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Theatre Manager

Get insights from Theatre Manager Laura O’Day

“What that basically entails is managing the theatre, the staff in it and the members of the public that come and see the shows.”

Laura O’Day

Role

As the job-title suggests, a Theatre Manager runs the venue itself, supervising the staff within the building, from the Stage Door Keeper to the Front-of-House staff. 

Responsibilities

  • Ensuring the venue complies with all necessary Health and Safety and fire regulations, including conducting risk assessments
  • Managing customer service at the theatre
  • Supervising the work of the Front-of-House staff, including the box office and ushers, to ensure high standards in customer delivery. This includes organising and leading training
  • Dealing with any issues pre, during or post-performance, particularly complaints from the audience, including responding to written complaints
  • Organising external hires of the theatre, plus various events and meetings within the building
  • Liaising with the Company Manager of a visiting production to ensure effective communication between the theatre and company, making sure important information is known to both parties
  • Preparing weekly charges to the producer of a visiting production, invoices and financial reports for Head Office
  • Other administrative duties, including writing show reports, compiling staff rotas and organising payroll

Key Skills

  • Excellent at managing people
  • Good communication, both verbally and in writing
  • Good time management skills
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety guidelines

Training

Many Theatre Managers follow a career path through Front-of-House work, starting as an usher. Here they receive a good foundation in production duties and customer service. From there they may progress from Front-of-House Manager to Deputy Theatre Manager. 

Courses

Other courses are available. Those above represent a sample from various drama schools and universities.