·    Key Leadership Role 
·    Renowned for Producing Outstanding Professional Theatre 
·    Christchurch Based

Are you an experienced Production Manager with a passion for theatre and the expertise to deliver exceptional performances from planning through to stage? The Court Theatre, a leading and innovative theatre company that has just moved to its new purpose-built home in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch, is seeking a skilled and forward-thinking Production Manager to lead its production team and drive operational excellence, ensuring high-quality theatre experiences at the heart of Christchurch’s Te Whare Tapere, the Performing Arts Precinct.

To Kaitono ā Mātou | Our Client
New Zealand’s largest and longest running professional theatre company, The Court Theatre has welcomed audiences from Waitaha Canterbury and around Aotearoa since 1971 to experience the magic of live theatre, well known throughout the country for the quality and range of their productions and community engagement.

The Court Theatre is a diverse and dynamic company of around 40 permanent staff, additional casual staff, and hundreds of volunteers, along with a wealth of artists, creatives, and contractors who produce and perform around 20 productions each year as well as being the home of the Court Jesters. Over 80,000 audience members attend each year to feast on the varied offering of theatrical works, created and produced onsite. The Court fosters and nurtures the future of the performing arts in New Zealand through drama and improvised classes, holiday programmes, workshops, theatre intensives, master classes and the Ambassadors, Youth Company and Youth Crew programmes. Education and Engagement is a priority for the theatre going forward, with the organisation’s new strategic plan placing community at the heart of the organisation.

For more information, please visit: www.courttheatre.org.nz

Ngā Whakararuraru Matua | Key Responsibilities
Based in Christchurch and reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a central role in leading The Court Theatre’s production operations across all our activities, ensuring the delivery of exceptional mahi from planning through to performance. You will oversee and empower a dedicated team across stage management, workshop, costume, props, and technical functions, while managing production budgets, schedules, and resources to achieve operational excellence. You will also drive continuous improvement in production processes, manage external contractors and suppliers, and embed a strong health and safety culture across all areas. Collaborating closely with the Artistic Director, your input and leadership will foster a high-performance, positive team environment, enabling creativity to flourish and supporting The Court Theatre’s mission to inspire, engage, and connect with audiences across the region.

Ō Pukenga me Ō Wheako | Your Skills and Experience
To succeed in this role, you will be a highly credible production leader with experience overseeing theatre productions from conception through to performance. This background will enable you to navigate the complexities of production management effectively, leading multiple specialist teams while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. We are seeking a collaborative and inspiring leader who can foster a positive, high-performance culture, while empowering teams across stage management, workshop, costume, props, and technical functions.  Your strong financial acumen and exceptional organisational skills, coupled with clear and engaging communication, are essential as you manage budgets, coordinate schedules, and liaise with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in streamlining production processes, driving continuous improvement, and managing contractors and suppliers to deliver outstanding results. Equally important are commitment to embedding health and safety compliance and cultivating a culture where creativity can thrive. A recognition and capability for leading diverse and multidisciplinary teams will be vital to building trust and accountability across the organisation.  A genuine passion for theatre and the performing arts is imperative, and experience with local or national theatre networks would be highly advantageous.

Ki te Tono | To Apply
Join The Court Theatre in shaping a vibrant future for the performing arts in Christchurch and beyond.  If you are a dynamic and strategic production leader passionate about delivering exceptional theatre experiences, we invite you to submit your cover letter and CV by clicking here.  For initial confidential enquiries, please contact Kase Craig on 021 657 328.

Applications close Friday 26 September 2025