What Does A Theatre Tour Manager Do?

When a production goes on tour to different locations it requires a Tour Manager. A Tour Manager, also known as a Tour Director books venues, travel and accommodation for cast members and ensures the tour runs smoothly.

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What are the main responsibilities of a Tour Manager?

Organise the details of the tour, often called the ‘get in’ and ‘get out’ (moving in the equipment)
Liaising with venues, Promoters, Artists and their Managers/Agents
Booking travel, accommodation and transfers for cast and crew members
Dealing with any problems that may arise before or during the tour of a production, such as travel disruptions (if there is traffic or delays on public transport) or cast and crew illness
Making sure that the sound and any audio-visual systems are appropriate for each venue
Analysing the budget of the tour - ensuring you have enough money for each area e.g. travel, equipment, salary of team members etc.
Travelling with the cast and crew of the production whilst on tour
Managing the transportation of instruments and PA systems to and from venues and overseeing the installation on-site

What qualifications do I need to be a Tour Manager?

It is not essential to have a qualification to become a Tour Manager and you don’t necessarily have to be interested in music or theatre. However a formal qualification in any of the following subjects would be beneficial and increase your chances of employment:

Business
Travel, tourism, leisure studies
Foreign languages

Apprenticeships within the industry would be helpful and provide a useful background for moving into tour management later.

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What skills do I need to be a Tour Manager?

Organisation
Strong communication skills
Strong listening skills
Excellent planning and organisational skills
Quick thinking - make decisions quickly and change arrangements when required
Ability to work well under pressure and cope with emergencies
Strong problem solving skills
A keen interest in the culture, geography and history of the locations covered by the tour
Time management

What does a career as a Tour Manager look like?

Any experience working in theatre production is beneficial. You can help with school and college productions or get experience at your local theatre. It’s possible to start your career as an Assistant and work your way toward becoming a Tour Manager. Work on your organisational and problem solving skills as these are essential for this line of work.