The Production Coordinator will support the Production Manager and wider Programs and Operations teams in the planning, technical delivery, and execution of the Sydney Fringe Festival.
This role requires a highly organised and proactive individual with strong communication skills, a passion for the arts, and a commitment to supporting artists and the presentation of new work. Working within a fast-paced festival environment, the role will contribute to the delivery of Sydney Fringe Hub programming from a technical production perspective across multiple venues and performance contexts.
Working closely with the Production Manager, the Production Coordinator will assist with venue builds, technical planning, equipment preparation, and live event delivery. Responsibilities may include assessing artist technical requirements, assisting with venue fit-outs, bump ins and bump outs, rigging and installation of production equipment, and troubleshooting technical issues as they arise. They will also assist in pre‐festival in the preparation of event management plans and risk assessments and with casual staff management and volunteers.
This role would suit someone with hands‐on experience in live theatre, technical production, or stage management who enjoys practical work and is excited by the variety and pace of a festival environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Production Planning & Event Delivery
* Assist in the development of Event Management Plans, Production Schedules using Prepared software, and Risk Assessments for festival events and activations.
* Support the technical planning of Sydney Fringe Hub programming, including venue fit-outs, equipment preparation, packing list, suppliers and production logistics.
* Undertake additional reasonable duties as directed by the Production Manager.
* Assist with the recruitment and coordination of the festival's volunteer workforce.
* Coordinate volunteer rostering and scheduling to ensure adequate coverage across festival venues and events in collaboration with the Operations Manager
* Organise and facilitate volunteer inductions, ensuring volunteers are appropriately onboarded and informed prior to the festival in collaboration with the Operations Manager
* Maintain accurate volunteer records and provide administrative support to the volunteer program where required.
3. Venue Operations & Event Management
* Oversee venue operations and support the smooth delivery of festival performances and events during assigned shifts.
* Assess artist technical riders and production requirements, providing advice and practical solutions to support successful event delivery.
* Assist with the installation, rigging, setup, operation, and pack down of lighting, audio, staging, and technical equipment across festival venues.
* Support bump in and bump out processes, ensuring venues and technical systems are operational and production‐ready.
* Assist with basic programming and operation of lighting, audio, and show control systems where required.
* Monitor event schedules and ensure performances commence and run according to schedule.
* Supervise front‐of‐house volunteers, technical operators, bar staff, and other event personnel where applicable.
* Liaise with producers, venue partners, contractors, and other stakeholders to support successful event delivery.
* Represent Sydney Fringe professionally when engaging with artists, audiences, stakeholders, and the public.
* Deliver exceptional customer service and foster a welcoming environment for patrons, artists, crew, VIPs, and festival participants.
* Support stocktakes and inventory management for festival storage facilities, including preparation and organisation of venue kits and equipment.
* Complete daily operational checklists and stocktakes, reporting damaged, missing, or depleted items as required.
* Maintain clear communication with Festival staff and provide operational reports, updates, and data where required.
6. Compliance & Safety
* Ensure all activities comply with relevant legislation, workplace health and safety requirements, and Festival policies and procedures.
* Support the implementation of risk management processes and safe work practices across festival operations.
KEY SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
* Demonstrated experience in the technical production and operation of entertainment venues, festivals, and/or theatre environments.
* Demonstrated knowledge and experience in compliance, risk management, and operational safety procedures
* Experience implementing Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) policies and contributing to emergency response planning and procedures
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, and support staff and volunteers
* Strong initiative and collaborative problem‐solving skills, with the ability to remain calm and efficient in fast‐paced environments
* Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation, including attendance tracking, show reports, incident reports, and operational updates
* Demonstrated respect for the contribution volunteers make to the not‐for‐profit sector and the operation of Sydney Fringe Festival
* Values and work ethic aligned with the goals, culture, and philosophy of Sydney Fringe Festival
* Current First Aid Certification, or willingness to obtain prior to commencement
* Current NSW Working with Children Check, or willingness to obtain if required
* Current Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certification, or willingness to obtain if required
* Values consistent with the goals and philosophy of Sydney Fringe.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
* At least 3 years' relevant experience in technical production, at an independent level or within a festival context.
* Demonstrated experience working with artists to produce arts projects.
* Demonstrated experience in cultivating positive relationships with venues and artists to create mutual value.
* A well‐developed contact base with established venue and vendor relationships in the local and wider arts sector.
* Preferred: experience with Prepared, Eventotron, and/or Microsoft 365.
DIVERSITY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Sydney Fringe is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, people of all ages, genders and sexual orientations.
All applicants will be considered on the basis of merit, qualifications, and the ability to carry out the responsibilities of the role, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or marital status.
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