Company Manager

Reporting to the General Manager, the Company Manager serves as a vital liaison among artists, staff, and guest personnel, ensuring a welcoming and efficient work environment for all company members throughout the season. A brand ambassador for People’s Light, they coordinate key logistics, foster positive relationships, and uphold the theatre’s commitment to hospitality, professionalism, and inclusivity. The successful candidate will have strong organizational and people skills, be committed to providing the highest level of hospitality and the guest experience, and have a passion for supporting mission-driven work.

About People's Light

Founded in 1974, People’s Light is a nationally recognized and award-winning LORT D theatre company located in Malvern, Pa. (Chester County), just outside Philadelphia. It is known for producing classics, contemporary plays and musicals, including an annual signature holiday “panto,” and commissioning and producing new work: over one-third of its productions in its 50-year history have been world or regional premieres. These include MUD ROW by Dominique Morisseau; PERSONALITY: THE LLOYD PRICE MUSICAL by B. Jeffrey Madoff with Lloyd Price, and LIGHTS OUT: NAT “KING” COLE by Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor.

In addition, People's Light offers a robust array of education and community programs, including the New Voices Ensemble, a multi-decade program serving young people from the City of Chester; and New Play Frontiers, a long-term initiative to develop and produce new plays that explore the American identity through stories of deep meaning to the diversity of populations rooted in Chester County.

People's Light has always called Chester County “home.” In 1979, the theatre moved to its current Malvern location, which includes two black box theatres with 330 and 140 seats respectively; offices; scenic shops; rehearsal halls; classrooms; a restored 18th-century farmhouse that includes housing for guest artists; the Fern & Fable restaurant; and The Farmhouse banquet and catering facility that can be rented for special events, and which is owned and operated as a for-profit entity.

People’s Light has an annual operating budget of $7.7M and annually employs 40 full-time staff, with an additional 60 part-time artists and staff members, many of whom live within 15 miles of campus. Each season it welcomes almost 200 guest artists from Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C., and beyond. With a resident company of artists and serving 80,000 patrons, guests, students, and community members each year, People’s Light is a community beacon and cultural hub that champions innovation, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts.

Primary Responsibilities

• As needed and requested by by the General Manager, support the preparation and processing of artist and creative contracts, and other essential documentation
• Arrange transportation, shipping, housing, occupancy, and other logistics as necessary and appropriate for guest artists
• Coordinate apartment maintenance and cleaning schedule with the Facilities team
• Oversee compliance with company cars and on-boarding artists with insurance
• Coordinate ticket and comp requests, for guest artists, collaborating with other departments as needed and appropriate
• Administer and track artist expenses; prepare payroll for guest artists as needed in collaboration with the Business Office, and coordinate payments to artists’ agents (week after closing)
• As directed by the General Manager, and in close collaboration with the Fractional Director of Human Resources, ensure union compliance, including tracking and submitting required reports
• Provide on-site support for rehearsals, performances, and special events—including some evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Act as a resource for staff and participating creatives and artists, assisting with questions and resolving issues that arise
• Support the Artistic, Marketing, and other departments as needed with the management and information-gathering of in-house casting needs
• Maintain accurate records and ensure confidentiality of personnel and financial information
• Perform other duties as assigned to support efficient theatre operations
• Support co-leadership of People’s Light facilities by the Directors of Production and Finance & Administration
• Collaborate with the Safety Committee and support or lead, as requested, Emergency Preparedness and other trainings

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in company management or related administrative/theatre operations role (internship or assistantship accepted)
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with a diverse array of artists and staff
• Familiarity with union requirements (Actors' Equity Association, SDC, etc.) preferred
• Strong attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and general office technology; experience with database or payroll systems a plus
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to upholding People's Light values of inclusion, hospitality, and respect
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required
• Ability to climb stairs and move equipment weighing up to 25lbs is required.
• Must possess a valid driver license, be able to drive a car, and be able to commute to and from People’s Light’s Malvern, Pa., campus on a regular basis, using their own transportation.

Compensation and Benefits

The Company Manager position is a full-time exempt position, with a starting annual salary of $42,000, with flexibility for exceptional candidates based on experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package including generous vacation policy and WFH flexibility.