Duty Manager

Duty Manager
 Recruitment Pack

Playhouse Creatures, photo by Ellie Kurttz

HELLO

team at the Orange Tree Theatre (OT).

and thank you for your interest in being part of the Front of House

Working at the Orange Tree Theatre means being part of a collaborative and
creatively ambitious environment, where storytelling is placed at the heart of
everything. Its unique performance space fosters a close connection between
performers and audiences, demanding a high level of precision, imagination, and
adaptability from everyone involved. The theatre’s dedication to artistic excellence
and innovation makes it an exciting and inspiring place to contribute, particularly for
those passionate about producing bold, engaging work that resonates with
contemporary audiences.

For an applicant, the Orange Tree Theatre represents not just a workplace, but an
opportunity to be part of a vibrant cultural institution that values creativity,
inclusivity, and the transformative power of live performance

If you would like this job pack in another format, please contact Reya Muller at
reya.muller@orangetreetheatre.co.uk

Richmond Riverside

Background of the OT

The OT was established by Sam Walters in 1972 with a circle of chairs in a
room above the Orange Tree pub and is now one of the most exciting theatres
in the UK. From the outset, the OT enjoyed a high level of community support
and local engagement, working with local schools, including the Primary
Shakespeare project that continues to this day. In the early 1990s, the OT
moved into a purpose-built theatre-in-the-round, which now seats 180. The
leadership team now comprises Tom Littler (Artistic Director) and Julie Weston
(Executive Director).

The ambitious programming and casting is attracting booming ticket sales and
new commercial co-producing partners, while maintaining the OT’s
commitment to combining classics and rediscoveries with new writing and
investing in new artists and the community.

Equality, diversity and inclusion sit at the heart of the OT, and we are
continuously learning and reviewing our practices to be responsive to change.
The OT is currently in the midst of a transformative capital project with some
of the theatre currently a building site. In typical ambitious style, the theatre
remains open for business!

Two of the OT buildings: the main theatre, and the rehearsal rooms and workshop
a 2-minute walk from Richmond Train station

Orange Tree Theatre Ltd | 1 Clarence St,
Richmond TW9 2SA |
orangetreetheatre.co.uk | 020 8940 0141

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:
Responsible to:

Duty Manager
Front of House Manager

Purpose:  Our Duty Managers are responsible for leading the delivery of an exceptional
customer experience at the Orange Tree around performances and other public
events, creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that the
theatre is welcoming to a diverse audience and their needs. As part of a small
team of committed staff, they act as a leading representative of the theatre
before, during and after performances.

The Orange Tree is currently undergoing a capital development project to
transform our Front of House and bar area. This is an exciting opportunity to join
the team now to help continue to welcome audiences during a period of
refurbishment.

Twelfth Night, photo by Ellie Kurttz

Key Responsibilities:

• To conduct pre-show building safety checks and action any areas of concern.
• To lead a thorough pre-show briefing with the Front of House and Stage

Management teams, communicating show notes and other relevant information.
• To lead a pre-show Fire Evacuation drill and Show Stop procedure with the Front of

House and Stage Management teams.

• To be responsible for the safety and comfort of audiences throughout their visit,

providing a welcoming environment to all visitors to the theatre.

• To ensure appropriate accessibility measures are delivered at the point of need.
• To deal courteously with customer questions, concerns, and complaints.
• To ensure the public facing areas, auditorium and toilets are presentable at all times.
• To lead the safe evacuation of the theatre and building in emergency scenarios.
• To act as the designated First Aider when on shift.
• To complete a detailed Front of House report for each performance.
• To work with the Front of House Manager to continually monitor all aspects of the

customer experience, recommending areas for improvement.

• To conduct closing safety checks and be responsible for securely locking up the

building, following the appropriate procedure.

• To assist with the set up and successful delivery of internal and external events,

such as Member and Patron evenings, and Press Nights.

• To work at other indoor and outdoor sites in and around Richmond to support the

Orange Tree's offsite shows and other events.

• To actively promote the Orange Tree's fundraising schemes and initiatives.
• To adhere to the Staff Code of Behaviour and attend training sessions.
• To adhere to all health and safety procedures to minimise the risk of injury and

accidents.

• To be knowledgeable about the work of the Orange Tree Theatre and its

productions.

• To carry out any other duties as reasonably required.

This list is not exhaustive and as a term of your employment you may also be asked to
undertake other such appropriate duties as and when required, as well as being asked
to work flexible hours to suit the operation of the organisation.

Uncle Vanya, photo by Manuel Harlan

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
• Duty Management and/or supervisory experience in a theatre or other arts

venue.

• Ability to lead and motivate a team of staff.
• Highly effective communication and customer service skills and the ability to

adapt a style to suit different people and circumstances.

• Great customer service and the ability to make customers feel individual and

special.

• Ability and willingness to work respectfully and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Proactive attitude and ability to manage problems and find creative and

pragmatic solutions in a fast-paced environment.

• Reliable with excellent time keeping.
• Demonstrable interest in and passion for theatre, and for the Orange Tree in

particular.
Desirable
• First Aid Trained
• Practical fire and health and safety training and knowledge
• Experience of ticketing systems, in particular Spektrix.
• Experience of working on site-specific events or productions.

We encourage our Duty Managers to work shifts as Front of House Assistants alongside
their Duty Management shifts. Please include in your application if you are happy to be
considered for both roles.

Orange Tree Theatre Ltd | 1 Clarence St, Richmond TW9 2SA | orangetreetheatre.co.uk | 020 8940 0141

Northanger Abbey, photo by Pamela Raith

Rehearsals for The Swell photo by Ali Wright

Contract and terms

Title of post: Duty Manager
Rate of Pay: £17.50 per hour plus holiday pay
Contract: Casual, zero hours contract
Hours: Shifts on a rota basis. Number of shifts will vary according to show schedules and staff
availability. Evening and weekend working is expected for this position. Shifts will be based at
the Orange Tree Theatre, as well as other sites in and around Richmond as required.

Other Benefits:
Training and development, Auto-enrolment pension contributions, where eligible, 40% discount
in the OT Bar, 2 free tickets to all OT shows.

To apply

 10 April 2026 10am

Deadline:
Interviews:  Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be held throughout this period.
We reserve the right to close applications early if necessary, and therefore early applications are
encouraged

To apply please send a CV with 2 references, including your current or latest employer, along with
a cover letter, no longer than one side of A4, by email marked Duty Manager  to
jobs@orangetreetheatre.co.uk. . Please include in your application if you are happy to be
considered for a Front of House role as well. We will not check references without prior approval.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to building a team who have a
diverse range of backgrounds. We welcome applications from under-represented groups.

Please also complete the Equal Opportunities Form here: https://forms.gle/XRYDxzjVVW33w9Uq6

If you would like an informal conversation about the role with our Front of House Manager George
Holmes, please email him on george.holmes@orangetreetheatre.co.uk

ORANGE TREE THEATRE LTD | Registered charity number 266128
1 Clarence Street, Richmond, London TW9 2SA | orangetreetheatre.co.uk | 020 8940 0141