Assistant Company Manager

Job Description

Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Company Management

REPORTS TO: Company Manager

LOCATION: La Jolla, CA on the beautiful UC San Diego campus

CLASSIFICATION: This is a full-time, non-exempt (hourly) position, eligible for a full array of benefits including health and life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, paid time off, complimentary tickets to Playhouse performances, and more!

COMPENSATION: $20.00 to $23.00 per hour (DOE)

SCHEDULE: Weekdays with some nights, holidays and/or weekends as needed

APPLICATION MATERIALS: Cover letter and resume

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Assistant Company Manager (ACM) plays a vital role in creating a welcoming, supportive, and well-organized experience for visiting artists at La Jolla Playhouse. Acting as a key liaison between the Playhouse and guest performers - including actors, musicians, designers, and creative teams - the ACM ensures that every aspect of their stay is smooth and enjoyable. From coordinating housing and transportation to organizing memorable company events like welcome breakfasts, tech dinners, and closing night celebrations, the ACM helps foster a vibrant and inclusive artistic community. This position also mentors and guides part-time assistants and interns, making it ideal for candidates who thrive in dynamic environments and are passionate about the performing arts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Company Management:

• Act as a liaison between visiting artists and La Jolla Playhouse. Provide concierge-type service and/or serve as an information resource for all visiting artists.
• Arrange travel and housing or hotel accommodations for all visiting artists and staff.
• Schedule and provide transportation as needed.
• Safely drive company vehicles and/or company-rented vehicles, INCLUDING 15-PASSENGER VAN to transport visiting artists to and from the airport, company housing, daily rehearsals at La Jolla Playhouse, grocery stores, and other various locations.
• Support visiting artists by assisting them with filling out Accident Report Forms and Worker’s Compensation Forms. Take them to medical appointments as needed.
• Determine parking permit needs and purchase permits.
• Process check requests and expense reimbursements.
• Assist artists with shipping and receiving personal belongings.
• Maintain upkeep of La Jolla Playhouse issued vehicles such as repairs, gas refuels, oil changes, cleaning.
• Work with the Box Office to expedite and manage house seat ticket requests as well as comps and discounted tickets for visiting artists.
• Track and coordinate contractual ticket requests for all Opening Night Performances. Work closely with the Philanthropy Department on Opening Night artist tickets.
• Support and embody the mission and values of La Jolla Playhouse when collaborating with all theatre personnel, professional creative teams, staff, management and visiting artists.

Housing Operations:

• Prepare Company Housing appropriately for visiting artists, while complying with Equity (union) standards of living. This includes keeping an accurate inventory of housing contents and conducting move-in and move-out inspections.
• Manage the completion of apartment turn-arounds in a timely fashion according to the season's demands.
• Submit maintenance requests and follow up with tenant, handyperson, and vendors.
• Manage company housing inventory items and furniture.
• Anticipate and address any issues that arise out of housing concerns for visiting personnel.
• Maintain and manage effective relationships with vendors such as cleaning services, corporate/temporary housing contacts, and rental car vendors.
• Manage and pay all bills related to company housing.

Food Service/Hospitality Services:

• Plan and facilitate special events for each production including Welcome Company Breakfasts, Tech Night Dinners, and Closing Night Toasts.
• Coordinate tech meals during tech week(s). Set out menus for meals to be purchased by cast and crew during dinner break.
• Manage relationship with Playhouse Partners (volunteers) through the Company Breakfasts and Tech Dinner events for each show.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 2 years of company management, customer service, and/or hospitality experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A high degree of creativity, initiative, and resourcefulness is required. Performing Arts interest and/or experience desired.
• Ability to maintain highly confidential information and use excellent judgment on a variety of sensitive subjects.
• Ability to set priorities; handle multiple assignments and deadlines, and remain flexible to unplanned circumstances.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, flexibility and a positive and friendly disposition.
• Attention to detail is a must.
• Knowledge of AEA (Equity) contracts preferred.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Cultural Competency: An understanding of inclusive principles and practices, and the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures and backgrounds.
• Communication Competency: The ability to communicate respectfully and transparently.
• Relationship Management: Excellent social and collaborative skills with an emphasis on building and maintaining meaningful and reciprocal relationships.
• Project Execution: Strong attention to detail. Ability to manage competing priorities and follow through. Ability to productively question the status quo and engage in solution-oriented thinking.
• Time Management: The ability to efficiently manage time, effort and decision-making skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This role involves various physical tasks; accommodations are available to support individuals with disabilities.

• Frequently lifts or moves heavy items.
• Must have regular and predictable attendance.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to safely drive a 15-passenger van. In order to drive the company van, applicants must be over the age of 23, have a valid driver's license, and have a clean driving record.

ABOUT LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE:

La Jolla Playhouse is a place where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in the American theatre, from Tony Award-winning productions, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the Playhouse is currently led by Artistic Director Jessica Stone and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. The Playhouse is internationally renowned for the development of new plays and musicals, including mounting 120 world premieres, commissioning more than 70 new works, and sending 37 productions to Broadway, garnering a total of 42 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work, on and off stage. We lead with our values and encourage individuals with unique perspectives to apply. EOE