Stage Manager

*Show Manager “Father Christmas in the Castle” at Castle Howard**Job Title: *Show Manager*Location:* Castle Howard, North Yorkshire*Event:* Father Christmas in the Castle (Christmas Show)*Contract Type:* Seasonal (November – December 2025)*Overview:* Castle Howard is seeking a proactive and highly organized Show Manager to lead the delivery of our enchanting _Father Christmas in the Castle_ experience. This […]

*Show Manager “Father Christmas in the Castle” at Castle Howard*
*Job Title: *Show Manager
*Location:* Castle Howard, North Yorkshire
*Event:* Father Christmas in the Castle (Christmas Show)
*Contract Type:* Seasonal (November – December 2025)
*Overview:* Castle Howard is seeking a proactive and highly organized Show Manager to lead the delivery of our enchanting _Father Christmas in the Castle_ experience. This hands-on role oversees every aspect of the show’s operation — from set-up to close-down — ensuring a smooth, magical, and memorable experience for visiting families. The ideal candidate thrives under pressure, brings calm and confidence to busy live environments, and enjoys the joy and chaos of Christmas.
*Key Responsibilities:*
* Oversee the full daily running of the _Father Christmas in the Castle_ experience, ensuring seamless show delivery and a consistently high standard of visitor experience.
* Manage and coordinate all show areas, technical elements, and backstage operations — first in, last out each day.
* Lead and support two team members to ensure effective scheduling, communication, and smooth transitions between performances.
* Maintain actor welfare and morale, ensuring a safe, happy, and professional working environment.
* Handle customer interactions with warmth and diplomacy, including managing late arrivals, ticketing issues, and challenging situations during peak periods.
* Monitor timekeeping, show pacing, and audience flow to keep performances on schedule.
* Uphold Castle Howard’s reputation for exceptional service, ensuring every family enjoys a magical and memorable festive visit.
* Contribute to the set-up and de-rig of the show, ensuring all areas are show-ready and beautifully presented.
* Establish key relationships with other Castle Howard employees for the effective running and management of the show.
* Dynamic role, up and down stairs, moving stock, signs and audience – you’ll get your steps in!
*About the Show:*
“Father Christmas in the Castle” is a joyful and interactive Christmas experience where guests will meet Father Christmas, Mrs. Claus, and the merry WonderPhil. This is a live show featuring a magic, a story and Christmas songs followed by a personal moment with Father Christmas. This event is a *festive highlight* and returning experience for families visiting Castle Howard during the holiday season. Children leave with a Christmas gift.
*About Castle Howard:*
Castle Howard, a magnificent historic house in North Yorkshire, offers a unique and enchanting Christmas setting. In addition to the Father Christmas experience, visitors can explore *Christmas at Castle Howard: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*
*Additional Information:*
The Father Christmas experience is located in the historic High South, up two flights of stone steps and is not wheelchair accessible.
*To Apply:*
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your suitability for this role.
Join us at Castle Howard this Christmas and help create an unforgettable festive experience!
Job Types: Fixed term contract, Zero hours contract
Contract length: 2 months
Benefits:
* Free flu jabs
* Free parking
Application question(s):
* Please state your suitability for this role as Stage Manager.
Experience:
* Previous stage management : 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person