatre producing. 
• Extensive knowledge of local and national acting, directing, design, and playwriting talent, as well as knowledge of the new play field and current issues facing the national theater field. 
• Experience with creating and managing budgets. 
• Knowledge of the artistic and creative processes that are necessary in the creation of high quality, professional theater productions.  
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word). 
• Exceptional management, communication and creative problem - solving skills. 
• Can lead and support projects and adds value in both capacities. 
• Can coordinate multiple projects and conflicting priorities to manage overlapping show schedules. 
• Communicates effectively and persuasively verbally and in writing on an interpersonal and group level. 
• Exercises professional discretion and confidentiality. 
• Can work with a variety of personalities, approaches and processes and adapts accordingly. 
• Familiarity with LORT and AEA collective bargaining agreements is preferred. 
• Can move throughout office, rehearsal, production, and performance spaces including backstage areas.  
• Can lift and carry materials, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.  
• Must be willing to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theatre.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

WHO SHOULD APPLY? 

The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision. 

WHY SHOULD I APPLY? 

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks which includes:

• Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
• Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)   
• Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions   
• Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie   
• Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps 
• Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE 

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.  

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.  

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for the position.