How to Be Dance Company Touring Production Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 28, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being a Touring Production Assistant for a Dance Company can be a great opportunity to see the country and work with a variety of people and organizations. As a Touring Production Assistant, the primary responsibility is to coordinate and manage the logistics for performances and tour related activities. This includes tasks such as booking transportation, scheduling rehearsals, coordinating housing and meals, and managing the budget.

the Production Assistant is responsible for providing support to performers, working with venues and outside vendors, and ensuring that all production elements are properly addressed. The success of a Dance Company's tour can depend largely on the Production Assistant's capabilities, as they must be organized, proactive, and able to think on their feet. In return for the hard work, Touring Production Assistants are able to gain valuable knowledge of the inner workings of the entertainment industry and make lasting connections with colleagues.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors degree in Dance, Music, or Theatre. Many companies look for individuals with a background in the arts.
Gain experience as a dancer or stagehand. Working as a dancer or stagehand can give you an insight into the industry and help you develop valuable skills.
Network with dance companies and tour operators. Attend events and conferences to make connections with potential employers.
Secure an internship or apprenticeship with a dance company or tour operator. This can provide you with hands-on experience in the field.
Apply for jobs as a touring production assistant. Use job boards, classifieds, or contact companies directly to find available positions.
Demonstrate your knowledge of dance, music, and theatre production techniques. Showcase your skills in these areas to stand out from other candidates.
Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in dance production and tour promotion. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and make you a valuable asset to any team.

The ability to be reliable and capable is essential for a Dance Company Touring Production Assistant. To have success in this role, it is important to have an organized and efficient approach to tasks. This means being able to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and complete them in a timely manner.

having strong communication skills is important, so that the assistant can keep in contact with other members of the production team, and ensure that all the needs of the production are met. Finally, having a good knowledge of the production itself is essential, so that the assistant can anticipate any potential problems and offer solutions. When these elements work together, they create a successful Dance Company Touring Production Assistant who is reliable and capable.

You may want to check Dance Company Director, Dance Company Touring Technician, and Dance Company Business Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Assist in the coordination and implementation of all aspects of Dance Company Touring Production.
Assist with the preparation and execution of the daily production schedule.
Monitor the production budget and ensure that all costs are within budget.
Assist with the loading and unloading of all production equipment.
Assist with setup and tear down of all production equipment.
Coordinate with venues to ensure that all necessary equipment is loaded and unloaded in a timely manner.
Assist with any necessary transportation needs for the production.
Liaise with vendors to ensure that all necessary production supplies are available at all times.
Support the Production Manager in all aspects of the production.
Provide operational support to the Dance Company staff and crew.
Monitor the technical aspects of the production, including sound, lighting, and video systems.
Troubleshoot any technical problems that may arise during the production.
Ensure that all health and safety protocols are followed during the production.
Assist with any administrative tasks related to the production, including filing, paperwork, and data entry.
Assist in the preparation of post-production reports and documentation.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent organizational and time management skills
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Familiarity with all aspects of production, including logistics, technical, and artistic
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Experience in budgeting, invoicing, and financial tracking
Ability to effectively communicate with performers, staff, and vendors
Proficient knowledge of industry-standard software and equipment
Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
Ability to troubleshoot technical issues
A valid drivers license and clean driving record

As a Touring Production Assistant for a Dance Company, the most important skill to have is excellent organizational abilities. Being able to efficiently plan and coordinate the logistics of a tour requires excellent time management, problem solving, and communication skills. It is necessary to be able to work collaboratively with a wide range of people, including dancers, choreographers, technicians, and venues.

Having strong attention to detail, flexibility, and the ability to work under pressure are also essential qualities of a successful Touring Production Assistant. the ability to troubleshoot technical issues on the fly is crucial in order to keep the show running smoothly and ensure that all aspects of the tour are managed efficiently.

Dance Fitness Instructor, Dance Company Tour Manager, and Dance Lighting Designer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What prior experience do you have working in the dance industry?
How have you managed challenging situations while working on a tour?
What kind of organizational skills do you possess to help manage tour logistics?
What do you believe are the key elements to ensure a successful tour?
Describe any experience you have working with venues, promoters, audiences, and other third parties.
Are you familiar with the booking process for tour dates?
Are you comfortable traveling for extended periods of time?
How do you handle tight deadlines and last minute changes?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage competing demands?
How would you handle a situation in which a dancer or stage manager needs to be replaced during a tour?

Common Tools in Industry

Event Planning Software. software used to plan events, such as venue rentals, ticketing, and scheduling (e. g. Eventbrite).
Tour Manager Software. software used to manage tour logistics, such as routing, lodging, and transportation (e. g. Tourmanager. io).
Financial Tracking Software. software used to track financial transactions and expenses related to the tour (e. g. Quickbooks).
Social Media Management Software. software used to manage and monitor the companys social media accounts (e. g. Hootsuite).
Ticketing Software. software used to manage ticket sales and ticketing services (e. g. Ticketmaster).
Travel Management Software. software used to manage travel arrangements and itineraries (e. g. Tripit).
Performance Evaluation Software. software used to evaluate performances, such as attendance, feedback, and ratings (e. g. Crowdfire).
Promotion and Advertising Software. software used to manage promotional campaigns and advertisement placements (e. g. AdRoll).

Professional Organizations to Know

Dance/USA
American College Dance Association
National Dance Education Organization
International Association for Dance Medicine & Science
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
Society of Dance History Scholars
United States Institute for Theatre Technology
International Council of Kinetography Laban
International Dance Council
World Dance Alliance

We also have Dance Crew Manager, Dance Company Touring Stage Manager, and Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Tour Manager A professional who is responsible for the smooth running of a dance tour, from the initial planning stages to the final performance. They oversee all aspects of the tour, from travel and accommodations to schedules and budgets.
Technical Director A person responsible for managing all technical aspects of the performance, including sound, lighting, and the set.
Company Manager Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, including administrative duties such as payroll, contracts, and marketing.
Stage Manager The professional in charge of preparing the stage for performances and managing the rehearsals and shows during a tour.
Tour Coordinator Responsible for coordinating all aspects of the tour, including travel, accommodations, and local marketing.
Lighting Designer The professional in charge of designing and creating the lighting design for a performance.
Choreographer Responsible for designing and creating the choreography for a performance.
Costume Designer The professional in charge of designing and creating costumes for a performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the general duties of a Dance Company Touring Production Assistant?

The primary duties of a Dance Company Touring Production Assistant include organizing tour logistics, managing daily operations, and coordinating with technical staff. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with rehearsal logistics, booking venues and travel arrangements, managing contracts and budgets, and ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.

What skills are necessary to be a successful Dance Company Touring Production Assistant?

To be successful in this role, Dance Company Touring Production Assistants must possess excellent organizational and communication skills. They must be able to multitask and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. Knowledge of production software, such as ProTools, is also beneficial. Additionally, they must have a basic understanding of the theatre production process and an eye for detail.

What kind of training or education is required to be a Dance Company Touring Production Assistant?

Generally, a degree in theatre production or a related field is required to become a Dance Company Touring Production Assistant. In addition, some employers may require experience in the field, such as working as a stagehand or assistant in another production. Candidates may also benefit from completing internship programs or vocational courses related to production.

How much does a Dance Company Touring Production Assistant typically earn?

The salary of a Dance Company Touring Production Assistant will vary depending on experience and geographic location. Generally, a Dance Company Touring Production Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $43,000 per year.

What is the job outlook for Dance Company Touring Production Assistants?

The job outlook for Dance Company Touring Production Assistants is expected to remain steady over the next decade. As the demand for live performances continues to grow, the need for qualified production personnel will increase as well. With the right training and experience, Dance Company Touring Production Assistants can expect to find ample job opportunities in the field.