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