Associate Producer

JOB TITLE: Associate Producer

COMPENSATION RATE: $60,000 - $70,000

REPORTS TO: BOLD Artistic Producer

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

LOCATION: 107 N. Dearborn

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Associate Producer is a member of Goodman Theatre’s Producing Team within the Artistic Department. They will have the primary responsibility of line producing assigned Main Stage productions on the Albert Stage (LORT B, 856 seats) and Owen Stage (LORT D, 400 seats) and will have demonstrated capacity and experience with an artistic specialty (i.e. dramaturgy, voice and speech, literary, etc.). In addition to producing, this position may be assigned to a production or project’s creative team.

This is an artistic administrative position for a resourceful, responsible and curious theater artist; a trusted, emotionally intelligent arts leader who is passionate about live theater and possesses excellent organizational skills, artistic discernment, dramaturgical skills, and who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative, and multi-faceted non-profit theater environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as Line Producer (Lead Producer) on multiple Main Stage productions and special events as assigned. Every assigned production or project requires the Associate Producer to:
  • Lead and track all milestones and work closely with the assigned Production Manager to ensure Artistic and Production alignment.
  • Schedule and lead artistic-focused pre-production meetings and manage all interdepartmental communication.
  • Manage the production or project’s artistic budget.
  • Hire ancillary creative team members (voice, dialect, intimacy, etc.) and participate in the offer process for all artistic positions.
  • Share and facilitate notes and thoughtful artistic feedback throughout the production (design process, casting, rehearsal, tech, previews) for the director and/or playwright.
  • Troubleshoot and manage any conflict throughout the entire process.

• As a member of the Producing Team:
  • Provide producing support to colleagues and to various New Works Programs
  • Produce, schedule, scout, and curate innovative and exciting short-term programming (existing and new acts) in collaboration with Artistic leadership, Engagement and Director of Production.
  • Apply, improve and create producing best practices and systems.
  • Assess and track postmortem feedback.
  • Serve as a 2nd Line Producer (support) on productions and special projects as assigned.
  • Attend special events, on behalf of the Goodman: host, welcome and engage patrons, donors, board members, and community partners.
  • Lead special internal staff projects as assigned.
  • Attend all Main Stage production milestones: First Rehearsal, Designer Run, First Preview and Opening.

• As a member of the Artistic Team:
  • Engage in conversation around season selection and New Stages programming as directed.
  • Support, as needed, with functions of literary, dramaturgy, engagement, and educational programming.
  • Facilitate or serve on selection committees for various artistic programs and opportunities (i.e. New Stages Residency, directing fellowships, internships) as assigned. Collaborate with various departments on special events as the artistic liaison throughout the season as assigned.
  • Represent the Artistic Department at select standing meetings: recording, tracking, and distributing notes and action items to necessary parties.

• Producing:
  • Maintain and expand databases of Chicago artists (fight, intimacy, voice, speech, consultants, choreographers, music directors, assistant directors, etc.) and update documented producing policies, forms, agendas, calendars, etc.
  • Attend major artistic events (i.e., New Stages Festival, Sweetest Season, New Stages Residency readings, season announcement, etc.)
  • Administrative tasks as assigned.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of producing professional theater and theater management experience required. Additional experience pregaming innovative and income-generating artistic ideas preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in artistic budgeting, producing (creating and tracking timelines, inter-departmental communication, leading and facilitating meetings, etc.), and coordinating theater productions.
• Proficient in script analysis and artistic criticism, providing written and verbal professional artistic feedback to the Artistic Department, colleagues, and artists.
• Strong facilitator of inclusive environments; the ability to interact with people of diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and political backgrounds thoughtfully and effectively.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (manage multiple calendars, spreadsheets, organize and create document filing systems); ideal, but not essential, is a familiarity with ArtsVision and/or Tessitura.
• Knowledgeable of the Chicago/National talent pools (designers, playwrights, directors, actors, theaters) and of local and national acts.
• for special projects; experience in programming innovative and income-generating artistic ideas for short-term residencies
• Model Behavior and values consistent with The Goodman’s Community Agreements and furthering The Goodman’s IDEAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Access) goals.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to run multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize rolling deadlines.
• Connected to the vibrant Chicago, Midwest, and/or national theater community. Maintained awareness of current trends, national conversations and resources, and best practices within the theater industry, with an ability to use such knowledge to creatively meet the evolving needs of audiences, artists, and theater makers.

Qualifications:

• Interest in or focus on a theatrical specialty highly preferred (i.e. dramaturgy, voice and dialect, speech and voice, fight, intimacy, new work development, etc.).
• Nimble problem solver, with the capacity to communicate across areas of practice.
• Team player with the ability to pivot into a wide variety of project support as needed.
• Self-starter that can work independently when remote; committed to learning and personal growth.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with artists, donors, patrons, colleagues, and editing skills required.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours as the assigned productions demand

BACKGROUND:

Chicago’s theater since 1925, The Goodman is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. The theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics.  

We at The Goodman believe that a diversity of people, ideas and cultures in our organization enriches both the art on stage and our civic engagement. In our workplace, we strive to reflect the communities we serve, and make space in which everyone is empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. The Goodman values equity, diversity and inclusion and is committed to approaching our work through the practice of anti-racism. Learn more at GoodmanTheatre.org/Accountability

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Goodman Theatre offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, paid vacation, sick leave, 401K & Parental Leave.

The Goodman is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. By dedicating itself to three guiding principles—quality, diversity and community— The Goodman seeks to be the premier cultural organization in Chicago, providing productions and programs that make an essential contribution to the quality of life in our city. 

The Goodman is an inclusive and accessible employer. Successful candidates will have experience working with diverse groups of people and will demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing equity and inclusion at The Goodman. 

The Goodman uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.