Location: The Forum Music Studios, Darlington
Hours: 30 hours per week across 4 shifts
Contract: Permanent
About The Forum
The Forum Music Studios is one of the North East's leading grassroots music venues, providing a platform for emerging artists, established performers and the local music community. Alongside our live events program, we offer rehearsal rooms, recording facilities, music education and community projects.
We're looking for someone who is passionate about original live music and enjoys working as part of a busy events team. This is a unique hybrid role combining artist booking with front-of-house bar work, giving you the opportunity to help shape our program while being part of the events you create.
The Role
This is a dual-role position split across four shifts each week.
Typically:
- 2 daytime shifts will be dedicated to sourcing, contacting and booking original artists and developing our live music program.
- 2 evening shifts will be spent working behind the bar during live events, ensuring our customers receive excellent service and helping events run smoothly.
The successful candidate will also be expected to work at events they have booked and, where required, assist with Friday and Saturday events. While weekend work will be required, this will not necessarily be every weekend.
Original Artist Booking Responsibilities
- Research and identify original artists suitable for The Forum.
- Build relationships with artists, agents and promoters.
- Negotiate performance fees and confirm bookings within agreed budgets.
- Develop a varied program of original live music.
- Ensure bookings fit within the venue's programming strategy.
- Issue contracts and collect technical information from artists.
- Liaise with sound engineers and production staff regarding event requirements.
- Promote strong relationships with artists to encourage repeat bookings.
- Monitor attendance figures and help develop strategies to grow audiences for original music.
Bar Staff Responsibilities
- Provide friendly and efficient customer service.
- Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Operate the till and process payments accurately.
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards throughout the bar.
- Restock bar supplies as required.
- Assist with opening and closing procedures.
- Help create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for customers.
- Work as part of the wider venue team to deliver successful events.
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- A genuine passion for original live music.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple bookings.
- Confidence dealing with artists and promoters.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- A flexible approach to evening and occasional weekend work.
- A positive, proactive attitude and willingness to get involved wherever needed.
Desirable:
- Experience booking live music or promoting events including contract negotiations.
- Previous experience working in a bar, hospitality or customer service environment although full training can be given.
- Personal knowledge of the original music scene.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to directly influence our original live music program.
- A varied role where no two weeks are the same.
- A supportive team within a respected grassroots music venue.
- Staff discounts at the bar and on tickets.
- Opportunities for professional development within live events and venue management.
- The chance to work closely with emerging artists and help develop the local music scene.
Please send your CV together with a covering letter explaining:
- Why you're passionate about original live music.
- Any experience you have booking artists, promoting events or working in hospitality.
- Why you think you'd be a great fit for The Forum.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our passion for supporting grassroots music.
Pay: £20,100.00 per year
Work Location: In person
