How to Be Dance Company Tour Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 9, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Dance Company Tour Manager plays a vital role in ensuring that a dance tour runs smoothly. They are responsible for organizing and booking accommodations, transportation, and performance venues. they coordinate travel and lodging arrangements for the dancers while they are on tour.

The Tour Manager must also work with the event promoters to ensure that the performers have access to the necessary resources and facilities. By ensuring that all of these details are taken care of, the Tour Manager helps to ensure that the dancers can focus on their performance and that the tour is a success. a successful Dance Company Tour Manager will result in increased ticket sales, a larger fan base, and greater recognition for the dance troupe.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a tour manager for a dance company, you will need to have at least a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field.
Gain Experience. It is important to have experience in the field before you can become a successful tour manager. Consider interning or volunteering with a local dance company to gain hands-on experience.
Build Your Skills. Tour managers must be adept at handling financial matters and contracts, as well as being well-versed in booking travel and managing personnel. It is important to also be knowledgeable about the dance industry in order to effectively manage the tour.
Get Certified. Becoming certified by the International Association of Tour Managers (IATM) is beneficial for tour managers in the dance industry. It demonstrates that you are knowledgeable about industry standards and practices.
Network. Building relationships with other dance companies and industry professionals is important for success as a tour manager. Networking can open up opportunities and provide access to resources that can be beneficial for your career.

Being a successful Dance Company Tour Manager requires staying ahead and qualified. To achieve this, it is important to keep up-to-date with industry trends, regulations, and technology. It is also essential to remain organized and have strong communication skills to coordinate with the dance company, venues, and staff.

having a solid understanding of contracts and budgeting can help to ensure that all of the tour requirements are met in a timely and cost-effective manner. By staying informed, organized, and knowledgeable in all areas of tour management, a Dance Company Tour Manager can guarantee the success of any given tour.

You may want to check Dance Company Touring Production Assistant, Dance Troupe Performer, and Dance Programmer for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Dance Company's tour.
Plan and coordinate tour dates and venues.
Negotiate contracts with venues and promoters.
Compile budgets and manage tour finances.
Book transportation, lodging, and catering for touring personnel.
Ensure that all equipment and supplies are packed and transported for each tour date.
Supervise stage crew and technical team personnel.
Manage backstage activities and enforce safety regulations.
Monitor the performance of the Dance Company and its personnel.
Ensure the smooth running of performances and events.
Handle complaints from the audience and the press.
Maintain relationships with venues and promoters to foster future collaborations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize projects.
Knowledge of dance techniques, history, and music.
Experience in event planning and budgeting.
Familiarity with local venues and performance spaces.
Ability to work well with a team in a fast-paced environment.
Understanding of tour logistics and travel arrangements.
Skilled at problem-solving and resolving conflicts.
Proficiency in using office software and social media tools.
Expertise in safety and security protocols for performers.

Being a successful Dance Company Tour Manager requires a unique set of skills, including the ability to be organized, flexible, and communicative. Organization is key in order to make sure all aspects of the tour are taken care of, from the travel arrangements to the performance itineraries. Flexibility is also important since tour schedules can change quickly and often.

The Tour Manager needs to be able to think on their feet and adapt quickly to any changes that might occur. Communication is also a key skill for a Dance Company Tour Manager, as they must be able to effectively communicate with the performers, the production team, and other personnel involved in the tour. Without clear communication, the tour could be doomed from the start.

Proper communication can ensure that everyone involved is on the same page and working towards the same goal. These skills are essential for a successful Dance Company Tour Manager, and are integral to ensuring a successful and enjoyable tour experience for everyone involved.

Dance Company Public Relations Manager, Dance Company Touring Videographer, and Dance Company Touring Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in managing large-scale dance tours?
How do you handle difficult situations while on tour?
What strategies do you use to ensure that tour budgets are met?
Have you managed any international dance tours?
How do you handle the different personalities of dancers on a tour?
What methods do you use to ensure that all tour dates are managed efficiently?
How do you manage to keep up with the ever-changing needs of a dance tour?
Are you familiar with the various venues used for dance tours?
How do you resolve conflicts between dancers or between tour personnel?
How do you motivate dancers and other personnel to perform their best on tour?

Common Tools in Industry

Tour Booking Software. This software helps to automate and streamline the process of booking and managing tour dates, venues, and travel arrangements. (eg: TourCMS)
Accounting Software. This software allows tour managers to keep track of expenses, budgets, and invoices. (eg: QuickBooks)
Ticketing System. This software allows the company to sell tickets to their performances and events. (eg: Eventbrite)
Document Management Software. This software helps the company store and access important documents, such as contracts and itineraries, in a secure and organized manner. (eg: Dropbox)
Tour Management Software. This software helps the tour manager plan and track tour itineraries, route maps, and venue requirements. (eg: Tourbuzz)
Social Media Management Software. This software helps the company manage their social media presence, post updates, and monitor analytics. (eg: Hootsuite)
Customer Relationship Management Software. This software helps the company track customer information, such as contact details, ticket purchases, and feedback. (eg: Salesforce)

Professional Organizations to Know

Dance/USA
National Dance Education Organization
International Association of Dance Medicine and Science
Dance/Movement Therapists International
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
National Association of Schools of Dance
Society of Dance History Scholars
National Dance Education Organization
International Association of Blacks in Dance
National Association of Colleges of Dance

We also have Dance Show Coordinator, Dance Crew Manager, and Dance Company Administrator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Tour Contract. A formal agreement between a dance company and a venue or promoter for a set of performances. It includes details such as the performance dates, fees, and production requirements.
Tour Budget. An estimate of the total costs of a tour, including expenses for travel, lodging, meals, production costs, and marketing expenses.
Arrangements. All the steps taken by a tour manager to make sure a tour goes smoothly, including making travel arrangements, booking venues and arranging for equipment.
Logistics. The coordination of all the different elements that go into a successful tour, including travel, lodging, meals, and production.
Risk Management. Managing the potential risks to a tour, such as illness or injury of performers or staff, inclement weather, or financial losses.
Promotion. Making sure the tour is publicized and advertised in order to draw a large audience. This may include print and digital advertising, press releases, and social media campaigns.
Audience Development. Analyzing the demographics of the audience and identifying strategies to expand the reach of the tour to new audiences.
Merchandising. Selling merchandise associated with the tour at performances or online. This may include t-shirts, CDs, and other items related to the dance company or tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Dance Company Tour Manager?

A Dance Company Tour Manager typically requires a bachelors degree in a related field such as business, marketing or event management. Additionally, prior experience in the dance industry or tour management is often necessary.

What duties does a Dance Company Tour Manager typically perform?

A Dance Company Tour Manager is responsible for planning, organizing and executing all aspects of a dance company's tour, including scheduling venues, booking travel, coordinating with staff and vendors, and budgeting for the tour.

How many hours does a Dance Company Tour Manager typically work?

A Dance Company Tour Manager may work up to 40 hours per week, depending on the size and complexity of the tour. During peak times, such as the lead up to a tour, the number of hours may be significantly higher.

What salary can a Dance Company Tour Manager expect to earn?

Salaries for Dance Company Tour Managers vary depending on experience and the size of the tour. On average, salaries can range from $30,000 - $75,000 per year.

What skills are important for a Dance Company Tour Manager?

The most important skills for a Dance Company Tour Manager include strong organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Additionally, problem solving skills, budgeting experience and a familiarity with the dance industry are also beneficial.