Get Involved!

We wouldn’t be the fastest growing independent company in San Francisco without your help.  Below, read about the different ways to get involved, from volunteering to job openings.

Doing it our way since 1998, Custom Made has employed hundreds of artists, administrators and technicians, many of whom have gone on to LORT theatres, as well as Broadway and film/television careers.

Now Hiring

 

Technical Director/Production Manager 

This is a part-time salaried, exempt position annualized at $23,660.

Production Management

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

 FINANCIAL

  • Assists in the development, preparation and control of all production budgets and the allocation of resources therein (including some facilities and artistic).
  • Realizes the visions of the producer and the director within constraints of technical capacity and financial

STAFFING AND MANAGEMENT OF ALL PRODUCTION PERSONNEL

  • Determines, hires and supervises, in consultation with the Executive Artistic Director all production staff.

SCHEDULING

  • In collaboration with Executive Artistic Director develops season schedule for all programming.
  • Develops and administers production calendars and design deadlines for each production as necessary – Creating timelines for work completion and overseeing all scheduling of required staff
  • Determines load-in, tech and strike schedules for all programming as necessary
  • Schedules all design and production meetings with creatives and stage management – leads production meetings and attends all technical and dress rehearsals
  • Schedules all offsite booking of auditions and rehearsals

DESIGN PROCESS AND ANALYSIS

  • Oversees, monitor and evaluates design process of all shows working with designers to creatively solve all technical and financial challenges
  • Guide all director/design teams through the design process to guarantee the timely completion of all designs.

PRODUCTION LIAISON

  • Facilitates clear communications throughout the production process and act as a liaison between directors, designers, stage managers, production personnel. Included but not limited to: Attending first read throughs (if possible), designer run, technical rehearsals and previews as
  • Maintains department contact information and show rosters of all production personnel
  • Ensures company compliance with all union rules when appropriate.

HUMAN RESOURCES

  • Production Manager is responsible for HR documentation for all production personnel and some artistic, including but not limited to: preparing and collecting contracts, collecting tax forms, processing and signing

 

Technical Direction 

Responsibilities

DESIGN ANALYSIS AND IMPLEMENTATION

  • Advises set, lighting and sound designers on the technical specifications, costs and usage of technical equipment required for the individual show and supervises the implementations of approved technical designs
  • Attends tech week rehearsals, in order to supervise and assist in the technical aspects of mounting the production

 

CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT

  • As a Master Carpenter – is responsible for the building of all sets, hiring labor as budgeted, supervises and assists with set and stage construction. Takes the working drawings from the Set Designer and use them to schedule the build.

    MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

    • Monitors the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, and rigging equipment; arranges for the repair and replacement within budgetary constraints
    • Keeps the stage and backstage areas organized.

    INVENTORY AND PURCHASING

    • Oversees inventory, maintenance and organization of all shop, lighting, costume and sound equipment. Performs minor repairs and preventative maintenance on facility equipment. Oversees all routine facility supply stocking as well as general facility hardware such as lamps and stage supplies.
    • Makes recommendations to Executive Artistic Director regardingcapital purchases of technical equipment

    SUPERVISION OF FACILITY USAGE

    • Orients facility renters and visiting productions as to safety, technical characteristics and other areas of facility operations; facilitates the use of the technical equipment by the resident company and others engaged by or renting the facility

    ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with representatives of various groups, vendors, co-workers and others
    • Maintains irregular and extended working hours (Night and weekend hours are ) 

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Candidate will have experience as both a Production Manager and/or Technical Director, or as a member of a Production Management / Technical Direction team with working knowledge of small, not-for-profit theatre.

    This includes but is not limited to:

    • Detailed knowledge of all production disciplines including a thorough understanding of the interaction of these disciplines during the production process
    • Ability to read a script and assess requirements in regard to staffing, budgeting and design
    • Ability to work well in group problem-solving situations
    • Negotiating and acting as mediator in artistic and technical discussions
    • Ability to manage shifting and competing priorities, exercise good judgment and discretion and maintain a positive attitude in stressful environments
    • Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and gather/analyze information skillfully
    • Experience creating, monitoring and adhering to budgets
    • Experience overseeing production calendars and schedules
    • Ability to work under pressure on many projects at once and work with people of varying experience levels
    • Excellent organization, communication, diplomatic, leadership, critical thinking, problem solving, negotiation, time management, personnel management and financial management skills

    In addition the candidate will possess computer skills; knowledge of common industry-specific software; experience reading ground plans, light plots and other theatrical specifications.

    To Apply

    Please email resume and cover letter to [email protected]; please use “General Manager” in the subject line.

    Designer/Technicians

    Custom Made is always excited to receive resumes and portfolios from local designers and technicians (stage managers, too!)  We offer a stipend in line with other small, independent theatres and hire on a show-by-show basis.

    We are currently actively looking for submissions from:

    • Stage Mangers (send resume to labrams at custommade dot org)
    • Lighting Designers (send resume to labrams at custommade dot org)
    • Scenic Designers (send resume to labrams at custommade dot org)
    • Costume Designers (send resume to labrams at custommade dot org)
    • Properties Designers (send resume to labrams at custommade dot org)

     

    Board of Directors

    Interested in helping us reach the next stage of our development?  Custom Made is always interested in hearing from prospective members of our Board of Directors who can bring their professional experience to our organization.

    Current board members range from corporate executives to veteren members of the Bay Area theatre community.

    Can you help us grow?  Contact Executive Director Leah Abrams at labrams at custommade dot org

    Volunteers

    Custom Made is always looking for volunteer help, from selling concessions at our show to helping with whatever your area of speciality is.

    Front of house volunteers get to see the show for free when they volunteer.  In exchange for arriving early (usually an hour before showtime) we ask you to help set up and then sell concessions, present a friendly face to our patrons, and then grab your seat! Volunteers should write company manager, Paul Stout,  at pstout at custommade dot org

    All other areas of volunteering, please contact Executive Director Leah Abrams at labrams at custommade dot org

    Actors

    Custom Made casts actors from all over the Bay Area.  We attend Theatre Bay Area’s general auditions, and when warranted have our own open calls and general auditions.

    We are always accepting resumes and headshots.  For consideration please email to gabrielaross at yahoo dot com

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