Production Management (Application & techniques series)

Joe Aveline’s book is an in-depth guide to the role of the Production Manager, and includes real-life practical examples and ‘Aveline’s Fables’ – anecdotes of his experiences with real messages behind them.

Joe Aveline commenced his career in theatre at the Bristol Hippodrome in 1957, moving to the National Theatre season at Chichester Festival Theatre in 1964 by way of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre Company. He rejoined the National after a spell at the Theatre Royal E15 and later moved to the ICA where he became general manager. Large scale project management followed prior to his involvement in technical theatre training “to escape from behind a desk”. He has played a leading role in the development of national qualifications for stage technicians and is currently working on an inter-partner recognition project with colleagues in the European Union.

Chapters in Production Management include the Role of the Production Manager, Relating to Designers, Production Managers and Technical Crew, Production Managers and Contractors, Production Managers and Performance, Money, and Critical Path Analysis.

Simon Corder states in his Prologue: “In this book Joe shares nearly half a century of experience and teaching, and draws the conclusion that Production Management is a proper job. The Production Manager has a responsibility to his employer, to deliver product on time and on budget; to his staff and crew, to provide a safe and well organized workplace; to suppliers, to make realistic deals and fair contracts; and to the artists, to proactively work with them to relate visions and dreams, while keeping a tight grasp on all the forgoing.”

Production Management provides an essential insight into this linchpin position for anyone considering a career as a theatrical Production Manager.