Stage Door Receptionist

Royal & Derngate; Northampton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Bar & Shop Discount

Complimentary tickets

Family Friendly Policies

Job summary

Royal & Derngate is seeking a Stage Door Receptionist to be the welcoming face at the heart of backstage operations in Northampton. You will manage access, greet performers and visitors, and support backstage teams across rehearsals, tech periods and performances.

The role requires a calm, organised, people-focused approach and a commitment to confidentiality and safety in a busy theatre environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a reception, front-of-house or customer-facing role.
• Experience in busy, fast-paced environments.
• Confidentiality and safeguarding awareness.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise.

Responsibilities

• Provide a professional and welcoming front-of-house presence for cast, crew, visitors and participants.
• Manage sign-in procedures and issue passes in line with policies.
• Answer and direct incoming calls and backstage enquiries.
• Receive and distribute post, parcels and deliveries.

Skills

Front-of-house

Customer service

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Calm under pressure

Tools

Email

Spreadsheets

Databases

Job description

Be the face of backstage at Royal & Derngate.

We’re looking for a Stage Door Receptionist to play a key role at the heart of our theatre operations. As the first point of contact for cast, crew, creatives and visitors, you’ll provide a warm, professional welcome while keeping our backstage areas safe, secure and running smoothly.

This is a varied and fast-paced role where no two days are the same – from managing access and supporting visiting companies, to handling calls, coordinating information, and keeping everything organised during busy rehearsal and performance periods.

You’ll need to be calm under pressure, highly organised, and great with people – someone who can juggle tasks, use initiative, and be a reassuring presence in a busy backstage environment.

If you enjoy being at the centre of things and take pride in creating a positive, well-run environment for others, this is a brilliant opportunity to be part of the engine room of our theatre.

Job Purpose:

The Royal & Derngate is a regional producing theatre creating and presenting high-quality work for local audiences and beyond. Alongside our own productions, we present a range of shows and performances, host visiting companies, artists, youth programmes and community groups. We are committed to artistic excellence, inclusivity, and being a creative hub for our region.

The Stage Door Receptionist is a key operational role and the primary point of contact for all individuals entering backstage areas. You will provide a warm, professional welcome while ensuring safe, secure and efficient access.

Working in a theatre environment, you will support rehearsals, technical periods, performances, and community activity, collaborating closely with Production, Technical, Company Management and Engagement teams.

Key Task Areas:

Reception & Welcome

• Provide a professional and welcoming front-of-house presence for cast, crew, creatives, participants and visitors
• Manage sign-in procedures and issue passes in line with theatre and contractor policies
• Answer and direct incoming calls and backstage enquiries
• Receive and distribute post, parcels and deliveries

Security & Safeguarding

• Control access to backstage areas, including monitoring Fire Alarm, Intruder Alarm and CCTV
• Ensure only authorised individuals enter restricted areas
• Follow safeguarding procedures, particularly during youth and community activity
• Maintain accurate visitor & activity logs
• Respond to emergencies in line with evacuation and safety procedures

Company & Production Support

• Maintain up-to-date call sheets and contact lists
• Share key operational information across departments
• Support artists and visiting companies with practical queries
• Provide a calm, organised presence during busy periods (e.g. technical weeks and performances)
• Provide digs information as required

Administrative & Operational Support

• Log incidents and elevate where appropriate
• Provide general administrative support to management
• Maintain a tidy, organised and welcoming stage door environment
• Experience in a reception, front-of-house, or customer-facing role
• Experience working in a busy, fast-paced environment
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding, and security procedures
• Experience handling phone enquiries and administrative tasks
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with a wide range of people
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm, professional and approachable under pressure
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to use initiative
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively
• Basic IT skills (e.g. email, spreadsheets, databases)
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Experience working in a theatre, arts, or live events environment
• Experience supporting visiting companies, artists, or community groups
• Familiarity with backstage or production environments

Desirable Knowledge/Qualifications

• Friendly, welcoming and professional manner
• Reliable, punctual and responsible
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work
• Discreet and trustworthy, particularly when handling sensitive information
• Positive team player with a collaborative approach

Closing Date: Wed 30 Sep 26

Interviews: Wed 7 Oct 26

About Company

Royal & Derngate is proud of its reputation as a thriving regional theatre. An important entertainment hub for all communities across Northamptonshire and beyond, the three-stage and cinema complex is home to an acclaimed Made In Northampton self-produced programme as well as welcoming some of the most well-known acts and shows touring the UK. In recent years the venue has celebrated Stage, Olivier and Academy Awards nominations, notably including a prestigious win for Best Family Show at the 2020 Oliviers, and in 2025 it was named the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre in the UK Theatre Awards. As important as the work on its stages, its nationally recognised Creative Engagement programme works with schools, families and communities, and the Generate development programme supports hundreds of regional artists each year, at all stages of their careers.

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bar & Shop Discount
• Complimentary tickets available on selected shows and films
• Family Friendly Policies

Stage Door Receptionist • Northampton, UK