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Title: Production Assistant
FLSA: Part-time
Schedule: Varies, average 25 hours per week
Department: Operations
Reports to: Operations Manager
Direct Reports: Stagehands

Position Summary: The Production Assistant is responsible for providing an optimal workplace environment for the orchestra rehearsals and performances to which he/she is assigned so that musicians may achieve maximum artistic potential in safety and comfort. The Production Assistant is also responsible for implementing the weekly production schedule during these services, including supervision of union stage-technician employees, physical set-up, staging, lighting, sound amplification, and the care and transportation of FWSO instruments and equipment. The Production Assistant also assists in advancing rehearsal and performance venues for logistical needs and resolves environmental and safety issues prior to performers’ arrival at the facility. The primary focus of the Production Assistant will be to plan, co-ordinate and manage education and community outreach concerts, outdoor performances during the Concerts in the Garden Festival, and assist with other productions as needed.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Serves as rehearsal and performance stage manager for orchestra services to which he/she is assigned. Assists with the implementation of weekly production schedules with union stagehands as well as coordination of production activities with venue technical staff representatives.
   
2. Advises and consults conductors, orchestra musicians, guest artists and administrative staff regarding the operation of rehearsals and performances and the safe use of stage facilities and equipment for the services to which he/she is assigned. The Production Assistant is responsible for ensuring suitable stage lighting, temperature, and safety during all services to which he/she is assigned.
   
3. Manages the proper storage, care, movement, maintenance and repair of FWSO-owned instruments and equipment and of those instruments and equipment rented or loaned to the FWSO while under the FWSO’s care and control. Drives equipment truck to education and community performances.
   
4. When necessary, visits and inspects new venues in advance of orchestra services and assesses suitability and safety of venues for FWSO performances.
   
5. Participates as a member of the operations and administrative staff in planning and reviewing orchestra services to which he/she is assigned, and attends biweekly production meetings.

Qualifications and Requirements: The ideal candidate will have at least one year’s successful working experience and a minimum of one year of post-secondary education or combination thereof. A healthy respect for music professionals, including conductors, orchestra musicians, stage technicians and production personnel is essential.

The successful candidate will have excellent organizational, interpersonal, leadership and communications skills and a reputation for accuracy, responsiveness, meticulous attention to detail and follow-up. S/he will have the motivation and energy required to function effectively in the fast-paced, challenging environment of a 52-week orchestra and will be able to work effectively with a wide variety of people. Scheduling flexibility is also essential to this position, as the hours change weekly dependent upon the orchestra’s schedule and administrative demands.

Compensation: Compensation is competitive and will be based upon experience and education.

Organization Description: The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra has grown to become one of the most successful orchestras of its size in the United States, serving an audience of 250,000, with an annual budget of $12.3 million, a 52-week season, and a $27 million endowment fund. Under the artistic leadership of music director Miguel Harth-Bedoya and as the principal resident company of the acoustically superb Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall, the Orchestra presents a series of symphonic pops and special concerts, with a subscriber base of nearly 10,000. It serves as the orchestra for Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, the Southwestern Seminary Oratorio Chorus and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The Orchestra’s annual five-week summer music festival, Concerts in the Garden, features an array of performances and artists, and has grown to be the largest and most successful summer outdoor festival of its kind in Texas, attracting an annual audience of more than 50,000. The Orchestra’s extensive and diverse educational and outreach program Adventures in Music, serves more than 60,000 children, youth and adults each season through free or low-cost performances at Bass Performance Hall and in a variety of venues throughout the community.

Application Procedure: Please submit a current resume with a cover letter stating interest and qualifications, along with three professional references by email, mail or fax to:

Operations Manager
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
330 E. Fourth St., Suite 200
Fort Worth, TX 76102

nlehning@fwsymphony.org

(817) 665-6600, fax

No phone calls, please.

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