Hire and manage all on-board entertainment for the Grapevine Vintage Railroad to include, North Pole Express, recurring public excursions as well as all special event trains. Works to create, curate and manage all programming and entertainment to enhance the perceived value and visitor experience within the Cotton Belt Depot District as well as heritage attractions and assists with events that take place in Historic Downtown.

1. Works under minimal supervision to create, curate and direct programs of entertainment for Grapevine Vintage Railroad, Cotton Belt Depot District and Christmas Capital of Texas.

2. Manages from start to finish the casting process for talent, and oversees / directs all rehearsals and staged performances.

3. Assists in cross-promotional efforts with local and regional theatres, historical societies, dance troupes, colleges and other organizational partners for additional sourcing of entertainment (and to bring in new visitors).

4. Assists with the planning and preparation of entertainment programming throughout the year reflective of Grapevine as a historic city and destination.

5. Develops a complete working knowledge of Grapevine including all attractions and amenities.

6. Researches entertainment standards / rates to make recommendations for future programming.

7. Negotiates contracts for talent, ensuring that all programming falls within budget.

8. Using a high degree of independent judgement and reasoning, keeps up with entertainment trends, programming and curation, updating leadership on market trends.

9. Works with Marketing Research team to track perceived value of entertainment.

10. Performs related duties as assigned or directed as logical / appropriate to the position.

11. Maintains regular, timely attendance for the position, subject to working nights and weekends as well as on-board Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

12. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, co-workers and other in daily work.

Writing / Content Creation and Curation:

• Writes scripts and revisions for all on-board train experiences as well as street performance events, which includes North Pole Express and Christmas Capital of Texas. Also develops programs for other living history experiences within Grapevines Heritage Attractions.
• Assists with creating new avenues for immersive entertainment with a focus on Grapevines Historic District.
• Creates and produces promotional tie-ins for CVB sponsored activities.

Casting:

• Coordinates / books talent (actors, artists, musicians, dancers, etc.) for the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, Christmas Capital of Texas and Heritage related programming and events.

Directing:

• Directs staged entertainment of events and experiences managed by the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau, such as North Pole Express.
• Directs and controls all aspects of the guest entertainment experience for Grapevine Vintage Railroad and heritage events.Costuming / Props:
• Coordinates costumes, construction and procurement, ensuring authenticity of period and style
• Produces necessary props and audience participation materials for staged events
• Assists with Cotton Belt Historic District / street decoration for setting and ambience

Themed Decorations:

• Decorates train coaches for special events, to include North Pole Express and all themed special event trains
• Assists with decorations for North Pole Express and Christmas Capital of Texas

Lighting / Sound Designer:

• Plots and oversees set up of light grids / board control
• Casts voiceover for prerecorded scripting as needed
• Engineers / mixes / masters accompaniment and atmosphere tracks

Administrative Duties include (but not limited to):

• Manage and oversee casting calls
• Distribute call sheets and manage event check-ins
• Manage procurement (costumes, props, promotional items)
• Coordinates with Convention and Visitors Bureau Accounting on confirmed contracts, billing / accounting as well as performer payroll
• Works with Accounting and Marketing Research to generate metrics focused on overall attendance, attendee feedback and performer feedback

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Ability to enforce policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Must have excellent skills in communicating orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to enforce policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Ability to make mature judgements and work irregular hours and schedules.
• Ability to ensure a memorable train experience to all passengers by practicing the highest level of customer service.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in theatre arts or related field with three years of practical experience or a minimum of five years of experience in directing, casting and producing theatrical experiences or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Must have or be able to obtain a food handler's certification within 30 days of hiring.

Must pass a Federal/National criminal background investigation and credit check and have a valid Texas driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, drug screen, functional assessment screening (Level 1), Ishihara vision screening, whisper and audio test.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the essential functions of this position, there will be routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light
• Dusts and pollen
• Extreme heat and/or cold
• Wet or humid conditions
• Extreme noise levels
• Vibration
• Fumes and/or noxious odors
• Traffic
• Moving machinery
• Other extreme hazards not listed above

Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety vests, steel-toe boots, back support belts, and seat belts are provided and must be worn as required by department procedures and good safety practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job entails moderate physical labor, which requires strength and agility. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift, shovel, and carry 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.

Regular full-time employees are assigned to work at least 40 hours per week, and are eligible for the City's benefit package, subject to the conditions and limitations of each program.

The City of Grapevine offers a generous and comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, life insurance. Please click HERE to view more information.