Demo

Director of Entertainment

Anakeesta
Gatlinburg, TN Full Time
POSTED ON 6/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/30/2026

 


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 

  • 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, starting at $90k
  • 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"

Salary : $90,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Director of Entertainment?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Director of Entertainment career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$101,074 - $145,513
Income Estimation: 
$155,094 - $219,530
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Anakeesta

  • Anakeesta Pigeon, TN
  • Hey adventure seeker! Ready to work at the most epic gig in the Smokies? Come join the crew at WildSide, home to the longest zipline in the entire United S... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Anakeesta Gatlinburg, TN
  • Come be part of something spectacular in the Smokies! Anakeesta is seeking an outgoing people person to join our team as a Photography Supervisor. If you a... more
  • 3 Days Ago

  • Anakeesta Gatlinburg, TN
  • DIRECTOR OF ENTERTAINMENT (Scenic & Creative) Position Summary The Director of Entertainment is responsible for the conceptual development, design oversigh... more
  • 3 Days Ago

  • Anakeesta Gatlinburg, TN
  • Server – Clifftop Job Summary Join the team at Clifftop, Anakeesta’s signature mountaintop dining experience featuring stunning views and elevated comfort ... more
  • 4 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Director of Entertainment jobs in the Gatlinburg, TN area that may be a better fit.

  • ANAKEESTA Gatlinburg, TN
  • DIRECTOR OF ENTERTAINMENT (Scenic & Creative) Position Summary The Director of Entertainment is responsible for the conceptual development, design oversigh... more
  • 3 Days Ago

  • ANAKEESTA Gatlinburg, TN
  • Entertainment Team Lead Job Summary Want to be part of something spectacular in the Smokies? Imagine a rewarding career working with the nicest people, sur... more
  • 21 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!