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Stagecraft & Strategy: The Production Manager's Role in Theatre

Allison Bjerkseth, Production Manager & Facilities Manager, Costume Designer, November 25, 2025 

We interviewed The Grove Theatre’s own Allison Bjerkseth to gain insights into the role of Production and Facilities Managers in the theatre.

Ironically, it was 5 years to the day, November 25, 2020, that Allison first visited the theatre site with Tim Wisener. Jokingly, she said Tim built the theatre for her but in reality friends had recommended her to Tim. The picture she shared to commemorate that visit showed the site in its early stage of construction.

Allison explained that although the roles and responsibilities of Production and Facilities Managers are similar across the industry, the journey to becoming a professional can vary. 

Allison began preparing for her career at a young age. Her high school in Pickering had a stellar theatre arts program where she was actively involved in school musicals and the school choir. An inspiring teacher became her mentor. By the time she graduated from high school, she had produced and performed her own one-person show, managing all aspects of the production herself, which provided her with insight into all the roles, not just those of an actor. She emphasized how fortunate she was to have attended a high school where the arts were equally as important as academic and sports programs. Allison was on her way… to a career in the theatre. 

Allison emphasized the importance of youth programs in the arts and music, such as The Grove Drama Camp, as they clearly pave the way for a lifelong journey in theatre, as was evident by her!    

Formal training at Windsor University in acting, stage management, and costume design (influenced by her mother, whom she described as an “exceptional” seamstress), and eventually dabbling in all aspects of theatre production, prepared Allison for her chosen career in Production Management.  

Allison’s full-time job as Production Manager for The Grove Theatre is a demanding one. She collaborates closely with Sean, The Grove’s Artistic Director, and his vision for each season in order to establish a practical and feasible budget based on funding. She scrupulously reads each of the season’s scripts to gain a deep understanding of their requirements, highlighting key elements that are essential for an authentic  production. With the set budget, she uses her creativity to source what is needed, choosing local options whenever possible. 

In tandem, Alison builds the first of many production calendars outlining the entire season, complete with contributions from her production team. This is colour-coded for easy reference. The first iterations are communicated to key team managers and designers. There are meetings with everyone involved to create a schedule that adheres to the Actors’ Equity Union’s strict guidelines. For instance, rehearsals and acting schedules must align with established protocols. Allison cited an example from last season: it took twelve iterations to finalize the schedule, requiring extensive back-and-forth communication and meetings to get it right.  

On top of all the moving pieces described above, Allison’s job also entails making sure each cast and crew member (some 30-odd people in total) has everything required for success both on and off the stage. This includes honoring contracts, making sure personnel have the required safety certifications, providing production schedules and scripts in advance, and run sheets & cue summaries for performances. She is responsible for ensuring a safe working environment for all, putting protocols and systems in place where needed. 

Offstage, Allison takes on the responsibility for everyone’s well-being, including comfortable living conditions, regular mentoring, and transportation when needed. Her primary goal is to make sure everyone succeeds in their roles. It was clear that Allison is a genuine person who is dedicated to treating each individual with care and respect, ensuring all their needs are met. 

All of this can come with challenges. That said, while Allison made it clear that everyone at The Grove is fully committed to the success of each individual and making each show a success, circumstances arise that are beyond their control. Dealing with issues such as weather and injuries, and working in tight quarters with tight schedules can create tension. It isn't always easy managing the varying energies, moods and vulnerabilities of individuals. While Allison is confident in her support role she feels the entire company would benefit from her receiving professional support to better process such interactions.  

Allison also indicated that a lack of physical resources such as limited storage space may not seem like a big deal but make her job all the more challenging. For example, when she  schedules changeovers for guest artists, where do things go in the interim so that dressing rooms can be quickly restored after they leave? All this requires logistical planning. Then, where does everything go after the strike (teardown) when the season ends? When asked of her wish list, Allison said she dreams of having the resources to better organize their workspace, including having a well-organized storage unit on site. 

At times Allison and her team have to make difficult calls. She shared that managing weather contingency plans, including performance holds or having to cancel or call a show during mid-performance due to weather are the most challenging decisions she and her Technical Director, Luke, have to make. 

Allison also shared a couple of industry challenges she has encountered. Sadly, as a female professional in a position of authority, she has often felt undermined despite her confidence and experience. On a scarier note, Allison shared her worst “chaos story” with us. Extreme weather challenged her to the max while attempting to travel 1000km by trailer overnight from one show to the next. But despite being stranded on a dark and snowy highway for hours with no sleep and being physically out of gas, she and her crew arrived at their destination and managed to get their next show up and running on time. Phew!  

In addition to Allison’s role as Production Manager, managing people, personalities, schedules and unforeseen situations, Allison is The Grove’s Facilities Manager. This role entails overseeing the theatre’s seasonal opening and closing, and site upkeep. As previously noted, Allison manages backstage and front-of-house site layout for each season. This includes all installs, upgrades, purchases, and improvements for the theatre.

Although Allison is not required to be present during performances, we can expect to see her again as she is often on site greeting theatre patrons and checking-in with her crew and cast before heading home after a 12-hour day. She gave us a practical takeaway: when we’re at the theatre and notice crew in black moving about quickly, they are addressing an urgent matter. Give them the space they need to support each other during their chaos! However, if you see them in a more relaxed moment, words of gratitude and encouragement on a job well done are welcomed and appreciated. 

When asked what Allison does to keep herself balanced and sane off the job, she shared her passion for pottery making, reading, and also doing what most of us do, unwinding with a good TV show while mindlessly scrolling on our phones.  

The theme is recurring: our personal takeaway is, once again, that it takes a village of directors, managers, designers, artists, crew, and volunteers to create, coordinate, and deal with the chaos that inevitably challenges a summer theatre. 

As we’ve witnessed through The Grove Guild presenters this fall, many hands make light work. Each of our guests has emphasized how large tasks can be accomplished when a passionate community works together, many wearing more than one hat, to accomplish the common goal of stimulating and pleasing staff and audiences. We, as patrons of the theatre, appreciate that!

October 2025

Meet Luke Hockett: The Grove Theatre’s 2025/26 Technical Director

Luke is a native of the UK, and a well-seasoned pro who's delivered productions across Europe. He spoke about his diverse training leading up to his 6-month apprenticeship in Toronto which later drew him back, to Fenelon Falls, to join The Grove as Technical Director for the 2025 season. 

Lukes’s position with The Grove has him working behind the scenes, so it was interesting for us to meet a new face. His friendly and seemingly easy-going manner seemed perfect for his role as Technical Director. He liaisons with other Grove directors, such as Christy & Sean, also working with production managers and designers (such as Allison Bjerkseth, whom we will meet later this month). Luke’s job entails advising on, overseeing, and executing all technical needs of the amphitheatre for all Grove performances, as well as working with the kid’s drama camp and visiting guest artists. He’s the point man responsible for bringing each show to life through lighting, sound, staging and special effects in an effective, timely and safe manner. 

Also, Luke supervises the building of installations on set, and he’s responsible for routine maintenance on lighting, sound, and rigging equipment that enhance each show. He mentioned he supervises some odd 14 staff and crew members to bring each show to life. He manages production budgets with the designer’s visions in mind. Luke emphasized that his position entails a lot of problem-solving, making last-minute decisions, and being able to pivot at any given time. He gave us examples of technical issues that arise with lighting: last season a spotlight had an issue—the theatre had to manage with only one spotlight meaning the technician on that spotlight had to listen to both sets of cues to execute his role. Sounds complicated. An example Luke gave us of a small sound hiccup is when a mic stops working; he must have a backup on hand and ready. If a string breaks on an instrument he must have one in reserve. On stage this summer, when Sophia sprained her ankle mid-season and the cast had to go back to rehearsals, he oversaw the adjustments made for a wheelchair on set, which meant changes had to be made in lighting and sound. In other words, glitches happen. So next season, when we see Luke sauntering around the lobby area there’s a good chance it’s been a smooth production! 

Luke is the first to arrive before each performance to check that all technical equipment is functional and safe. During performances he monitors each technical element to make sure everything is well coordinated and running smoothly. Luke’s the last to leave each night making sure all equipment is shut down and safely protected from the elements. It sounds as though Luke must be a conscientious guy!

There’s more—Luke must manage day-to-day variables of executing proper light and sound in response to weather, humidity, the time of day, and the landscape. For example, trees absorb and deflect sound waves. Performers voices can vary in the above conditions. Other factors such as working in an open-air theatre, the number of theatre goers in each audience, and the type of performance (the “relaxed performance” of Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story catered to a wider audience for those with sensory differences as well as for young families) all impact the theatre’s technical needs. Weather disturbances must also be taken into consideration; it was Luke’s call to cancel shows due to extreme heat and rain over the 2025 season. Luke certainly has an adaptable role at The Grove. 

Luke stated clearly that the Grove’s investment of new equipment has made the sound quality easier to navigate and adjust for various conditions. He expressed gratitude towards donors who donated to the Light Up The Grove Campaign for the purchase of equipment that was better suited for an outdoor environment, making his job smoother. 

It’s fair to conclude that the Grove’s movers and shakers are a cohesive group that work well together in planning, co-ordinating, preparing and executing all the demands of the theatre, both expected and unexpected! In closing—it’s also fair to summarize that Luke job is that of a super-supervisor. He oversees and monitors so many moving pieces. Since he’s coming back for The Grove’s 2026 season he must have done a fantastic job. On the flip side, The Grove must be a desirable company to work for as Luke is coming back for the 2026 season! 

Luke Hockett - 2025/26 Technical Director

September 2025

Greetings from The Guild!

Our September Grove Guild event was a resounding success, filling The Grove Box Office with theatre-goers eager to hear from award-winning director and actor Sean Cox, Artistic Director of The Grove Theatre. We’re grateful to Sean for his inspiring and entertaining presentation!

Sean shared his journey from California’s theatre scene to Fenelon Falls, and a serendipitous meeting with his wife, Christy Yael, which inspired a shared vision that led to founding both Intrepid Theatre Company in San Diego and later The Grove Theatre. Today, Christy serves as Executive Director while Sean leads as Artistic Director, together guiding The Grove’s creative vision.

In his talk, “Building the Grove Season,” Sean offered a behind-the-scenes look at how each summer season takes shape. He highlighted the energetic 2025 “Rock ’n’ Roll” season, featuring Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and three other crowd-pleasing tribute productions—each brought to life by its own creative team.

Sean also gave a sneak peek into The Grove’s 2026 Season, programmed earlier this year, with casting already underway (including dancers!). Auditions begin this month in Toronto, and audiences can look forward to a theme of FUN!—led by Monty Python’s Spamalot!

Though The Grove shines brightest in summer, Sean reminded us the theatre is always alive with planning, design, and rehearsal work year-round.

We hope you will join us again, October 28 at 4:15pm at The Grove Box Office for our next Guild session featuring Luke Hockett, 2025-26 Technical Director, who will share insights into the technical side of theatre magic.

Sean Cox, Artistic Director of The Grove Theatre

The Grove Guild: Engage. Educate. Entertain

We’re excited to invite you to become part of something new and inspiring—The Grove Guild, an initiative to connect more deeply with those who believe in the power of live theatre!

Grove Guild Events take place on the last Tuesday of each month at 4:15pm

To contact The Grove Guild, please email: guild@grovetheatre.ca