Franklin, Production Manager at Hamilton the Musical/Hudson Theatrical Associates: Advize Career Interview
A career in theatrical production management, as exemplified by a Production Manager at Hamilton, offers a dynamic and rewarding path.
A dual degree in production and politics, coupled with internships at the Broadway League and Public Theater, formed a strong foundation.
This individual progressed through various roles at Hudson Theatrical Associates and Hudson Scenic Studios, culminating in a lead production management position overseeing Broadway shows, national tours, and international productions.
The work demands a blend of technical skills in rigging, lighting, and sound, and leadership abilities, requiring continuous learning and collaboration with creative and management teams.
The most fulfilling aspect is bringing visionary stories to life globally, though navigating conflicting artistic and financial goals presents a key challenge.
Entry-level positions include production assistant roles, stage management PAs, and crew positions, all offering valuable experience and networking opportunities.
Success hinges on a strong work ethic, passion for the art form, and a commitment to delivering the best product for each client.
The interviewee's journey emphasizes the importance of experimentation, skill development, strategic financial planning, and consistent networking in achieving a fulfilling career in the entertainment industry.
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Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
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Traits
Franklin Swann
Production Manager
Hamilton the Musical/Hudson Theatrical Associates
NYU/Tisch School of the Arts - 2015
UCLA Anderson School of Management
Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans
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Career Path Of A Production Manager At Hamilton And Hudson Theatricals
Franklin's career path began with a dual degree in production and design and politics from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, enhanced by internships at the Broadway League and the Public Theater. After a "dream job" as a stage management production assistant at Hamilton, the interviewee progressed through various roles at Hudson Theatrical Associates and Hudson Scenic Studios, eventually becoming a lead production manager overseeing a diverse portfolio of projects including Broadway shows, national tours, and international productions.
Main Responsibilities of a Production Manager at Hudson Theatrical Associates
Franklin, a Production Manager at Hamilton, oversees all technical aspects, from initial budgeting and design collaboration to "award[ing] the show to various...shops," crew hiring, and logistics. This includes managing the technical build and operation of Broadway shows and tours, ensuring "the show must go on" across diverse venues, including theme parks.
A Day In The Life Of A Production Manager At Hamilton The Musical
Franklin's role as Production Manager at Hamilton features "no typical day," instead offering a dynamic mix of office work involving budgeting and technical drawings, hands-on involvement in scene shop visits and venue surveys, and ultimately, collaboration with creative teams during the exciting implementation phase. This variety showcases the wide range of skills needed and the engaging nature of the position.
Most Important Skills for a Production Manager at Hamilton the Musical
Franklin, a Production Manager, emphasizes a crucial combination of "hard skills" and "soft skills" for success. The role necessitates "cross functional leadership" alongside a deep understanding of theatrical "rigging, Lighting and Sound," requiring continuous learning throughout one's career progression.
Favorite Parts of Being a Production Manager at Hamilton the Musical
Franklin, a Production Manager at Hamilton, most enjoys collaborating with "the best of the best" in the arts, finding fulfillment in helping "Visionary storytellers...bring their Visions to life" and sharing those stories globally. The passionate, collaborative environment makes the work feel less like a job and more like a rewarding experience.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Production Manager at Hamilton the Musical
Franklin's biggest challenge as Production Manager is navigating the inherent conflicts arising from "working with so many different people" and balancing "artistic vision" with "financial or technical goals" on each new project. Mastering this delicate balance, built on mutual respect and strong relationships with "creative teams and general management teams," is key to success in their demanding role.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Theatrical Production As A Production Manager
Franklin, a Production Manager at Hamilton, finds the most rewarding aspect of the entertainment industry to be the creation of a "tangible product that both in the process of making and the end user get to enjoy," despite long hours and stress. This "rewarding nature," he explains, is unmatched by other career paths, making the challenges worthwhile.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Theater Industry, According to a Production Manager at Hamilton the Musical
Franklin, a Production Manager, emphasizes a strong work ethic, "putting in your dues," and adaptability as crucial for success in the entertainment industry, navigating both financial and creative aspects. A passion for the art form is paramount, as "we look for that passion first," believing skills can be taught, but enthusiasm is irreplaceable.
What a Production Manager at Hamilton wishes they had known before entering the Theater industry
Franklin, a Production Manager, wishes they had known earlier that their current career path was "a viable career path," emphasizing the importance of researching industry roles and networking; reaching out to professionals whose jobs intrigue them, as this is how they discovered their own fulfilling career.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Production Managers
Entry-level positions in entertainment, according to Franklin, a Production Manager at Hamilton, include "production assistant to a production manager," stage management PAs, and general/company management internships or office PAs. Alternatively, "entry-level kind of crew person" roles offer valuable experience, allowing individuals to "meet a lot of people and start to find where maybe you would want to specialize," eventually leading to well-paying positions with benefits.
Significant Career Lesson From a Production Manager at Hamilton The Musical
Franklin's mentor instilled the crucial lesson that success hinges on consistently delivering "the best product" for each client, regardless of past achievements. This philosophy, "we were only as good as our last project," shapes not only Franklin's professional approach at Hamilton and Hudson Theatrical Associates but also their personal life, emphasizing continuous effort and the potential of small actions to create significant progress.
College Experiences That Helped a Production Manager at Hamilton Succeed
To achieve career success, Franklin suggests undergraduates "experiment with different roles and learn skills," actively seeking leadership positions in arts-related activities and developing a well-rounded skillset through design courses and community involvement. This approach, combined with networking and leveraging student status to connect with professionals, proved invaluable in Franklin's journey to becoming a Production Manager.
How Identity Has Influenced a Production Manager at Hamilton the Musical's Career
Facing significant student loan debt pursuing a career in the arts, Franklin adopted a risk-mitigation strategy, including a double major and consistent employment throughout college, "being very careful budgeting" and strategically navigating career advancement. This careful planning, combined with building professional allies and advocating for oneself, allowed for a successful career trajectory despite the initial financial challenges.
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