Tom Gilmore

Schapiro Production & Facility Manager

About Tom

Tom Gilmore started working professionally in theatre in the last century, serving as a stage manager, carpenter, electrician, master carpenter, master electrician, assistant stage supervisor, stage supervisor, scenic and lighting designer, technical director and production manager.  Prior to Columbia, Tom worked for The Paper Bag Players, American Family Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Denver Center Theatre Company, American Repertory Theatre and freelance. Hired at Columbia University, Theatre Program in 1996.  Tom served as Technical Director from 1996-2013, Thesis Production Manager 2013- 2017, & in his current position since 2017, covering over 350 productions.  This year, 2025-26, marks Tom’s 30^th season @ Columbia.

The Job

Tom works in partnership with the Assistant Schapiro Production Manager, Dana Sokolov, to oversee and execute all aspects of production for projects in The Theatre and Studio @ Schapiro. Their roles bridge both the creative and logistical sides of production. They handle all the physical elements, like scenery, lighting, sound, video and administrative tasks like managing budgets, schedules, marketing and box office. Dana and Tom collaborate closely with second-year Directors, Playwrights, Stage Managers, Producers, Dramaturgs, and their design teams to help bring each production’s unique vision to the stage.