Touring Performer - Family Science Show
Gastronaut Productions Closing date: Sun, 06 Sep 2026
- Part time
- £40k-£50k
Wed, 15 Jul 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
The Utterly Revolting Science Show is looking for an exceptional performer to join our UK tour in 2027.
Created by the team behind the hit family show Rude Science, this fast-paced theatre production combines spectacular science demonstrations, comedy and audience participation to inspire children aged 5-13 while entertaining the whole family. Featuring everything from burps and farts to explosions and edible chemistry, it's science at its funniest.
As Lead Performer, you'll present two live shows each performance day, delivering a largely scripted production with confidence, warmth and comic flair while improvising with audiences and volunteers. You'll help bring science to life through energetic storytelling, humour and memorable demonstrations, creating unforgettable theatre experiences for thousands of families across the UK.
Working alongside an experienced co-presenter, you'll also play a key role behind the scenes. Responsibilities include helping with set-up and get-out, operating on-stage multimedia (full training provided), troubleshooting technical issues, meeting audiences after performances, managing merchandise sales and sharing driving duties between venues.
This is a hands-on touring role for someone who enjoys performing, working as part of a small team and getting stuck into every aspect of life on the road. You'll be an engaging communicator with live performance experience, excellent comic timing and the confidence to connect with audiences of all ages. Experience touring, technical theatre or science communication is an advantage but not essential.
The tour runs during UK school holiday periods between February and November 2027, with rehearsals in February 2027. As Gastronaut continues to grow, this role offers the chance to become part of an ambitious and creative company, with opportunities to contribute to future productions, creative development and new touring projects.
Job Requirements
Essential
- Proven experience as a confident live performer
- Experience performing for family audiences
- Over 25 years old (required for driving hire van/insurance), full, clean UK driving licence
- Outstanding presentation and communication skills, ability to confidently engage both adults and children
- Strong practical problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure
- Reliable, flexible and available for all schedule tour dates
Desirable
- Touring theatre experience
- Practical and technical understanding of live multi-media presentation
- Experience using Mimo Live
- Good knowledge of Health and Safety procedures
- An understanding of STEM in the curriculum
Job Responsibilities
- Deliver a dynamic, largely scripted live science show as lead presenter.
- Perform science demonstrations safely, confidently and accurately (full training provided)
- Operate AV effects whilst on stage using MimoLive software (full training provided)
- Share tech responsibilities with co-presenter/stage manager
- Troubleshoot technical and operational issues quickly and effectively while touring
- Attend rehearsals, online training (food/fire safety), and occasional prep sessions
- Liaise with FOH teams on the day regarding meet & greets and merchandise sales
- Deliver meet & greets after each performance, representing the company professionally
- Manage merchandise stand and stock, with stock count at start and end of each performance day
- Assist stage manager with the get in & out
- Share driving of tour vehicle (Long Wheel Base Transit)
- Load/unload the van at the storage unit at start and end of each tour (location dependent)
- Comply with all safeguarding and H&S procedures
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Touring Performer - Family Science Show
- Salary: £40k-£50k (pro-rata)
- Hours: Part time
- Role: Performer
- Contract: Contract
- Closing date: Sun, 06 Sep 2026
- Location: UK-wide
How to Apply
Please send the following to [email protected] with the subject line Touring Performer/Science Communicator:
- Your performance CV
- A link to a short showreel or performance video – preferably 2-5mins.
- A short, informal, non-AI-generated covering letter explaining why you would be suitable for the role.
Please note that successful candidates will be required to provide references.
Application deadline
Sunday 6th September, midnight
We aim to shortlist in the middle two weeks of September, with auditions taking place before mid October.
We look forward to hearing from you.
- Contact name: Rebecca Tarry
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Gastronaut Productions
Gastronaut is a science media company run by food adventurer and TV presenter Stefan Gates. We work at the highest level of science communication creating high-tech science stage shows packed with robots, cannons, rockets and extraordinary science stunts, and all presented with a real depth of understanding and a thirst for education. Our stage spectacles are performed in the UK and across the world at prestigious science festivals and events where they are often the headlining show.