Associate/Assistant Producers for Performa 2025

Performa is currently recruiting Associate/Assistant Producers and freelance creatives for the Performa 2025 Biennial. We are seeking multiple people with a range of production skills to join the Performa team of curators and producers to realize 20-30 live performances, classes and special events of every description.  We are seeking freelancing candidates who have strong New York City networks and at least 4 years of work experience as cultural producers.  All candidates must enjoy intense collaboration, creative problem-solving and the process of producing live work at the highest standard possible in sometimes challenging circumstances. The Performa 2025 Biennial will run from November 1-23, 2025, and contracts will be offered for various durations throughout 2025. 

We are in search of unique candidates with who will bring added value to a producing role in addition to experience with any of the following; theater production, exhibition fabrication and installation, lighting design and engineering, sound design and engineering, audio production and recording, video production and broadcasting, special event and food production, parade and public event production, carpentry and welding, show-running and stage managing, costume design and styling, construction and demolition, contracts and insurance, theatrical rigging and scenic design, media and film production, art work fabrication and transportation and/or casting and performer management – including children and potentially (but rarely) animals.   

Reporting to the Executive Producer, and working closely with Performa’s curatorial team, Performa is seeking producers to manage production logistics and execution of all programming for the Performa 2025 Biennial and other Performa programs. 

Responsibilities: 

• Liaise with artists, venues, crews, vendors and performance casts while coordinating logistics, production needs, scheduling and staffing. 
• Onsite project management to ensure successful load-ins/loadouts, installations/de-installations, and public performances 
• Develop and manage rehearsal and performance schedules and production plan 
• Oversee venue research, location scouting, and negotiations. 
• Execute contracts for performers and vendors 
• Oversee production-related technical support  
• Build technical packages, solicit quotes and contract equipment rentals; 
• Establish production and run-of-show schedules and run production meetings; 
• Ensure projects stay on track and within budget; 
• Recruit and manage freelance production staff and outside contractors; 
• Secure all necessary permits and COIs for locations, vendors, and partners. 

Requirements: 

At least 4+ years of production management experience in a theater, music venue, performing arts organization, museum, or equivalent with an interest and background in live performance and events planning. You must have excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills and function well under pressure. We expect you to be self-motivated, patient, and collaborative in spirit. Ideally, you have a flexible schedule as evening and weekend hours during the Biennial are required. We are seeking candidates with an understanding of the international landscape of museums, cultural organizations, biennials, festivals, galleries, and art fairs. We require people with a working knowledge of NYC venues, fabricators and equipment houses.  

Salary range $200-$300 per day. 

Please send cover letter and resume the attention of Esa Nickle to [email protected] with 2025 Producers in the subject line. Performa is an Equal Opportunity Employer.