Entertainment Creative Senior Manager
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Posted 13 days ago
About the role
Acting as a key collaborator across Creative, Production, Marketing, Events, and HR teams, the Senior Manager ensures alignment with artistic goals, brand/IP standards, and operational excellence. They guide the creative process from conceptualization through final approval, manage casting pipelines locally and internationally, and support seamless integration of new hires into the entertainment ecosystem. With a deep understanding of performance production, scripting, music, choreography, and character development, they inspire and mentor creative and casting teams while maintaining a positive, innovative, and professional environment that drives consistent quality and growth in all entertainment initiatives.
ROLE SCOPE
Entertainment Creative & Casting
- Lead the strategic planning and execution of all entertainment casting activities across Miral Experiences Theme Parks, including Face Characters, Animators, and Specialty Acts, ensuring alignment with creative direction and operational requirements.
- Manage and conduct in-person (local and international) and online auditions, as well as oversee the online casting platform, maintaining timely communication and quality assurance in the selection process.
- Collaborate with the Creative Director and IP representatives to conceptualize, curate, and maintain creative content that aligns with brand identity, show vision, and shareholder expectations.
- Partner with scenic, costume, lighting, and sound designers and technicians to ensure all technical and visual elements of productions support and enhance the overall creative vision.
- Guide and mentor the creative team throughout the development process, supporting scripting, choreography, and music direction, while fostering innovation and professional growth.
- Work closely with Talent Acquisition and HR to support seamless onboarding of new performers and proactively plan for casting needs in alignment with upcoming productions and seasonal demands. Ensure creative and casting initiatives meet high artistic standards, reflect current industry trends, and are delivered on time and within scope.
Talent Development & Administration
- Lead and manage the audition and casting process, ensuring talent is appropriately placed in roles that align with creative vision and production needs.
- Collaborate with Talent Acquisition by participating in interviews, completing casting-related documentation, and ensuring all HR processes are followed for onboarding.
- Collect, organize, and maintain audition materials for both live and online submissions, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with casting protocols.
- Develop and update casting communications, including email templates and website content, to maintain clarity, professionalism, and alignment with brand standards.
- Coach and guide talent throughout rehearsals and performances to help them develop into their roles, ensuring consistency in delivery and performance quality.
- Identify and address performance issues during rehearsals or live shows in a professional and constructive manner.
- Submit scripts, performance material, and other relevant creative assets for review and approval by IP stakeholders and brand representatives. Attend production and creative development meetings.
Cross-department Collaboration
- Strategize and prepare with the wider Creative team, Operations teams, and Talent Acquisition to fill replacement positions in a timely manner to avoid disruption to Operations.
- Work with the HR onboarding team to ensure smooth transition from Talent Acquisition to Entertainment Operations to ensure appropriate cast arrival time and subsequent training plans. Work with the appropriate team/s to build a website to house all casting submissions and market Miral Entertainment opportunities.
Character Training
- Support character training across all properties, when required.
- Lead the Character Trainers in their respective roles to work at the highest standard and achieve artistic goals.
- Develops and conducts training plans for animators and performers to maintain world-class offerings. Critiques performances based on creative elements such as timing and energy of performers; adherence to blocking, choreography, script and skill delivery, immersive storytelling and improvisation.
Casting Strategy
Strategize with the wider Creative team to create a successful annual audition tour to hire cast across all properties, pending business budget support and needs.QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
- A University degree required or the equivalent professional experience for the required position: theatrical and production directing, acting, improvisational acting, physical comedy, dancing, scripting, singing, composing or musician.
- 5+ years of experience with a specialization in amusement parks, circuses, or cruise ship entertainment industry in both large-scale productions and interactive experiential entertainment.
- 5+ years of Music Theater or Large-Scale Productions
- 5+ years in management or leadership in entertainment development and maintenance.
- Proven experience in entertainment casting, including leading in-person and online auditions as well as interview processes.
- Strong background in creative development for live performances, with demonstrated skills in areas such as scripting, choreography, music, vocals, or musicianship.
- Ability to deliver performance reviews and constructive feedback to talent with professionalism and clarity.
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills; able to collaborate effectively with diverse teams across multiple departments.
- Professional working knowledge of the entertainment industry, including trends and standards in casting and show production.
- Highly proficient in written and spoken English. Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Desirable:
- University degree related to the Arts, Liberal Arts, STEM, Business or equivalent continued or higher education.
- International experience
- Experience opening theme parks and/or large-scale live entertainment productions
- Experience Casting for a diverse range of disciplines
- Background in live performance or performing arts.
- Proven knowledge of casting specifically for live entertainment venues and themed experiences.
- Awareness of industry trends related to entertainment and talent sourcing.
- Understanding of creative design elements including lighting, sound, costume, scenic, or media.
- Experience developing and delivering presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint and other Office applications.