Theatre Manager and Production Lead

Uppingham School Theatre is seeking a creative and driven Theatre Manager and Production Lead to shape the future of one of the East Midlands’ most exciting performance venues.

Whether you’re a stage manager ready to lead, or an experienced arts venue expert looking for creative ownership, this is a rare chance to blend hands-on production work and operational management, working with talented young performers, visiting artists, and a supportive in-house team to deliver outstanding theatre experiences.

About the role

Uppingham Theatre is a 300-seat proscenium arch venue with a 160-seat drama studio. It hosts a vibrant programme of pupil productions, Sixth Form showcases, and large-scale school shows, as well as a busy calendar of touring acts, comedians, musicians, speakers, and local dance and stage schools.

As Theatre Manager, you will support in the day-to-day running of the venue. You’ll work closely with the Commercial Team and external hirers, managing bookings, contracts, schedules and technical requirements, while contributing to the growth of a commercially successful and artistically exciting events calendar. You’ll also take the lead on all front-of-house operations, ensuring every visitor enjoys a welcoming, safe and professionally run experience.

In your role as Production Lead, you’ll be the lead producer for five major in-house productions each year. You’ll manage all non-technical elements – costume, props, scheduling, budgeting, make-up and stage management, while collaborating closely with the Director of Theatre and Technical Manager to develop imaginative, high-impact productions.

You will also support academic drama by sourcing costumes and props, coordinating performance exams, and co-hosting the U6th Showcase. You’ll guide students on design elements and help ensure exam performances meet both artistic and educational goals.

About you

You will bring experience in theatre or entertainment venues, a sound understanding of theatre safety practices, and a proactive, can-do approach to working with teams, students, and external stakeholders. Project management and budget handling skills are also essential.

You’ll need to be confident, flexible and collaborative, ready to take the lead where needed, while contributing meaningfully to the Theatre’s long-term vision.

This is a varied and rewarding role that offers creative responsibility, meaningful impact, and the chance to help grow a vibrant theatre programme. If you’re passionate about the performing arts and ready for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

What we offer:

When you join us, you become part of a community that appreciates and supports its team members. You will enjoy a range of benefits that reflects our appreciation:

• 50% Contribution towards premiums for the school’s private health scheme
• Discount on School fees
• Discount at a local nursery in Uppingham
• 25% Discount on holiday club fees for children of Uppingham staff
• Westfield healthcare
• Westfield Rewards which gives discounts at various retailers, gyms, cinemas, and restaurants
• Contributory pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• In house Occupational Health Service
• Membership to dual-use Sports Centre (with a £25 annual joining fee)
• Free staff lunches during term-time
• Free annual Flu vaccinations
• Complimentary staff ticket for select School performances
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Recognised as a “Disability Confident” employer
• Recognised as a “Mindful” employer
• Recognised as “Investors in Diversity”