Director of Entertainment (Scenic & Creative)

Posted 12 Days Ago
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37738, Gatlinburg, TN, USA
In-Office
Senior level
Events • Retail • Travel • Hospitality
The Role
Lead creative development, design oversight, and production of immersive themed entertainment and seasonal events. Manage casting, writing, scenic design, AV, vendors, fabrication, budgets (expense and capital), and cross-functional collaboration. Provide leadership, vendor negotiation, and operational oversight from concept through installation and ongoing operation.
Summary Generated by Built In

DIRECTOR OF ENTERTAINMENT (Scenic & Creative) 

 

Position Summary 
The Director of Entertainment is responsible for the conceptual development, design oversight, and production of immersive entertainment experiences for Anakeesta and their seasonal events, and live seasonal productions. This role leads the creative process from initial concepting through installation and operation, overseeing casting, show writing and content, scenic event decor, initial vendor coordination, and budgeting oversight, both expense and capital.  

The ideal candidate combines strong theatrical storytelling with practical production management and a deep understanding of themed event entertainment. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Develop and direct original entertainment concepts shows, festivals, and live events.  

  • Talent casting, script writing, character concepts, and creative treatments for stage shows, atmosphere entertainment, and seasonal productions.  

  • Collaborate with outsourced directors, choreographers, scenic designers, lighting designers, and technical teams to create cohesive entertainment experiences.  

  • Source directors, choreographers, wardrobe designers, and outsourced talent as needed for large and small event functions within the park. 

  • Produce, direct and design show content, costuming, and show production elements for multiple productions throughout the calendar year. 

  • Oversee creative team for theme park décor and environmental storytelling elements to support immersive guest experiences.  

  • Oversee the management for the scenic team for fabrication projects from concept through installation, including working directly with vendors, fabricators, and production partners.  

  • Oversee the management team of the Audio/Visual department, for all in park experiences including Astra Lumina, the Firefly Experience, and overall park lighting effects.  

  • Create/oversee labor, production, and operational expense budgets for entertainment projects and seasonal events.  

  • Negotiate with external vendors, scenic shops, costume houses, audio/visual providers, and specialty fabricators.  

  • Provide leadership and mentorship to entertainment management staff, performers, designers, and production teams.  

  • Manage event creative and scenic production budgets, including forecasting, purchasing, vendor management, and expense tracking.  

  • Collaborate closely with marketing, operations, entertainment, and leadership teams 

Qualifications

Qualifications 

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in live events, themed entertainment, or theme park industry.  

  • Strong background in theatre production, live entertainment, and scenic décor design/production.  

  • Experience writing and producing live shows, and immersive experiences.  

  • Demonstrated experience in creative environmental or themed décor design.  

  • Proven experience managing labor and expense budgets for entertainment or production projects.  

  • Experience coordinating with vendors, scenic fabricators, and technical production teams.  

  • Strong project management and organizational skills.  

  • Ability to manage multiple productions and deadlines simultaneously.  

  • Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills.  

  • Proficiency with production scheduling, budgeting, and creative presentation tools.  

 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience within theme parks, immersive attractions, cruise entertainment, or destination entertainment venues.  

  • Knowledge of scenic construction methods, technical theatre systems, and fabrication processes.  

  • Experience in music direction, composition, and/or theatrical performance.  

  • Experience producing seasonal events such as Halloween, Holiday, or special events programming.  

Physical Requirements 

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.  

  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.  

  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during event installations and strikes.  

  • Comfortable working on ladders, lifts, and uneven terrain as needed.  

Perks of Working with Us 

  • Competitive pay. 

  • Paid time off. 

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 

  • Life insurance. 

  • 401(k). 

  • Free admission for employees and immediate family. 

  • Employee discounts on food and merchandise. 

  • Generous pass exchange program with area attractions. 

"Be a Breath of Fresh Air" 

 


Skills Required

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in live events, themed entertainment, or theme park industry.
  • Strong background in theatre production, live entertainment, and scenic decor design/production.
  • Experience writing and producing live shows and immersive experiences.
  • Demonstrated experience in creative environmental or themed decor design.
  • Proven experience managing labor and expense budgets for entertainment or production projects.
  • Experience coordinating with vendors, scenic fabricators, and technical production teams.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple productions and deadlines.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills.
  • Proficiency with production scheduling, budgeting, and creative presentation tools.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; comfortable working outdoors, on ladders/lifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ability to oversee AV and park lighting effects and manage an Audio/Visual department.
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The Company
Year Founded: 2017

What We Do

Anakeesta is an award-winning mountaintop adventure park rising 600 feet above downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Spread across 90+ acres of Smoky Mountain forest, it pairs sweeping views with treetop adventures, family dining, and year-round events designed for memory-making days. Through thoughtfully designed attractions and natural beauty, Anakeesta seeks to inspire a lasting sense of wonder and appreciation for the magic that is in the mountains.

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