Staff Spotlight: Tim Todd, Director of Production

10/2/2019 12AM

Director of Production Tim Todd came to the Center from previous positions at Purdue University's Elliott Hall of Music and the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.

We all know the excitement of watching a beloved artist perform onstage, but most of us are clueless about the months of detailed, technical negotiation and planning that made the show possible.

 

Someone has to work with the agents and managers to pin down the logistics of stage setup, staffing, lighting, video and sound – down to the last microphone – while minimizing costs to make sure the equation works for all sides. For the past two years at the Center for the Performing Arts, that person has been Tim Todd.

 

Tim came to us with pretty strong credentials, having served as Director of Operations and Production at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., and Assistant Director of Technical Services at Purdue University’s Elliott Hall of Music. A Purdue grad and native of Lowell, Indiana, he now lives in Carmel with his wife, Phyllis, with whom he shares a son, Jon, and soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Samantha.

 

Known around the Palladium for his dry wit and grace under pressure, Tim agreed to answer a few questions for us.

 

In a nutshell, what do you do around here?

What I tell people is that I sign my name on a lot of things, and I’m always ready to be wrong, even when I am not.

 

Actually, I produce production estimates for shows that the Center is considering presenting, to see if that part of the financials is feasible. I interact with touring production personnel to identify their labor and equipment needs before they arrive and then oversee an amazing CPA staff in setting up the show, doing it, and making it go away safely and efficiently.

 

I try to make sure we have not only the information we need to execute world-class performances, but also the equipment. I oversee the production budget and make sure we’re using our financial resources wisely, and I’m always on the lookout for how we can do our part of the operation more efficiently.

 

What is the coolest thing that ever happened to you on the job?

I got to stand next to Robin Williams and discuss politics and a presidential primary debate, moments after he walked off stage from performing a two-hour show. It was an amazingly normal conversation and a surreal moment in my life.

 

Are you now, or have you ever been, a performing artist?

I acted a fair bit at college and in some church passion plays a while back. Got to be Jesus and Satan in different productions. Life offers perspectives to those who look for it.

 

What artist would you most like to see perform at the Center?

Jackson Browne Acoustic or Sara Bareilles

 

When you’re chilling on your own time, what musical artist(s) do you listen to?

All kinds. My Pandora shuffle goes all over the musical map, and I’m always open to listening to different artists. I have no musical ability whatsoever, but I appreciate those who do.