Rental Supervisor/Assistant Production Manager: Department of Theatre - UTK

The Rental Supervisor/Assistant Production Manager serves as the primary coordinator and supervisor for the use of Department of Theatre and Clarence Brown Theatre Company facilities by student organizations, university departments, and external community users. This position oversees facility rentals and event operations, including scheduling, contract administration, staffing, technical coordination, and customer service. In addition, the position serves as the primary support to the Production Manager in the planning, coordination, and execution of the technical and operational requirements necessary to produce theatrical productions and special events. 

Supporting both the Department of Theatre's academic mission and the Clarence Brown Theatre Company's professional production activities, the position assists with production operations, facility management, personnel supervision, safety compliance, and event execution. Working under the general supervision of the Production Manager, the Rental Supervisor/Assistant Production Manager exercises considerable independent judgment and requires strong management, organizational, technical, supervisory, customer service, and problem-solving skills.

Facility Rental & Event Management

• Serves as the primary point of contact for all external users seeking access to Clarence Brown Theatre Company and Department of Theatre facilities, including the Clarence Brown Theatre, Jenny Boyd Theatre, Lab Theatre, and departmental rehearsal spaces.
• Oversees the scheduling, coordination, and use of all rental spaces. Manages the technical and logistical requirements of each event from initial inquiry through event completion, establishing timelines, priorities, and operational plans to ensure successful execution.
• Prepares and administers all Facilities Use Agreements, including event dates, technical requirements and riders, fee estimates, contractual terms, and required approvals and signatures.
• Coordinates rental activities with the Production Manager, shop supervisors, box office staff, house management, and other relevant personnel to ensure appropriate staffing, resources, and support for each event.
• Serves as the on-site Rental Supervisor for events, overseeing venue preparation, ensuring compliance with facility policies and proper use of equipment, providing event support as needed, and coordinating post-event restoration of the space.
• Maintains and verifies rental client records and billing information for all events. Works closely with the Business Manager to address invoicing and payment issues, implement rental fee structures, and ensure compliance with departmental financial policies and procedures.

Personnel Supervision & Student Development

• Recruits, hires, trains, schedules, and supervises all temporary and part-time personnel required to support rental events and facility operations.
• Maintains accurate payroll and labor records for rental staff, including the preparation and submission of timesheets. Tracks labor costs associated with rental events and incorporates staffing expenses into rental estimates and final billing.
• Provides instruction, supervision, and mentorship to student crew members, fostering the development of technical skills, professional work habits, and industry best practices.
• May provide instruction, supervision, and mentorship to student stage managers, supporting their development in production management, communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Production Management & Operations Support

• Assists the Production Manager in the daily operations of both the Department of Theatre and the Clarence Brown Theatre Company. Responsibilities include maintaining production and departmental calendars; preparing and maintaining production documentation; recording and distributing production meeting notes; purchasing supplies and equipment; coordinating facility and production maintenance; maintaining production postings and communication systems; overseeing vehicle maintenance; supporting auditions and special events; and performing other duties as assigned.

• In collaboration with the Production Manager and Front of House staff, assists in preparing and maintaining performance, rehearsal, and event spaces for productions, rehearsals, auditions, classes, departmental activities, and special events.

• Provides operational and technical support to all production areas as needed, including scenery, properties, costumes, lighting, sound, and media, to ensure the successful execution of productions and events.

• May serve in a lead technical role on productions when required by the scale, complexity, or safety needs of a project, providing supervision and coordination of production personnel and activities.

• Serves as an integral member of the production leadership team, collaborating with faculty, staff, students, guest artists, and production personnel to support the artistic, educational, and operational goals of the Department of Theatre and the Clarence Brown Theatre Company.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED

• Experience: 2-4 years of theatrical experience with familiarity of technical/production management.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of theatrical production practices, and event production. 

  • Knowledge of facility operations, event management, and venue scheduling procedures within an academic and/or professional performing arts environment.
  • Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple projects, events, and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Skill in supervising, training, and coordinating the work of temporary staff, student employees, volunteers, and production personnel.
  • Skill in customer service and relationship management with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to analyze operational needs, identify problems, and develop practical solutions in support of productions, events, and facility operations.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies while maintaining professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
  • Ability to interpret and implement policies, procedures, contracts, and technical requirements related to productions and facility rentals.
  • Ability to provide mentorship and guidance to students in support of their artistic, technical, and professional development.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Theatre preferred OR equivalent training and/or experience)

• Experience: 3-5 years of theatrical experience particularly within a professional theatre company.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Strong theater technology skills - ability to run a light board, hang lights, run a sound board, run cable, use standard scene shop tools. 

  • Stage Management skills. 

  • Ability to create rental agreements and possess general financial knowledge.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

• Onsite 

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR07
• Anticipated hiring range: $40,000 – $44,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The Department

The mission of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Department of Theatre and the Clarence Brown Theatre Company is to educate artist, scholars, and creative citizens through rigorous undergraduate and graduate training fully integrated with the work of a professional theatre residence.  Together, we combine academic study, creative research, and hands-on professional practice to prepare students for meaningful lives and careers grounded in artistic excellence, ethical responsibility, and broad access to opportunity.