Entertainment Manager

Entertainment managers plan and organise events of many kinds, including:

• cabaret, shows, dances and discos at hotels and clubs
• dance classes, competitions and children's activities at holiday, leisure and entertainment centres, and on cruise ships
• exhibitions, plays, street festivals, firework displays and children's holiday workshops for local councils or venues.

Typical tasks may include:

• sourcing venues, and checking their suitability for particular types of entertainment
• managing budgets and the entertainment diary for a whole season or year
• researching and booking performers, either directly or via agents
• booking equipment needed for acts
• marketing and publicising the event
• overseeing each performance or event, making sure everything runs smoothly
• ensuring that health and safety and insurance regulations are followed.

Entertainment managers, particularly on smaller independent holiday resorts, may also be expected to be entertainers themselves, usually compering or performing on stage. They also carry out administrative tasks, such as completing paperwork and drawing up contracts.

Large holiday companies with multiple parks or units will usually employ a central entertainment team to do most of the bookings, recruitment and budgeting.

Entertainment managers have to work flexible hours. They can be employed permanently or on a fixed-term contract. Others are self-employed and work on separate contracts for each job.

The work can involve some travel and staying away from home for long periods.

Salaries vary enormously, depending on the company and whether the job is seasonal or for a full year, but new entertainment managers may earn around £15,000. Senior managers may earn more than £35,000.

An entertainment manager should:

• have fantastic people and team-motivational skills
• be highly skilled in theatrical events
• be a good organiser
• be flexible and able to handle a lot of tasks at once
• be fully aware of health and safety requirements
• have a genuine interest in entertainment.

There is no set entry route for the role of entertainment manager, but previous experience in the entertainment industry, including performing, stage management or administration is an advantage.

The Diploma in creative and media and the Diploma in hospitality may be relevant to this area of work. It may also be possible to enter work on a Creative Apprenticeship.

Training usually involves informal, on-the-job learning. Some employers may provide short courses and workshops.

In large organisations, it is usual to start as a team leader or assistant manager, and then work up to a full management position. It is then possible to progress to head of entertainment or to a wider management role.

Further details