WOW Festival Production and Operations Manager

DEPARTMENT: Production

LOCATION: Hybrid - Remote and onsite in beautiful La Jolla, CA (UC San Diego campus)

CLASSIFICATION: Seasonal, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

COMPENSATION: $35.00 - $38.00/hour (DOE)

REPORTS TO: Director of Production

APPLICATION MATERIALS: Cover Letter and Resume

EMPLOYMENT DATES: September 8, 2025 – June 14, 2026

About The Wow Festival

La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) Festival is a boundary-breaking celebration of immersive, site-based, and interactive art. From beaches to rooftops, WOW transforms unexpected spaces into unforgettable experiences. This four-day, free-to-attend festival brings together local, national, and international artists to reimagine storytelling and community connection.

About The Position

As the WOW Production and Operations Manager, you’ll be the logistical mastermind behind the festival’s magic. You’ll lead the planning and execution of all production and operational elements, ensuring every performance is safe, on time, and on budget. This is a hands-on, hybrid role that blends remote planning with on-the-ground action.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with WOW Festival Producers, assist in evaluating locations for WOW programming, collaborate with venue production staff, maintain functional maps to communicate venue information, and ensure the venue is used within guidelines.
• Collaborate with General Management and WOW Festival Producers on venue agreements and site permits, and prepare and submit operational paperwork as required by the venue.
• Create production and operations budgets, manage projects to approved budget, track all related expenditures, maintain an updated forecast, and communicate out.
• Oversee and manage the execution of all production and operational elements for the WOW Festival including planning, load in, festival, and load out.
• Hire, train, and lead WOW Festival Production and Operations staff.
• Schedule and lead meetings and technical conversation with WOW Artists and communicate information across departments.
• Work closely with Playhouse Production leadership to create and maintain labor plans (including IATSE and nonIATSE labor) and production schedules.
• Work closely with Playhouse Operations leadership to create and maintain operation plans and schedules.
• Negotiate and manage all production rentals including lights, sound, staging, power, etc. with vendors and create company rental agreements as needed.
• Negotiate and manage all operational rentals and services including dressing rooms, generators, parking, golf carts, restrooms, water, janitorial, parking, safety and security, and IT.
• Design, reserve, and execute all backstage and production support areas.
• Advise on technical areas of artists contracts, secure appropriate insurance, and ensure execution.
• Evaluate risk for WOW activities and ensure the festival operates in accordance with the Playhouse's and UC San Diego’s current health and safety regulations and best theater practices.
• Develop emergency preparedness procedures for WOW activities and communicate to participants.
• Oversee Festival Design development and execution, including working with the Festival Designer to achieve artistic vision, project benchmarks, and budgets.
• Attend regular WOW Task Force team meetings and site visits.
  
  

REQUIREMENTS

• 24 years of experience in theatrical or event production (or equivalent).
• Strong budgeting, scheduling, and vendor negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in GSuite, Dropbox, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and manage complex logistics.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and problemsolving skills.
• Willingness to learn and apply current health and safety practices.
• Ability to work extended hours during peak festival periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and drive LJP vehicles (includes being accepted on LJP’s vehicle insurance policy).
  
  

SCHEDULE SNAPSHOT

Regular weekday work during planning; weeknights, weekends, and overtime during load in, festival, and load out.

• SEPT 8 JAN 4: ~20 hrs/week, 40% remote
• JAN 5 APR 12: ~40 hrs/week, mostly onsite
• APR 1328: ~72 hrs/week, 100% onsite (Festival: Apr 2326)
• APR 29 JUN 14: ~20 hrs/week, hybrid