Lead Producer

The Cortège, a pioneering outdoor theater concept debuting in 2024, is seeking a Lead Producer to hold an integral role in the show’s strategic planning, production, and launch. The Lead Producer will be central in the development, management, and delivery of The Cortège events, leading all aspects of production from initial concept to final performances.  

The Lead Producer will possess proven mastery in heading up world-class live entertainment events, while also being comfortable incinerating the rule book and forging a new path when necessary. They will leverage their proven skills in planning and orchestrating top-tier live productions, while exercising the ability to let go and listen to what the moment is calling for.

The purpose of the role is to deliver the artistic goals and financial aims developed by the Artistic Director and Executive Director in such a way that integrates, meets, and often exceeds the needs of the artists, budget, schedule. Foremost, the role requires a strong leadership presence, and an ability to breathe easily through each dimension of challenge. Together we are doing the impossible, joyfully.

The Lead Producer will set and oversee the event budget, schedule, staff, and inventories, communicating across all teams and collaborators. They will be the key liaison between the Artistic and Executive Directors and the rest of the production team, cast, and crew. They will also collaborate in scouting and securing relationships with venues, vendors, partners, and sponsors. They must possess negotiation and contractual experience and skills, and an excellent understanding of how to facilitate, collaborate, outsource, and delegate as required.

During development, work will be roughly 50% remote and 50% onsite. Future performances will require on-location and site-specific travel engagements.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work closely with the Artistic Director and Executive Director to create and deliver The Cortège live event series, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner.
• Hold oversight of the production for current and future event schedules, for all planning and delivery purposes.  
• Manage and deliver the production following the creative vision of the artistic director, in line with the budget and timescale available.   
• Work closely with the production department (in particular with the Technical Director and Stage Manager) to staff the production appropriately, while managing budgets and schedule.  
• Oversee the utilization and organization of production props and related storage spaces.
• Host regular team meetings and manage communications between team members, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Ensure clear and consistent communication with all parties involved in the production across the whole organization.
• Manage resources; identify, negotiate, and book external resources as needed. 
• Manage finances to maintain revenue and profit margins. 
• Share the responsibility for the effective management of past, present, and future production partners.  
• Negotiate and issue contracts to creative teams and performers (actors and musicians), venues, vendors, and partners as required and in collaboration with the Executive Director.   
• Work with the executive team to ensure all aspects of production are delivered in line with contractual obligations.  
• Attend internal and external meetings as required and contribute to all aspects of the operation and development of The Cortège.
• Develop contacts nationally and internationally to achieve increased awareness and to maximize artistic and business growth.  
• Confidently express POV to propel the business forward. 
• Develop talent by providing challenging assignments, training, and ongoing constructive feedback.
• Continually look for innovative solutions and production methods. 

Skills and Experience:   

• 7+ years of proven experience in developing and producing large-scale live entertainment productions. 
• Experience producing theater events alongside technical and production teams.
• Advanced experience managing large-scale production budgets. 
• Forward-thinking and excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to proactively anticipate obstacles and issues, properly communicate to appropriate parties, and create solutions on a timely basis.
• Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.   
• Advanced experience in negotiating and contracting (artists, intellectual property and co-production).  
• Experience in managing partnerships and building relationships.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.  
• Strong financial management skills.  
• Excellent IT skills.  
• A commitment to championing the creative case for diversity at every level of the organization and the proven ability to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.  
• Presence, inspiring others, and managing upwards.
• Ability to take the initiative and lead teams under pressure with composure and charm.
• Ability to complete responsibilities and duties under varying environmental conditions including in outdoor spaces with dust and uneven ground, strobing lights, low lighting, etc. 
• A cultivated sense of ease and resilience in the areas of innovation, risk,  turbulence, uncertainty, and change.
• Demonstration of self-care, self-awareness, and humor as required.

Our Ethos: 

Our team has carefully cultivated a methodology and work ethic that reflects the deeper purpose of our performances. We are in service to our greatest selves, both individually and as a collective.  These dimensions of life & work are ever-present in our shared sense of accountability, autonomy, and authenticity. 

The Cortège