Description
Backyard Cinema sell-out immersive Christmas experience is coming to London Bridge this year. Across five shows daily, guests are guided through a choreographed immersive experience featuring live performers, theatrical effects, and a seasonal screening in a fully themed cinema space.
We are looking for an experienced and highly reliable Stage Manager to oversee the daily running of the immersive experience. You'll be the central figure ensuring show flow, performer and tech coordination, and cueing operations stay razor-sharp across all five daily show cycles.
This is not a traditional theatre stage management role it's a hybrid of theatre, live event flow, and immersive entertainment. The Stage Manager will call all shows, manage show cues and timings, coordinate performers and techs, and uphold the high standards that Backyard Cinema is known for.
Location: London Bridge, SE1 (Custom-converted warehouse)
Contract Type: Fixed-term freelance
Dates:
Rehearsals & Install: 17-23 November 2025
Live Performances: 24 November - 31 December 2025 (Christmas Day & Boxing Day off)
Fee: ÂŁ850 per week
This role will be shared with another Stage Manager, with AM and PM shows split equally throughout the run to ensure coverage and quality across all performances.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Prior experience in immersive, themed entertainment, or fast-turnaround live events.
- Proven show calling experience with precision timing and confident cue management.
- Strong organisational and leadership skills, especially under pressure.
- Working familiarity with QLab, sound desks, haze/snow effects, and pre-programmed lighting.
- Ability to stay calm, communicative, and professional over long, busy days.
- Comfortable writing and using a detailed production/show bible.
- Physically able to handle long standing/show-running days (with breaks scheduled).
Desirable
- Background in site-specific or non-traditional theatre/venue settings.
- Experience in cinema or live audience management.
- First Aid trained (preferred, not required).
- Previous work on Christmas/family-friendly seasonal productions.
This role will be shared with another Stage Manager, with AM and PM shows split equally throughout the run to ensure coverage across all performances.
Key Responsibilities
- Attend and contribute to rehearsals and install week, preparing a detailed show book.
- Call each show, coordinating audio, lighting, SFX (haze/snow), and actor cues.
- Ensure each audience group flows seamlessly through the experience into the cinema.
- Monitor show quality and consistency across all five daily performances.
- Liaise with front-of-house and bar teams to ensure turnaround readiness.
- Be the central communication point for actors and technicians during showtime.
- Lead any troubleshooting during performances and escalate when needed.
- Maintain show reports and ensure minor tech resets or fixes are logged/actioned.
- Support H&S protocols and audience welfare, including show evacuation procedures.
- Act as the primary contact for any show stops, responding calmly and professionally while liaising with FOH and technical teams to resolve issues.
- Confidently communicate with customers in the event of technical delays or show interruptions.
Please send your CV and a brief cover note outlining your relevant experience to [email protected] with the subject line: “Stage Manager Application – Backyard Cinema Christmas”