Marrugeku
Production Manager
Marrugeku seeks a full-time Production Manager to lead planning, delivery & touring of live & digital productions across Australia and internationally
PURPOSE OF ROLE
Marrugeku is seeking a full-time Production Manager to lead the planning, delivery and touring of the company’s live productions and digital works across Australia and internationally.
Working closely with the Co-Artistic Directors and Producers, the Production Manager supports the realisation of technical and design elements across all projects to the highest artistic and production standards. The role oversees the end-to-end production process—from development through to presentation and touring—ensuring that all productions and digital works are delivered safely, efficiently, and within agreed budgets and timelines.
This includes the coordination of logistics for regional, national and international touring, and the effective management of people, resources and systems across multiple locations and contexts. The Production Manager plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of Marrugeku’s work on tour and is required to travel with productions, supporting their successful delivery in diverse venues and environments worldwide.
Position: Production Manager
Hours of work: Full-Time
Location: Sydney (flexible office / working from home hours)
Salary: $95,000 – $105,000 per annum + superannuation
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
The Production Manager reports to the General Manager and both Co-Artistic Directors / CEOs Dalisa Pigram and Rachael Swain. The Production Manager works closely with the two Producers who are overseeing various projects and tours, along with other Marrugeku staff such as Administrator and Sales Manager. The role will be responsible for: seasonal production staff, casual crew and production suppliers
KEY TASKS / RESPONSIBILITIES
TOURING
The PM is responsible for researching and developing logistics plans for remote, regional, national and international touring. The PM is also expected to travel with the Company on tour (2 live works, 2 digital works, approx. 10–12 weeks per year).
- Work closely with the Producer and Artistic Directors to determine the feasibility of the touring production during the pre-contractual negotiation phase
- Develop tour schedules in conjunction with the Producer and other relevant staff and contractors
- Provide accurate technical and freight budget information in a timely manner during contractual negotiations for potential tours
- Manage the packing and transportation of freight and all associated administration, i.e. ATA carnets
- Engage and supervise all contracted crew where applicable
- Communicate regularly with each venue presenter’s technical team, ensuring that up-to-date technical specifications, lighting and audio plans and all other schedules are made available as required
- Manage all technical and logistical requirements of touring
PRODUCTION
The PM is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of Marrugeku productions are realised within the set parameters and according to the creative team’s vision.
- Produce and manage production parameters, budgets, schedules, and plans for all projects from creative development through to final presentation
- In collaboration with creatives (visual designers: set, lighting, video) – support the development of their design concepts through to execution whilst ensuring the design remains within the defined parameters
- Lead Production Meetings, ensuring that all members of the creative team are provided with up-to-date information at all stages of the project
- Generate and advise on future production and touring budgets by obtaining quotes where applicable
- Manage production budgets within approved limits and provide regular budget updates to the Producer and General Manager
- Develop accurate, technical specifications of each work, after the initial performance season
- Maintain the company stock of technical equipment
- Attend creative development, rehearsals and technical sessions when required
- Maintain the integrity of the performance and implement ongoing notes throughout any performance seasons
- Develop and maintain OH&S procedures, including risk assessments, for each production season
- In conjunction with the Producer, determine the most appropriate technical touring team for each production. The Production Manager will tour with productions as required
- Maintain relevant industry knowledge of new technologies and current practices by actively attending other performances, exhibitions, trade shows etc.
- Manage the storage of show equipment and scenery across the company’s storage locations.
Key Details:
- The role is based in Sydney, Australia
- Frequent travel and out-of-hours work are standard (approx. 10–12 weeks per year)
- Experience working on outdoor / non-traditional performance spaces is an advantage with an ability to problem solve when challenges arise
- Previous relevant dance experience is an advantage but not mandatory
- Previous relevant lighting operation experience is also an advantage
- Experience working with a diverse range of people including Indigenous and diverse communities
- We encourage flexible working practices
TO APPLY
Please submit a CV and cover letter and the names and contact details of two references to Guy Boyce – [email protected]
If you wish to discuss the position further, please contact Program Producer Natalie Smith [email protected], or Co-Artistic Director Rachael Swain – [email protected]
This position will remain open until filled.
We will be actively reviewing applications and will move swiftly to secure the right candidate who aligns with the role and Marrugeku’s values and goals.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
MARRUGEKU is Australia’s leading Indigenous intercultural dance theatre company based in Broome, and Sydney’s Carriageworks.
Marrugeku pursues powerful new forms of cultural knowledge and the survival, preservation and growth of Indigenous story, dance and language through the making of new intercultural performance work. Marrugeku’s performers come from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, collaborating to co-create each production. Our productions tour throughout the Kimberley region, and Australia, to other Indigenous contexts internationally and throughout the world.
Marrugeku is led by co-Artistic Directors: choreographer/dancer Dalisa Pigram and director/dramaturg Rachael Swain. Working together for 30 years, they co-conceive and facilitate Marrugeku’s productions and research projects, introducing audiences to the unique and potent structures of Indigenous knowledge systems and the compelling experience of intercultural performance. Marrugeku’s patron is Yawuru cultural leader and national reconciliation advocate Patrick Dodson.
