About Us

At Walton Arts Center/Walmart AMP, we strive to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on bringing the best Arts and Entertainment to our audiences in Northwest Arkansas, and we know our organization runs on the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees.

Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP aspire to be welcoming spaces where people can be their authentic selves. To truly embody our mission, we recognize the importance of reflecting the diversity of our community on our stages, in our audiences and within our workforce, volunteers and Board.  

Our organization is committed to creating a welcoming environment, guided by our core values: Relevance; Inclusivity; Sustainability; Excellence. Walton Arts Center/Walmart AMP is focused on promoting fairness and recognizes the value of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. We believe these elements enhance the strength, creativity, and success of our team and the communities we serve.

Walton Arts Center Inc. operates two campuses: a 1,200-seat proscenium theatre and 269-seat black box in Fayetteville and an 11,000-capacity outdoor Amphitheatre known as the Walmart AMP in Rogers, AR. Walton Arts Center has been Arkansas’ premier performing arts center for over 30 years and Walmart AMP has consistently been one of Billboard's top-rated amphitheaters producing 30 plus concerts per season.

Located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, NWA (as the locals refer to it) includes Benton, Washington and Madison counties, with five cities: Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale and Siloam Springs. The economic opportunity is unparalleled, but so is the lifestyle — see: 400-plus miles of mountain biking trails and paved pathways, a thriving arts community complete with world-class performing arts center and museums, a legitimate beer and food scene, and live music to enjoy. Best of all, it’s a place where everyone is welcome 

Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Production is responsible for ensuring the proper planning and execution of logistical and technical details of each event as communicated to them by the artist’s representatives or the rental client. The Production Manager will carry a portfolio of events as assigned to them by the Senior Director of Production & Operations, for which they will be responsible for all the above. In addition, the Assistant Director of Production is a visible lead member of the Production staff on day of show and oversees proper safety policy is followed by the crews on stage. Supervision of Production support staff (including Production Assistants, Crew Chiefs, Stagehands, Artist Service staff and/or Production Interns) and oversight of equipment inventory and maintenance are additional responsibilities of the position.  

Principal Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Coordinate with Senior Director of Production & Operations and members of the visiting tour production team to advance shows including logistics, technical requirements, personnel, equipment needs and timetables necessary for each production. Communicate this information in a timely manner across all necessary departments.
• Timely creation of CADD files for seating maps and event layouts, in conjunction with Box Office and Event Management personnel.
• Serve as onsite and visible lead production team member and safety supervisor on deck.
• Cooperate in the planning and organizing of production strikes, pre-hangs and return or storage of all technical equipment.
• Recommend, plan and oversee/execute maintenance, repair and replacement for stage systems including audio, lighting, video, rigging, fly, soft goods, etc. as well as other A/V assets venue wide.
• Assist in the creation of, and adherence to production, operating and capital budgets.
• Communicate effectively across all functional departments, specifically security, front of house, operations, food and beverage, housekeeping, and facility engineer.
• Reconcile expenses, both show-related and general operating, and provide documentation including monthly credit card reports.
• Hire, train, and supervise production team members including Lead Technicians, Production Assistants, Crew Chiefs, Artist Services Personnel, Production Interns, and others as assigned.
• Be a reliable and conscientious team member.
• Perform related duties as assigned by Senior Director of Production & Operations, or other WAC/AMP Senior Management.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Ensure orderly maintenance of stage and backstage areas.
• Order equipment and supplies for production and operational needs.
• Represent Walton Arts Center / Walmart AMP at both on and off-site events, as requested.
• Maintain professional working relationships with teammates, fellow staff members from other departments, vendors, patrons, and tenants of leased spaces.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor 
• Maintain security and safety requirements as defined by operations guidelines. 
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures

Minimum Qualifications

The intellectual/social, physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education, Training, Traits

• Bachelor’s degree in Production Management or Technical Theater preferred. Equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Highly proficient in the use of computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) software, Vectorworks Spotlight preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to exercise decisive, proper action and attitude while handling incidents and demands of a fast-paced entertainment environment.
• Strong logistics and management experience.
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
• Proven leadership and team building skills.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with flexible long work hours including nights and weekends.
• General knowledge of ANSI standards and OSHA regulations related to live event production.
• General knowledge of local fire codes associated with crowd management and egress.
• General knowledge of and ability to read blueprints, line drawings and floorplans.
• High degree of experience with stage lighting, audio, and/or LED video systems.
• Fully versed in the set-up and operation of Amphitheater/Road-House stage systems to include platforming, fly rigging, basic chain motor/truss rigging, soft goods, and maintenance.
• Basic construction, tools and machinery skills and maintenance.
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. 
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

Work Experience

• Minimum 2 – 5 years Show Production and/or Technical Theatre experience is required.
• Minimum 2 – 5 years of experience working at an Amphitheater, Arena, Roadhouse, other type of show venue is preferred.
• Minimum 1 – 3 years of stage crew supervisory experience is preferred.

Physical Demands

• Frequently stand and walk for extended periods on concrete, grass, uneven terrain, and inclined surfaces. 
• Frequently bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach overhead, climb ladders, and ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs throughout the workday. 
• Walk throughout the venue, including on slopes of approximately 15 degrees, while carrying tools, equipment, or materials. 
• Lift, carry, push, and pull tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• Use hands and fingers to safely operate tools, equipment, controls, and machinery requiring manual dexterity. 
• Communicate effectively in person and by telephone or radio, including the ability to hear and speak clearly. 
• Possess close vision and visual acuity necessary to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair facility systems. 
• Remain physically capable of responding to emergency situations throughout the venue. 

Work Environment

Work is performed in office areas, backstage spaces, mechanical rooms, venue grounds, and other indoor and outdoor locations throughout Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP. The position regularly requires work in an active concert and event environment, including exposure to loud music, production lighting, pyrotechnics, theatrical effects, large crowds, and moving equipment. Employees may also be exposed to varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, humidity, rain, and other seasonal conditions, as well as potentially hazardous chemicals and cleaning solutions. This position requires a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, holidays, on call availability to support facility operations and emergency response, and extended shifts of up to 12 hours during concerts, festivals, and other special events.