The Court Theatre has been creating and sharing live theatre with audiences from across Ōtautahi and Waitaha for more than 53 years. Each season typically features 15 – 20 productions including commissioned works, New Zealand and Australasian premieres, contemporary through to classic drama as well as comedies, improvised comedy and musicals and a recent addition, the Rainbow Theatre Weekend. This year more than 80,000 patrons are expected to attend a Court Theatre performance.

At the beginning of 2025 we will be moving into our permanent new home in the heart of the city. This brand-new, purpose-built facility will open up new possibilities for The Court Theatre both in the way it works and the way we engage with the communities of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Having recently undergone a leadership change, we are poised to begin the next exciting stage in our history and continue to play a significant part in the creative and cultural stories of Ōtautahi.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Production Manager to join our team managing our productions from inception to staging. This is an interesting and varied role where your passion for theatre and strong planning and organising skills will all be put to great use. 

Key responsibilities of the role include: 

• Manage productions from inception to staging
• Ensure production co-ordination by managing the production teams, through their Heads of Departments
• Create production timetable and schedules 
• Work closely with the Artistic Director, show directors and designers in monitoring of costs, scheduling and standards.
• Manage the annual calendar and set dates in consultation with the Management Team
• Provide input into the production aspects and establishment plans of our new home 
• Manage allocated budgets to maximise resources and minimise expenditure
• Lead departmental budget and financial management and monitoring
• Coordinate with others, sharing relevant information, ideas and resources, seek input and advice from others

To be successful in this role you will have: 

• A successful background in theatre/production
• Excellent planning, organising and delivery skills - on time and in budget
• Strong decision making ability 
• Ability to create an environment of positive communication and information sharing across all production departments and the wider organisation
• Ability to maintain high standards under pressure
• A track record of treating people with respect and maintaining good working relationships
• Strong people leadership skills. 

The nature of Theatre means this is not a standard 9am – 5pm role. Flexibility and the ability to work evenings and weekends at times is essential. 

If you have the skills and passion that are needed to be our next Production Manager then we would love to hear from you. 

Please apply and send your application to viv.palmer@courttheatre.org.nz addressing your application including cover letter and CV to our Executive Director, Gretchen La Roche. 

If you have any questions or for a confidential chat please call Viv on 021 2233 870.