Who we are
The Production Managers’ Forum (PMF) is a resource for anyone involved in the production or technical management of theatre or live events.
It enables members connect with each other and to share ideas, information and knowledge.
Find out more about the PMF here.
Latest News
Diversity and Inclusion Forums at the Royal Opera House
Diversity & Inclusion – What does this mean for Production Managers? The PMF is delighted to be presenting two Forums on the subject of Diversity and Inclusion in Technical Theatre. Hosted by The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, our Diversity Day will be an opportunity to share and discuss experiences
The PMF Are Going to TheatreCraft 2023
The Production Managers’ Forum is really excited to be returning to TheatreCraft at the Royal Opera House on Monday 20th November 2023.
Latest Jobs
Deputy Technical Manager – Swansea Arena
Swansea Arena are looking for a Technical Theatre professional to join the team to support our programme of events consisting of live music, comedy, theatre, conferences, banquets in a 3500
Technical Manager (Performance Venues) – University of Sheffield
We have an exciting opportunity to join our dedicated team who manage and curate events, festivals and performances for both the University and city-wide audiences, as well as supporting our
Latest VIDEOS
The Dream Team Forum – Video now available
The video of our forum discussing the relationship between Production Managers and Designers is now available. Thanks to everyone who was part of our forum, and special thanks to our
September Town Hall Video
The video of our September Town Hall is now available. Many thanks to everyone who participated.
Latest CAMPAIGNS
SOLT UK Theatres
10 Principles for Safe and Inclusive Workspaces
Bullying, harassment and discrimination have no place in our industry. These principles aim to eradicate abuse and all forms of discrimination.
They can also offer a shared vision to promote and maintain a safer, more inclusive workplace environment for everyone working within theatre and performing arts.
The Reset Better Charter.
Can our industry return with a better work/life balance following the Pandemic?
The Reset Better campaign originated in conversations at PMF Town Halls on returning to a workplace that is ‘better’.
This led to the Reset Better Charter & Principles to promote a different way of working in the industry.
SiPA.
A framework for positive steps toward sustainability.
SiPA is The Sustainability in Production Alliance.
We are a community of live production professionals who share the belief that our industry must embrace sustainability to ensure its future.
#WeMakeEvents Campaign
We Make Events is a cross-industry campaign calling for urgent Government support for the live events sector.
A diverse collective of companies, organisations and freelancers from around the world campaigning behind the scenes for recognition and support for our industry.
Favourite LInks
Here are a few of our favourite links. Please give them a try, if you don’t know them already.
And contact us here if you would like to add others.
AAPTLE includes representatives of associations who work in all aspects of the theatrical and events community including more than two hundred thousand creative and production practitioners.
Their aims include establishing an Alliance that
will be an open and ever evolving community, supporting ways to connect and take action; and actively working towards making our industry a safe, inclusive and sustainable place to work,
now and in the future.
The PMF are happy to be active members of AAPTLE
The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) is a membership organisation with backstage and theatre buildings at its heart.
It aims to be the best place for theatre related training, advice and safety information
They provide:
- Codes of Practice for the Industry.
- A helpline for your technical queries.
- Ongoing training for your professional development.
- Guidance on the design and operation of venues.
FMTW is an inclusive, independent community for the 200,000+ self-employed and freelance workers from all areas of theatre, opera, dance and live performance, who make up 70% of the UK theatre workforce.
They aim to support fellow freelancers in every way they can by encouraging more transparent and inclusive conversations within the performing arts industry by listening to and articulating theatre freelancers’ needs to theatre managements, production companies, industry bodies and government.
UK Theatre is the UK’s leading theatre and performing arts membership organisation.
Their vision is to see a well-connected and well-supported theatre sector that is recognised as being at the heart of UK life, with thriving organisations, the world’s greatest creative and managerial talent and ever larger and more diverse audiences.
They promote excellence, professional development, and campaign to improve resilience and increase audiences across the sector.
Discussion Boards
In particular there is a board dedicated to COVID 19 where members discuss how can we make shows while observing social distancing, and what help is available to freelancers. Members have also posted useful documents and links.
Click the Discussion Boards link on the Members Menu
In Conversation Videos
and recorded their conversations for you to view.
Those involved so far are:
David Evans, Head of Production, National Theatre Wales, and PMF chair
Gavin Pell, founder and MD of Pirate Crew
Gary Pell, Head of Stage, National Theatre
John Young, Founder and Director of John Young Creative Industries
Sarah Hemsley-Cole Production and Event Manager
our aims
share ideas and knowledge
support and promote best practice within production and technical management
give access to up to date information, legislation and codes of practice
connect Production Managers with each other through this website, social media channels, regular forums and social events
produce a regular newsletter
advertise relevant job vacancies via this website and our social media channels
develop a Support Hub of individuals and suppliers, to provide regional support and local knowledge
provide mentorship schemes for young and aspiring Production Managers
See our Mission Statement for more details