The performing arts producer acts as an entrepreneur. They design, organize and finance theater, dance, music, circus shows, etc. They are responsible for all aspects of producing a show, from artistic creation to distribution, including administrative and financial management.
What is the role of a performing arts producer?
The performing arts producer is the great organizer of production, that is, of all the activities needed for staging a show. Depending on the type of organization they work in, they are either a salaried director (public sector) or an investor-entrepreneur (private sector). They are responsible for every stage, from developing the artistic project to selling tickets.
What Are the Missions of a Performing Arts Producer?
The performing arts producer has a role that is at once technical, artistic and financial. They are present at each of the different stages of producing a show:
The artistic project development stage
Their role is to spot artistic talent and select show projects. They work with artists and directors to develop projects. Alongside these activities they look for funding.
Building the production team
The producer recruits and manages the production team made up of many trades and specialties: stage managers, technicians, press officers, communications and/or administration officers, etc.
Production
The producer coordinates the different activities of the show’s production with the support of the team members with whom they share the tasks. For example: managing venue rentals, scheduling rehearsals, making sets and costumes, but also organizing communication around the show.
Distribution
The producer sets up or delegates to a distribution officer or a distribution agency the show’s distribution strategy: partnerships, associated events, ticket sales channel, as well as venues and performance spaces. They may also call on a tour manager or a booking agency.
Administrative and financial management
The producer’s generally most important activity is financial: they draw up budgets, negotiate and write contracts, handle accounting and the management of copyright. As an entrepreneur, they put their company at stake in the success of the performing arts production, so they must imperatively and constantly ensure the project’s financial balance at the very least, but above all generate a profit margin.
What Qualities and Skills Does It Take to Be a Producer?
To get started in performing arts production, you need a well-rounded profile and a real entrepreneurial streak. It is a profession that demands total commitment and takes an enormous amount of time.
- Ability to take risks and to assess them
- Sense of responsibility
- In-depth knowledge of contracts and of financial and legal management
- In-depth knowledge of distribution channels and their players
- Knowledge and experience of performing arts
- Reliable professional networks for recruiting teams and also for seeking funding
- Communication, accounting and management skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Leadership and credibility in the performing arts world
- Flexibility and almost total availability
Where to work as a performing arts producer?
The role of producer is an entrepreneurial role that, in fact, cannot be salaried, since a producer’s compensation is tied to the success of their show. However, it is possible to work as a salaried production director, but also as a production, distribution or programming officer.
These positions are found in specialized agencies and cultural venues, but also in:
- performance venues,
- festivals,
- production groups and labels,
- show and entertainment production companies
- national conservatories of music and theater
- amusement parks featuring shows
How Much Does a Performing Arts Producer Earn?
The pay of a performing arts producer depends on the sector in which they work. In audiovisual production, the salary scale provides for gross pay of 993 euros per week for 39 hours of work. In film production, this amount is 1,464 euros gross per week for 42 hours. These salaries may vary depending on the projects, the responsibilities assumed, and the employer. (Source: Onisep.fr – Job profile: Production Manager – Accessed 05/22/2025.)
How to Become a Performing Arts Producer?
Becoming a producer of performing arts becomes possible once you have been in the performing arts sector for some time and know all its workings well. It is common to partner with other producers in order to combine each one’s strengths and financial resources.
Producers and production directors first started out in other performing arts professions and in project management, or as production, distribution, or programming officers.
Specific training is necessary and required: from Bac+3 to Bac+5 depending on the position.
IESA Master in Performing Arts Production and Distribution Program
IESA is the leading higher education school for the world of performance and the arts. Among its programs it offers a master in performing arts production and distribution open to Bac+3 holders. This Master can be completed as work-study to allow the student to benefit from an immersive experience in their professional environment.