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

Aug 20, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Dance Company Touring Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a dance company's touring production, from coordinating logistics and travel to managing budgets and personnel. This role is critical, as it directly affects the success of the tour. Poor management of the tour can lead to lost revenue, disappointed audiences, and a negative impact on the company's reputation.

Conversely, successful management can result in increased ticket sales, positive reviews, and a heightened awareness for the company. To ensure a successful tour, the Dance Company Touring Production Manager must possess strong organizational skills, budgeting proficiency, and the ability to manage personnel effectively.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a Dance Company Touring Production Manager is to earn a bachelors degree in theatre or dance production management or another related field. You may also consider obtaining a degree in business administration, marketing, or communications.
Gain Experience. To increase your chances of becoming a successful Dance Company Touring Production Manager, you should gain some experience in the field. Consider interning at a local theatre or dance company, working for a touring production, or volunteering to help manage a production.
Establish Professional Connections. Establishing professional relationships with people in the industry is important for securing a position as a Dance Company Touring Production Manager. Try attending networking events, joining industry organizations, and connecting with professionals online to build your network.
Get Certified. Certification is not required to become a Dance Company Touring Production Manager, but it can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Consider obtaining certifications from organizations such as the National Association of Theatre Production Managers or the International Association of Dance Production Managers.
Obtain an Entry-Level Position. To gain the necessary experience to become a Dance Company Touring Production Manager, you should search for entry-level positions in production management, such as assistant production manager or production assistant.
Apply for Positions. Once you have gained enough experience and established professional connections, you can begin applying for positions as a Dance Company Touring Production Manager. Make sure to highlight your experience and certifications on your resume and cover letter.

Staying ahead and efficient as a Touring Production Manager requires careful planning and organization. Knowing the details of the tour, from the performance and rehearsal schedule to the technical needs, is essential to having a successful production. Having a well-defined budget and timeline allows for better preparation for any unexpected problems that may arise.

keeping up with industry trends, networking and maintaining close relationships with vendors can help ensure that the tour is running smoothly and efficiently. Finally, having strong communication and problem-solving skills will help ensure that all issues are addressed in a timely manner. All of these elements combine to create an effective Touring Production Manager who is able to stay ahead and efficient.

You may want to check Dance Company Touring Database Administrator, Dance Company Touring Technician, and Dance Programmer for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee the day-to-day operations of a touring dance company, including budgeting, scheduling, travel, and lodging arrangements.
Coordinate the production aspects of all performances, including set design, lighting, audio, and costuming.
Manage the rehearsal process, ensuring that all performers are properly prepared for each performance.
Work closely with the artistic director to ensure that all productions meet the artistic vision of the company.
Negotiate contracts and fees for venues, guest artists, and other personnel related to the production.
Train and supervise the production staff, including stage managers and technical crew.
Ensure that all safety protocols are followed during the production process.
Liaise between the company and external production organizations, such as promoters, booking agents, and theatres.
Maintain accurate records of box office receipts and other financial transactions related to the production.
Monitor ticket sales and adjust promotional strategies accordingly.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong organizational skills
Knowledge of the dance industry and related touring production processes
A pro-active attitude and ability to take initiative
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of budgeting and cost analysis
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Experience with contracts, labor regulations, and insurance requirements
Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office, and other related programs
Adept at problem solving and troubleshooting
Ability to work long hours and travel extensively
Familiarity with sound and lighting equipment
Knowledge of stage management and production techniques

As a Dance Company Touring Production Manager, having strong organizational skills is essential. If a manager is able to effectively plan and coordinate the tour, it will ensure that the production runs smoothly, that deadlines are met, and that the budget is managed properly. having good communication skills is key in order to effectively communicate with dancers, crew members, vendors, and venues.

A strong relationship with vendors and venues can also be beneficial when it comes to obtaining discounts on travel costs or rental fees. Furthermore, having knowledge of the technical aspects of the performance will enable the manager to monitor the sound and lighting, as well as any potential safety issues. Finally, having an understanding of the local markets is beneficial in order to maximize ticket sales.

All of these skills are necessary in order to ensure that the tour runs smoothly and successfully.

Dance Company Touring Production Assistant, Dance Company Touring Stage Manager, and Dance Fitness Instructor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in managing tour productions for dance companies?
Describe a difficult problem you faced during a prior tour production and how you solved it.
What strategies do you use to ensure the safety and well-being of the dancers on tour?
How do you manage the budget of a tour production while still maintaining quality?
What methods do you use to successfully coordinate between the dancers, choreographers, and stage crew?
How do you ensure that all technical aspects of a production are efficiently handled?
What strategies do you use to keep the morale and motivation of the team high while on tour?
How do you handle any changes or issues which may arise during a tour production?
What methods do you use to ensure successful communication with other departments involved in the tour production?
Describe a time when you had to be very proactive in order to keep the tour production running smoothly.

Common Tools in Industry

Tour Booking Software. Allows a Dance Company Touring Production Manager to securely book venues and manage itineraries (eg: EventBooking).
Tour Accounting and Budgeting Software. Keeps track of expenses and budgets for each tour (eg: Gusto).
Tour Scheduling Software. Helps to plan and manage tour dates and locations (eg: TourScheduler).
Contract Management Software. Streamlines the process of signing, distributing, and tracking contracts (eg: DocuSign).
Performance Management Software. Monitors and records performance metrics for each tour (eg: PerformancePlus).
Ticketing Software. Manages ticket sales and distribution for events (eg: Eventbrite).
Tour Merchandise Management Software. Helps to manage inventory, orders, and fulfillment of merchandise (eg: Shopify).
Travel Management Software. Simplifies the process of arranging travel for performers and staff (eg: TripIt).
Communication and Collaboration Software. Facilitates communication between staff members and between staff and performers (eg: Slack).

Professional Organizations to Know

US Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP)
International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM)
Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM)
International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA)
International Ticketing Association (INTIX)
Society of Entertainment Industry Professionals (SEIP)
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)
Broadway League

We also have Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor, Dance Studio Floor Manager, and Dance Studio Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Touring. The process of taking a show on the road, which includes planning, booking, and executing performances at various venues throughout a tour.
Production. All of the tasks necessary for the realization of a show, including design, rehearsal, and technical elements.
Technical Direction. The coordination of the technical elements of a production, such as lighting, sound, and scenery.
Budgeting. The process of determining the financial resources necessary to produce a show.
Contract Negotiations. Working with venues and promoters to create mutually beneficial agreements for the show.
Risk Management. Identifying and minimizing potential risks associated with touring and production.
Promotion. Marketing efforts to attract audiences to the show.
Audience Development. Strategies to build a loyal and supportive audience base.
Staff Management. Including hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising tour staff.
Logistics. Coordinating travel, transportation, and housing for the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Dance Company Touring Production Manager?

The primary responsibility of a Dance Company Touring Production Manager is to oversee the technical production requirements for a dance companys touring productions, from equipment setup to logistics.

What qualifications are necessary for this role?

Qualifications necessary for a Dance Company Touring Production Manager include excellent organizational and budgeting skills, knowledge of sound and lighting equipment, and experience with event staging.

What kind of hours does this role typically involve?

The hours for a Dance Company Touring Production Manager typically involve long hours and may require overnight travel.

What is the average salary for this position?

The average salary for a Dance Company Touring Production Manager is around $50,000 per year.

What other roles might a Dance Company Touring Production Manager assume?

A Dance Company Touring Production Manager may also be responsible for coordinating rehearsals, coordinating with venue staff, and managing crew members.