Theatrical Production Manager

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

## Your Purpose

The Theatrical Production Manager is responsible for the operational execution and ongoing management of theatrical entertainment in service across the fleet. Once a production is handed over at opening night and install sign-off, this role keeps it running to standard: show maintenance, technical quality, operational support for shipboard teams, and safety compliance. Working from MSC Creative Studios within the operating framework set by the Creative Production Project Manager, the manager is the shore-side operational contact between shipboard entertainment teams, creative production staff, technical specialists, and external vendors to ensure the consistent delivery of world-class guest experiences while maintaining safety, operational efficiency, and established theatrical and brand standards.

## Your Impact

•    Oversee the day-to-day operational production management of theatrical productions across the fleet, working with shipboard teams to address priorities, maintain performance standards, and resolve operational issues
•    Ensure the consistent execution and maintenance of all theatrical shows, productions, and entertainment experiences.
•    Develop and implement operational standards, policies, and best practices for shipboard entertainment teams.
•    Monitor show quality, guest satisfaction, and operational performance through reporting, audits, and ship visits.
•    Support the installation and turnover of new productions under the direction of the Head of Production, receiving each show at handover.
•    Serve as the shoreside operational contact for shipboard entertainment teams, coordinating with Cruise Directors, Production Managers, Entertainment Technical Managers, and venue technicians to support consistent theatrical operations and resolve production, technical, and logistical issues.
•    Collaborate with Lighting, Audio, Automation, Video, Rigging, and Stage Operations teams to maintain performance standards.
•    Review and recommend equipment upgrades, replacements, and fleet-wide technical improvements.
•    Manage show maintenance programs to ensure productions remain within creative and operational standards.
•    Evaluate production performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
•    Lead operational reviews and develop corrective action plans when required.
•    Administer operational spend within the framework set, liaise with SMT and Infoship on orders, raise new requisition codes, and manage consumables, maintenance purchasing and service agreements.
•    Supervise the Wardrobe Manager and assist the wardrobe and costume department. Monitor expenditures against approved theatrical production budgets and forecast costs for show maintenance, production support, vendor services, and related logistics.
•    Negotiate and manage technical and service vendor relationships, including consultancy, equipment suppliers and maintenance providers.
•    Ensure cost-effective deployment of resources while maintaining quality standards.
•    Work with the Artistic Integrity Manager on show maintenance programmes to ensure productions remain within creative and operational standards.
•    Foster strong relationships with internal departments including Entertainment, Marine Operations, Hotel Operations, Technical Operations, Human Resources, and Procurement.
•    Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and professional development initiatives.
•    Work with Environmental, Health & Safety teams to ensure theatrical operations comply with applicable maritime regulations, company policies, and safety standards, while maintaining safe working practices across all productions.
•    Review venue-related issues and incident reports to implement corrective and preventive measures.

## Your Journey so far

•    Minimum 5-8 years of experience in theatrical production and cruise ship entertainment operations.
•    Prior cruise, theme park, resort, touring production, or live entertainment experience strongly preferred.
•    Experience managing budgets, vendors, contracts, and cross-functional projects.
•    Familiarity with maritime operations and safety requirements preferred.
•    Strong understanding of:
-    Stage management
-    Show operations and maintenance
-    Shipboard Productions 
-    Lighting systems
-    Audio systems
-    Video systems
-    Automation and rigging
-    Entertainment technology
-    Scenic Construction 
-    Risk Analysis

## Your Essentials

•    Strong leadership and people-management skills.
•    Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
•    Exceptional communication and stakeholder-management skills.
•    Financial administration experience
•    Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced global environment.
•    Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
•    Willingness and ability to travel internationally and visit vessels regularly.
•    Computer literate (Microsoft Office and related tools).
•    Proficiency in Business English and Italian is advantageous.
•    Existing right to live and work in the UK / Ability to relocate to the United Kingdom

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Apply today to be part of a global team that is pushing boundaries and achieving something remarkable. Your journey starts here!