Devan Craig Josephs
Summary
Dynamic leader in theatrical operations with expertise in managing and mentoring diverse teams. Spearheaded training programs that achieved high retention rates and improved guest satisfaction while ensuring compliance with operational standards. Possesses 19 years of experience in onboard cruise environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Theatrical Operations Manager
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
10.2023 - Current
- Managed daily theater operations, ensuring seamless performances and audience satisfaction.
- Spearhead comprehensive FOH operations and crowd-management protocols for high-capacity theater venues
- Direct technical rehearsals, daily scheduling, and cast movement workflows for complex, nightly multi-act lineups, ensuring immaculate production value and operational continuity.
- Developed operational strategies to improve guest satisfaction and service delivery.
- Drive entertainment revenue by strategically auditing the ticketing lifecycle, maximizing seating inventory, and accelerating reservation velocity for high-demand, premium productions to guarantee peak venue capacity.
- Oversaw training programs to elevate service quality and operational efficiency.
- Directed the end-to-end training lifecycle for a 41-person multi-disciplinary team, including vocalists, dancers, technicians, and wardrobe staff.
- Trained and mentored staff on customer service best practices.
- Managed departmental logistics including berthing, sign-on/off procedures, and medical compliance while serving as the primary liaison for shoreside management.
- Translated complex corporate manuals into actionable daily workflows; conducted workshops to ensure 100% compliance with safety and operational protocols.
Production Manager
Afro Arimba Productions
07.2021 - 08.2023
- Managed end-to-end technical installation, stage management, and operational logistics for major international cruise accounts, including partnership productions with Costa Cruises.
- Led the onboarding, instructional training, and performance management of diverse international casts, ensuring strict adherence to high production values and creative directors' visions
- Supervised cast member integration and managed performance throughout contract duration.
- Authored comprehensive reports for shoreside operations.
Online English Tutor
Cambly Online
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Facilitated English language acquisition for diverse international students, enhancing engagement through digital platforms.
- Tailored lesson plans to align with individual student goals, showcasing adaptability in teaching methodologies.
- Facilitated engaging English lessons for diverse learners worldwide.
- Customized lesson plans to meet individual student needs and goals.
- Utilized digital platforms to enhance interactive learning experiences.
Install & Production Manager
Afroarimba Productions (Costa Cruises)
07.2010 - 03.2020
- Led intensive shore-side and shipboard rehearsal processes, teaching complex show content and technical blocking to international casts.
- Supervised cast member integration into production plan, ensuring artistic intent through rigorous instruction and feedback.
- Evaluated individual skill sets to determine cast tracks, enhancing employee potential with tailored training and placement.
- Authored reports for shoreside executives on cast competency, training progress, and repertoire maintenance.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree -
University of South Africa
Dance Teachers Diploma -
University of Cape Town
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate -
World TESOL Academy
TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners) Certificate -
World TESOL Academy
Skills
- Event Coordination
- Project Management
- Budgeting & Finance
- Compliance training
- Performance optimization
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Conflict Resolution
- Group Facilitation
- Team leadership
- Intercultural Diplomacy
- Critical Thinking
- Effective communication
Languages
- English, Native
- Afrikaans, Native
- Italian, B2
- German, Spanish, A2
Technical Skills And Languages
Microsoft Office Suite (Expert Excel/PowerPoint), Project Management, Event Coordination, Budgeting & Finance, Conflict Resolution, Intercultural Diplomacy, Critical Thinking, Group Facilitation, English, Native/C2 Fluent, Afrikaans, Native/C2 Fluent, Italian, B2 Upper-Intermediate
Core Competencies
Curriculum implementation, classroom and studio-based teaching, TEFL/TEYL certified instruction, Conducting 360-degree evaluations, designing Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), mentorship, Managing theatrical logistics, berthing, payroll, shipboard compliance (SMS/Safety), Liaison between shipboard senior management (Cruise Director/HR) and shoreside corporate offices
Timeline
Theatrical Operations Manager
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
10.2023 - Current
Production Manager
Afro Arimba Productions
07.2021 - 08.2023
Online English Tutor
Cambly Online
01.2021 - 12.2021
Install & Production Manager
Afroarimba Productions (Costa Cruises)
07.2010 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree -
University of South Africa
Dance Teachers Diploma -
University of Cape Town
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate -
World TESOL Academy
TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners) Certificate -
World TESOL Academy