Employer
: Crossplatform TV Ltd (for Gastronaut Productions)
Reports to
: Producer (Stefan Gates), Production Manager (Gareth Baston)
Start date
: Cast confirmed Oct, meets in Dec, rehearsals Jan 26, shows from Feb.
Dates:
30+ show dates/year across UK (mainly during school holidays),
6x days rehearsals ~15 travel days ~2 paid non-show days (at home).
Pay:
Show days: £250, other days various rates (detail below)
Plus PDs + per-ticket and merch bonuses.
Estimated for 49 days: approx £14,000 inc PDs
PLEASE NOTE
this role is only open to candidates who have the flexibility to commit to EVERY date that the show is booked in for, plus extra dates as they are booked in (usually with 6 months notice). We understand that this may not suit all applicants, but it is essential. See dates listed so far at
About Gastronaut
Gastronaut Productions creates smart, funny, anarchic science theatre shows for family audiences across the UK. We mix explosions, comedy, and big ideas to spark curiosity and laughter. The shows have been hugely successful and our productions regularly sell out – over 60,000 tickets have been sold across 50 theatres in 2025. In 2026 we'll continue touring
Rude Science
The Role
We are looking for an experienced, charismatic, pro-active and technically-confident Stage Manager/Presenter to be the production lead in a two-person team touring a new theatre science show across the UK. The Utterly Revolting Science Show is the sister show to Rude Science. These are world-class science shows. Candidates need to be tireless SM/performers, adept at dealing with theatre tech teams, projectors and screens (floor-mounted), and confident appearing in front of boisterous 5-13yr-olds and parents. Demos include noisy explosions, smoke, food, latex props.
You will be the stage manager lead and your co-presenter will take a larger presenting role, but you need to be happy appearing on stage as a character – based on you You will need to work seamlessly as a hard-working two-person touring team, solving problems as they crop up and making sure that this brilliant show happens twice every performing day to a world-class standard.
Responsibilities
· Share driving of tour vehicle (Long Wheel Base Transit)
· Lead Get in with local crew and presenter.
· Brief local technical staff on Lighting and Sound requirements.
· Perform/ Assist presenter during show.
· Run get out post show.
· Ensure Health and Safety Standards are maintained throughout the tour.
· Handle basic troubleshooting, problem-solving, and maintenance issues as they arise.
· Attend rehearsals, online training (food/fire safety), and occasional prep sessions (paid)
· Produce show reports after each show day
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Essential
· Touring theatre Experience as technician or Stage Manager
· Over 25 years old (for driving hire van)
· Cheerful, easy going,'can do' attitude
· Full, clean UK driving licence and clean DBS (we will apply for you)
· Comfortable appearing on stage, speaking and performing demonstrations.
· Basic Sound, Lighting and AV knowledge.
· Flexible and available for all tour dates (see schedule: )
Desirable
· First Aid Training
· Knowlede of Mimo Live
· Knowledge of Health and Safety
· Interest in Science
· Experience of childrens theatre shows.
· Enjoy wearing silly costumes.
Show day – typical timings
Leave hotel and drive to venue
Arrive at theatre stage door and load in (takes 2-3hrs)
Sound check
Doors open
Show 1 Part 1 – 45mins
Interval 20mins
Show 1 Part 2 – 25mins
End show – reset stage kit
Break
Doors open
Show 2 Part 1 – 45mins
Interval 20mins
Show 2 Part 2 – 25mins
End show & Get-out
Depart for next hotel (approx 2hrs drive). Share driving with co-presenter
Arrive at hotel
DATES
For reference, these are the main tour sections:
1. Feb half-term Feb 14-22
2. Easter Mar 29-April 19
3. May half-term May 23-31
4. Early summer (mid-July to start Aug TBC
5. Oct/Nov half term Oct 9-Nov 1
6.
Possible
Christmas shows November-December 2026
Pay and contract
We expect a commitment to 12 months of shows, to be confirmed on an ongoing basis.
Show day Approx 30 days £250 per day
Rehearsal day Approx 5-6 days £200 per day
Travel day Approx 15 days £125 per day
Non-show days on location £100 per day
Non-show day (at home Approx £ 50 per day
Per Diems (breakfast already provided £ 25 per day
Bonuses
Per-ticket bonus p/ticket
eg 600 tix = £ 45 bonus per show day - variable
Merchandise bonus 4% gross
eg £600 sales = £ 24 bonus per show day - variable
Estimated 49 days = approx £14,000 inc PDs Variable
Accommodation
Single occupancy rooms – usually Premier Inn, breakfast provided.
Notes
Our production base is in Highbury, North London N5, and this will be used as the departure point for all scheduling and travel. However, if you're the perfect candidate and you live in Inverness, we'll try to help with transport costs.
Why Join Us?
This is a chance to be at the heart of an exciting, creative and highly successful touring company. You'll be working with a small, friendly team bringing spectacular, funny and inspiring science shows to theatres and audiences across the UK, and changing a few lives on the way.
The show is expected to continue touring for several years, and there will also be opportunities to get involved with new shows, demo development, stage management and scripting.
How to Apply
Send the following to with the subject
SM/Performer
:
1. CV
2. Short, informal, non-AI-generated covering letter.
Please note that references and an Enhanced DBS check will be needed if you are successful.
More info:
Application deadline
EOP Weds 15
th
October 2025
We aim to shortlist w/c 3 Nov and interviewing shortlisted candidates soon after.
Good luck