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- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in theatre management and customer service at a busy West End venue.
- Company: Join the Criterion Theatre Trust, a vibrant hub for theatre productions and community events.
- Benefits: Enjoy a paid training placement with flexible shifts and double pay on Sundays.
- Why this job: Kickstart your theatre career with real responsibilities and mentorship from experienced managers.
- Qualifications: No prior management experience needed, just a passion for theatre and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Apply by 25th July 2025 and explore exciting projects like New Writing and Eastside Spoken Word.
6-month paid training opportunity at the Criterion Theatre. Are you looking to take your first step into theatre management? Curious about how a West End venue operates behind the scenes? If you’re passionate about theatre, have great people skills, and are eager to learn, we’d love to hear from you.
At the Criterion Theatre Trust, we welcome thousands of visitors each year — not just for our West End productions, but also for workshops, showcases, and new writing events. We’re now offering an exciting opportunity for a Trainee Front of House Manager — a paid, six-month training placement designed for someone looking to build a career in theatre and venue management. This is more than an entry-level role. The placement provides real responsibility, hands-on experience, and in-depth training in all areas of front of house and theatre operations — including customer service, duty management, stock control, event support, and collaboration with departments such as Box Office, Finance, and Stage Door.
During your placement, you will:
- Learn how a busy West End venue is managed
- Contribute to team leadership, training, and appraisals
- Shadow experienced Theatre Managers and assist with live events
- Gain insights into bar sales, merchandising, and business operations
- Receive First Aid training and obtain a Personal Licence qualification
- Work on projects including our New Writing programme and Eastside Spoken Word
- Take part in short placements at partner venues to understand how other theatres operate
No formal management experience is required — just curiosity, commitment, and a genuine interest in theatre operations. Whether you’ve worked front of house before or are completely new to the environment, this could be the first step in your theatre management journey.
34 hours per week (mix of day & evening shifts) £14.58 per hour | Sundays paid at double time. All training covered by the Criterion Theatre Trust.
Deadline to apply: 25th July 2025. Feel free to share or get in touch via admin@criterion-theatre.co.uk if you have questions!
TRAINEE FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER employer: CRITERION THEATRE TRUST
Contact Detail:
CRITERION THEATRE TRUST Recruiting Team
admin@criterion-theatre.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land TRAINEE FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER
✨Tip Number 1
Research the Criterion Theatre and its operations thoroughly. Understanding their current productions, events, and overall mission will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the theatre industry. Attend local theatre events or workshops to meet people who work in front of house management. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your passion for theatre and customer service. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your people skills and enthusiasm for the arts, as these qualities are essential for a Trainee Front of House Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive in following up after your application. A polite email expressing your continued interest in the position can set you apart from other candidates and shows your eagerness to join the team at Criterion Theatre.
We think you need these skills to ace TRAINEE FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what a Trainee Front of House Manager does. Read the job description carefully and note the key responsibilities and skills required.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight any relevant experience or skills related to theatre management, customer service, or teamwork. Even if you don't have direct experience, showcase transferable skills that demonstrate your passion for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for theatre and explains why you're interested in this specific role. Mention any relevant experiences, even if they are informal, and convey your eagerness to learn and grow within the industry.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow all application instructions provided by Criterion Theatre Trust. This includes submitting your application through the correct channels and including all requested documents before the deadline.
How to prepare for a job interview at CRITERION THEATRE TRUST
✨Show Your Passion for Theatre
Make sure to express your genuine interest in theatre and venue management during the interview. Share any experiences you've had with theatre, whether as a visitor or participant, to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Highlight Your People Skills
As a Trainee Front of House Manager, you'll be interacting with a variety of people. Be prepared to discuss your communication skills and any relevant experiences where you've successfully worked with others, whether in customer service or team settings.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the theatre's operations. This shows that you're not only interested in the position but also eager to learn more about how the Criterion Theatre Trust functions behind the scenes.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
Since this is an entry-level position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Discuss any previous experiences where you've taken initiative to develop new skills or knowledge, especially in a fast-paced environment.
