Event Production & Technical Manager

The Lorton Performance Center (LPC) represents a pivotal hub within the university's network of event spaces, dedicated to hosting a diverse array of productions and events that range from theatrical performances to academic presentations and other campus-wide functions. As a cornerstone of the university's commitment to providing high-quality cultural and educational experiences, LPC integrates advanced audiovisual technologies, innovative staging, and exceptional technical expertise to ensure every event meets the highest standards of excellence and safety. The center serves both the university community and external clients, offering a professional environment that fosters creative expression and operational efficiency. With its multidisciplinary focus, LPC is equipped to support a wide variety of performance genres and technical requirements, making it an indispensable asset in the university’s event production and management ecosystem.

The role of the Event Production & Technical Manager at the Lorton Performance Center is fundamental to the successful execution of all technical and production facets of the venue's offerings. This full-time position entails comprehensive responsibilities including overseeing professional and student staff, coordinating complex event logistics, and managing the technical infrastructure essential for live event production. The manager acts as a central point of contact among university departments, producers, directors, and external clients to ensure seamless scheduling, production advancement, and technical direction. The scope of this role encompasses theatre-specific duties such as lighting design, rigging, theatrical carpentry, and stage operations, as well as the broader management of event-related technologies including sound reinforcement, projection, and staging setups across multiple campus venues.

Key aspects of the position involve not only the hands-on technical support during load-in, rehearsals, performances, and load-outs but also strategic oversight of the LPC’s operational budget, staffing levels, and maintenance programs. Leadership is critical in developing student staff through training programs that emphasize safety, competency with production equipment, and customer service skills, ensuring that even those without prior theatrical experience can contribute effectively. The manager is responsible for enforcing rigorous safety protocols aligned with institutional policies, fire and life safety codes, OSHA guidelines, and industry best practices, mitigating risks and maintaining secure environments across all productions and events.

Furthermore, the manager collaborates extensively with university academic units such as the School of Music and Film Studies, supporting their performance and audiovisual needs with expert technical consultation. Beyond theatrical responsibilities, this position also coordinates with campus services, facilities management, and security teams to facilitate event logistics, resource allocation, and technical execution in diverse environments covering indoor theatres, event spaces, outdoor venues, and active construction zones.

The candidate must demonstrate extensive experience in live event and theatrical production management, including multi-venue coordination, technical system design, and risk management. Proficiency in industry-standard production software, including lighting control systems like ETC Eos and drafting tools such as WYSIWYG or AutoCAD, is essential. The role requires a robust understanding of theatrical rigging, equipment maintenance, and audiovisual systems design to ensure that both traditional theatre productions and campus-wide events are executed with technical excellence and operational safety.

With a requirement for adaptive scheduling that includes evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, the Event Production & Technical Manager must exhibit exceptional organizational and communication skills, fostering collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders. The role demands physical endurance for hands-on tasks involving equipment handling, operating at heights, and working in variable environmental conditions.

In summary, the Event Production & Technical Manager position is an integral leadership role at the Lorton Performance Center and university event venues. It combines strategic management, technical expertise, safety oversight, and team development to deliver exemplary production experiences that uphold the integrity and reputation of the university’s event programming.

Bachelor's degree in technical theatre, theatre production, entertainment technology, event production, arts administration, facilities management, audio engineering, business administration, higher education administration, or a related field required
master's degree preferred
equivalent combinations of education, professional training, certifications, and leadership experience may be considered
bachelor's degree requirement may be waived with 10 to 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience
minimum 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in theatrical production, venue management, event operations, or technical services, including supervisory experience
experience overseeing complex live productions and campus-wide event operations preferred
demonstrated experience managing professional staff, student employees, production crews, contractors, and vendors
demonstrated experience managing departmental budgets and capital equipment planning
experience overseeing audiovisual systems, theatrical lighting, rigging systems, production technologies, and event safety practices
experience developing operational procedures and safety protocols preferred
demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior leadership, faculty, students, external clients, and community partners
equivalent professional experience in relevant industries may be considered
flexible schedule including evenings and weekends
physical ability to work at heights and handle equipment
ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly
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