Who is responsible for negotiating fees for goods, services, and contracts in a theater production?

The production manager plays a crucial role in the logistical and financial aspects of a theater production, which includes negotiating fees for goods, services, and contracts. This individual is responsible for overseeing the budget and ensuring that the production stays within financial constraints, making them pivotal in the negotiation process with vendors, suppliers, and contract holders. The production manager ensures that all necessary resources are procured at a fair price, which directly impacts the overall success and efficiency of the production.

In contrast, the stage manager ordinarily focuses on the day-to-day operations during rehearsals and performances, ensuring that the show runs smoothly, while the technical director handles the technical elements, such as sound and lighting, without necessarily negotiating contracts. The director of photography, more relevant to film or video production, is not typically involved in theater, where the visual aspect is managed differently. This delineation of roles highlights why the production manager is the key figure responsible for negotiating fees in theater productions.