Front of House Management

Theatre, or Front of House, managers have responsibility for the artistic work produced within a theatre and for the management of the organisation.

Overseeing the financial management of the theatre involves handling the budget for a production and taking responsibility for its financial outcome.

As well as recruiting and managing staff from the box office to back stage, theatre managers may be responsible for leading marketing and publicity activities.

Typical activities will vary according to the size and type of theatre and the structure of the management team. Tasks typically include: planning forthcoming events; researching productions; liaising and negotiating with production companies; getting involved in artistic direction and commissioning new pieces of work; carrying out educational work by promoting arts participation in the community.

Other tasks include: taking responsibility for all staff in the theatre; overseeing training for front of house and stage door staff; ensuring that the theatre meets the requirements of legislation; undertaking marketing activities; dealing with the budget; and keeping in touch with other theatre managers and producers in order to stay up to date with developments and new productions.

Starting salaries are around £15,000 - £24,000 rising with three to five years' experience to £20,000 - £26,000 and at senior level/with experience to £25,000 to £50,000 plus.

There are no set pay scales for this role. London salaries may be higher.

Some managers start by working in the front of house at a small theatre and progress to larger venues and usually better pay.

A good reputation in the theatre world may mean that some managers can negotiate their own salary.

Although this area of work is open to all graduates and Diplomates, a qualification in arts management, arts administration, drama/theatre studies, creative/performing arts, drama/theatre studies or arts in the community may increase your chances.

Entry without a degree/HND/foundation degree is possible as practical theatre experience, dedication, enthusiasm and commitment are more important than qualifications.

Work experience is highly desirable and most theatre companies would expect to see evidence of at least some of the following: voluntary work at a theatre; work shadowing; membership of a theatre group; experience of performing in/managing stage productions; and involvement in theatre work through your university or college.

Get as involved as possible in the theatre. Go and see as many productions as you can and talk to the people who have developed them.

Gain experience in working with performing artists and keep up to date with what is going on in the theatre industry, on a national and local level.

Entry would not normally be directly to a theatre manager post. It is much more likely that you would work your way up through a range of work in theatres.

Some jobs are filled by word of mouth or by advertisements appearing in in-house publications. Look out for alternative job titles, or jobs which include the management of specific areas within a theatre, e.g. house manager, box office manager, administrator or general manager.