VP, Production (Theatrical Stage Production)

Vice President Production Operations

Disney Theatrical Group

It’s the magic of immersing yourself in a motion picture masterpiece, or a new track from your favorite band, or the spectacle of a live Broadway show. It’s hard to define and even harder to create, but that’s what we do at The Walt Disney Studios. Ours is a culture of innovation, inclusion, collaboration and creativity. Stories shape how we see ourselves and everyone around us. As storytellers, we have the power to not only uplift and inspire, but also to champion the spectrum of voices in our world. If you want to help tell compelling, diverse and enduring stories through movies, music or live theater, then we want to hear from you.

The Vice President, Production Operations will oversee and manage all production aspects for both new productions and those already running, as well as be on the front line of supporting our Company Managers/General Managers and Department Heads, alongside Human Resources, Employee Relations, and Labor Relations, as they manage a large and multi-departmental workforce.

A successful candidate will demonstrate skill and experience in real world production leadership roles. They will come to the role with a passion for creative problem solving and strategic thinking and be able to show demonstrated experience as a leader of large teams in high pressure situations. They will possess a confident, professional and persuasive communication style with senior leaders and team members. Production experience outside of the US is valuable to this role.

The VP, Production Operations reports to the EVP, Producing and Development and has a key and important partnership with the EVP.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage heads of General Management and Technical Production departments.
• Lead multiple departments in navigating complicated and competing production schedules to ensure all projects are delivered on time and on budget.
• Oversee Production process from green light thru to Opening and into day to day running mode. This includes strategic resource management for global production activities, budgeting, scheduling, design/build execution, vendor management and interaction with venue.
• Be accountable to both EVP, Producing and Development and VP of Finance on all financial aspects of production and operations.
• Partner closely with Domestic Touring, International and Sales/Marketing teams on the execution and ongoing running of DTG’s shows with a focus on efficiency and profitability.
• Understand and be on top of industry labor challenges in partnership and support of Director of Labor Relations.
• Provide support and leadership to Director of Production on all aspects of Safety and Risk Management.
• Drive financial efficiency and improve internal systems by evaluating operating expenses and show systems across shows to improve profitability and efficiency.
• Build key relationships within the industry with important vendors and partners in production systems.
• DTG is committed to providing the highest quality opportunities for the widest, most diverse group of talented professionals throughout their career trajectory. A successful candidate will inspire and communicate with diverse groups with highly varied backgrounds.

Additional areas that fall under the VP’s purview include:

Support and partnership with a team of General Managers with oversight for all shows including budgeting, negotiation and deal execution, and HR / ER and Labor Relations responsibilities.

Physical production aspects including bidding and budgeting of physical aspects, production schedule planning, as well as evaluating show or show element ideas and approaches for R&D, and strategic labor management.

This role does not have direct creative responsibilities but will have to closely work with both Producing and Creative Development in the launch and ongoing maintenance of DTG’s productions.

Basic Qualifications:

• 10 or more years proven experience in a wide variety of commercial theatrical production, with a very strong understanding of technical production and process.
• Proven experience successfully leading teams and navigating complicated production challenges.
• Proven success working in a professional theatrical environment, with particular focus on strong interpersonal and excellent communication skills.
• Proven communication skills with ability to influence effectively with all levels in the organization.
• Demonstrated success handling multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated aptitude for driving work in a dynamic, fast-paced and challenging work environment.
• High self-motivation to pursue and overcome opportunities/challenges.
• Willingness to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally, and while in production, the flexibility to work off-hours and weekends.
• Proven success working outside of the USA and ability to integrate TWDC standards in a way that is respectful and uplifts gifts and values of whatever country we are working in.

Additional Information: DTG is committed to providing the highest quality opportunities for the widest, most diverse group of talented professionals throughout their career trajectory. We encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds are currently underrepresented in the field of theater, inclusive of race, ethnicity, class, gender identity or expression, disability status, and sexual orientation.

The hiring range for this position in New York is $208,700.00-$270,000.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

About Disney Theatrical Group:

Disney Theatrical Group, a division of The Walt Disney Studios, was formed in 1994 and operates under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and Thomas Schumacher. Worldwide, its ten Broadway titles, including the current Broadway productions of The Lion King and Aladdin, have been seen by more than 200 million theatregoers and have been nominated for 62 Tony® Awards, winning Broadway’s highest honor 20 times. Disney Theatrical Group also delivers live shows globally through its license to Feld Entertainment, producer of Disney on Ice. In addition, DTG licenses musical titles for local, school and community theatre productions through Music Theatre International, resulting in over 500,000 performances around the world reaching audiences of more than 150 million.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Buena Vista Theatrical Group Ltd. , which is part of a business we call Disney Theatrical Group .

Buena Vista Theatrical Group Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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