Janet Walker
Withnell,Lancashire
Summary
Experienced professional with a strong background in roles across diverse sectors including theatre, production, casting and events. High performance history in development, programming, venue sourcing, contracting, and marketing, delivering innovative solutions that align with organizational goals.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work history
Entertainment Specialist & Talent Booker
TAD Management Entertainment Agency (Based in USA)
Withnell, Lancashire
2023.02 - 2024.10
- Facilitated delivery of exceptional guest entertainers to cruise ships globally.
- Scouted and signed high-quality talent across various genres to fulfil diverse requirements of cruise industry demographics
- Maintained robust relationships with UK cruise bookers to promote collaboration.
- All documentation, contracts, travel itinerary's checked, processed within their specific cruise company guidelines.
- Attended showcases, festivals, industry events to identify emerging artists for talent roster expansion.
Commercial Manager at VIVA Blackpool
VIVA Showbar
Blackpool, Blackpool
2022.02 - 2023.02
- Years contract to assist Viva cabaret venue's recovery
- Reassess shows & hospitality offerings.
- Drove revenue growth through strategic development, programming initiatives.
- Executed targeted marketing campaigns to elevate brand visibility and engagement.
Director of Productions & Guild Foundation
Preston Guild Hall
Preston, Lancashire
2017.02 - 2019.02
- Oversaw negotiations for touring theatre productions, securing advantageous agreements.
- Established strategic partnerships with enrichment providers to create long-term programme.
- Collaborated with external facilitators enhancing cultural offerings that boosted engagement and profitability.
- Partnered with Preston council, Arts council & local projects in cultivating creative, diverse safe spaces.
- Produced 4 in house successful, profitable pantomimes that topped box office records.
Assistant Operations Manager
Preston Guild Hall
Preston, Lancashire
2015.05 - 2017.02
- Oversaw daily venue operations, ensuring seamless service delivery.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, performance evaluations enhancing team effectiveness.
- Streamlined office procedures, increasing operational efficiency.
- Delivered strategic vision through updated branding, website enhancements.
- Assist in programming all areas of venue.
- Facilitated meetings with production companies, event organisers & team leaders to ensure smooth running of events.
- Collaborated with heads ensuring efficient and cost effective departments.
- Effectively handled crisis situations, minimising disruption to operations.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations across all activities.
Director of Stageworks
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool, Lancashire
2013.10 - 2015.05
- Produced spectacular shows in Ice Arena and various park venues.
- Sourced and contracted top-tier performers and dancers.
- Ensured Nickelodeon Land met Paramount Global's high specifications.
- Managed and programmed Team Nick for optimal performance.
- Staged live PR and special events successfully.
- Delivered bespoke costumes to major theme parks & prestigious shows.
- Implemented profit through hire of unused store costumes
- Leveraged PR opportunities with clients showcasing costumes at events and in magazines.
Fashion Retailer
Rococo Ladies Designer Wear
Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
2006.02 - 2012.02
- Established ladies' designer wear store, sourcing high fashion and jewellery from UK and Europe.
- Ensured optimal stock levels to maximise sales performance.
- Displayed merchandise attractively, boosting customer interest.
- Implemented promotional strategies to drive significant sales growth.
- Giving high standard of customer service.
Creative Freelancer
Janet Walker
Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
2002.05 - 2006.10
- Identified suitable venues and negotiated contracts to secure optimal terms for company's such as BAE Systems, SJM Concerts, MCN Magazine, Choice Hotels.
- Liaised with venue management and external organisations to coordinate show & event logistics.
- Executed live production shows, ensuring seamless performance delivery.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Displayed energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Applied positive customer service approach to increase satisfaction levels.
- Performed in production shows.
- Performed as lead singer in bands on land & at sea.
Special Events Manager
Pontins
Eccleston, Lancashire
1998.04 - 2002.06
- Generated business within special event sector across 16 Pontins sites.
- Controlled budgets for events, encompassing venue hire and accommodation.
- Sourced adaptable venues for diverse event requirements.
- Promoted events to targeted sector markets to increase visibility.
- Retained existing events while expanding offerings for enhanced profitability.
- Liaised with site management and external organisations for seamless operations.
- Ensured compliance with all legal requirements pertaining to events.
- Issued contracts and agreements to organisations and event organisers.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Increasing special events by 25%, turnover of over £6 million (accommodation income only). It was recognized as the largest growth department within the division.
Entertainment & Show Programming
Choice Hotels
Blackpool, Lancashire
1992.05 - 1997.04
- Delivered high-quality cabaret floor shows, securing visiting artists to elevate guest experiences.
- Organised themed weekends and Christmas party nights within budget constraints.
- Implemented comprehensive event programmes catering to both adults and children.
- Collaborated with all company divisions to enhance overall guest enjoyment.
Entertainment & Development Division
Pontins
Various Sites, UK
1988.04 - 1992.02
- Entertained and engaged holiday makers at various sites.
- Collaborated with onsite teams to deliver Pontins competition weekends and special events.
- Represented company at holiday and travel shows across UK and Ireland.
- Promoted company at travel agent special events.
- Conducted Bluecoat recruitment tours to attract new talent.
- Facilitated Bluecoat training seminars for staff development.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Education
BTEC National Business Studies - Sales, Marketing & Secretarial ULCI Typing Grade 1 To 4 RSA Grade 1 To 3 London Chamber of Commerce
Leigh College
LeighCSE's & O Level's -
Golborne Comprehensive School
GolborneSkills
Entertainment industry knowledge
Business Networking
Interpersonal skills
Business development
Market awareness
Effective communication
Team collaboration
Organizational abilities
Budget management
Execution excellence
Entertainment programming
Production management
Casting expertise
Ability to work under pressure
Friendly demeanour
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Entertainment Specialist & Talent Booker
TAD Management Entertainment Agency (Based in USA)
2023.02 - 2024.10
Commercial Manager at VIVA Blackpool
VIVA Showbar
2022.02 - 2023.02
Director of Productions & Guild Foundation
Preston Guild Hall
2017.02 - 2019.02
Assistant Operations Manager
Preston Guild Hall
2015.05 - 2017.02
Director of Stageworks
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
2013.10 - 2015.05
Fashion Retailer
Rococo Ladies Designer Wear
2006.02 - 2012.02
Creative Freelancer
Janet Walker
2002.05 - 2006.10
Special Events Manager
Pontins
1998.04 - 2002.06
Entertainment & Show Programming
Choice Hotels
1992.05 - 1997.04
Entertainment & Development Division
Pontins
1988.04 - 1992.02
BTEC National Business Studies - Sales, Marketing & Secretarial ULCI Typing Grade 1 To 4 RSA Grade 1 To 3 London Chamber of Commerce
Leigh College
CSE's & O Level's -
Golborne Comprehensive School