Venue programmer
Also known as: venue booker & promoter, club programmer, dance programmer, venue programming assistant, in-house promoter, music programmer
About this occupation
Venue programmers are in charge of the artistic programme of a venue (theatres, cultural centers, concert halls etc.) or of temporary settings (festivals). They follow artistic trends and up-coming artists, keep in contact with bookers and agents to build a consistent programme and encourage artistic creation. All of this happens within the boundaries of the artistic and financial scope of the organisation they are involved in.
Essential skills and knowledge
- program artistic productions
- communicate in English in a competent way
- engage artistic staff
- draw up artistic programming policy
- coordinate operational activities
- monitor programming finances
- negotiate artistic productions
- promote event
- manage venue programme
- keep up with trends
- select artistic productions
- coordinate artistic production
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes (O*NET 13-1011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms.
- Send samples of clients' work and other promotional material to potential employers to obtain auditions, sponsorships, or endorsement deals.
- Keep informed of industry trends and deals.
- Conduct auditions or interviews to evaluate potential clients.
- Negotiate with managers, promoters, union officials, and other persons regarding clients' contractual rights and obligations.
- Confer with clients to develop strategies for their careers, and to explain actions taken on their behalf.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Social, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Persuasion, Negotiation, Social Perceptiveness
US median pay: US$82,890 a year (2025), 12,620 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.8)
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsVery important (3.7)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaVery important (3.7)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
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- Public Relations Specialists
- Advertising and Promotions Managers
- Writers and Authors
- Marketing Managers
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Sales Managers
- Public Relations Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.