NICHOLAS MAST
Sandusky
Summary
High-energy Entertainment Services and Event Production leader with extensive experience across cruise lines and major theme parks. Expert in casting, creative direction, live entertainment management, and large-scale production operations. Recognized for elevating creative quality, developing top-tier talent, and delivering world-class guest experiences.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of Entertainment: Shows, Casting & Booking
Cedar Point
01.2024 - Current
- Direct all entertainment programming for summer and Halloween Haunt seasons at one of the nation’s top amusement parks.
- Lead large creative and technical teams including performers, stage managers, technicians, choreographers, and support staff.
- Travel nationwide to recruit top-tier talent through auditions and partnership events.
- Serve as Creative Director for all seasonal shows, overseeing concept creation, choreography, vocal direction, and staging.
- Develop and manage labor plans, budgets, and staffing models for the entire entertainment season.
- Manage all contracts, bookings, and scheduling for performers, musicians, and specialty acts.
- Collaborate with senior leadership and marketing to align entertainment with park-wide goals and brand strategy.
- Ensure world-class quality, safety compliance, and performance consistency across all productions.
Production Vocal Supervisor
Carnival Cruise Line
01.2020 - 06.2024
- Direct music and choreography for 20+ award-winning production shows.
- Teach solos, harmonies, and vocal technique to casts of 8–12 performers.
- Oversee soundboard, IEMs, mic setups, and recording for rehearsals and performances.
- Coach cast members, provide evaluations, and uphold performance standards.
- Liaison between creative and executive leadership ensuring show consistency.
Entertainment Director
Carnival Cruise Line
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Managed full entertainment operations for 2MM+ annual guests.
- Raised over $2.5MM in new revenue within first seven months.
- Programmed all onboard entertainment, music, shows, and digital TV content.
- Served as Master of Ceremonies for major events and daily programming.
- Directed logistics for contracted talent, tours, excursions, and special events.
Production Manager
Carnival Cruise Line
01.2012 - 01.2019
- Managed production teams for large-scale shipboard entertainment.
- Ranked consistently in top 5% fleet-wide for entertainment quality.
- Delivered 3–8 shows per cruise to audiences of 4,000+ guests.
- Oversaw musicality, technical coordination, and cast performance.
Pre-School Teacher
St. Johns Episcopalian School
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Developed structured educational programs tailored to early childhood learning.
- Led seasonal productions including Christmas, Easter, and Graduation performances.
Lead Vocalist/Performer
Cedar Fair, Worlds of Fun
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Performed in high-energy shows up to 5 times daily during peak seasons.
- Delivered professional seasonal productions for Halloween and Christmas.
- Collaborated with creative teams on choreography and staging.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Performance
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO01-2010
Skills
- Microsoft Office & Excel
- Piano Skills & Music Theory
- Soundboard & IEM Operations
- Sight Reading & Composition
- Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Conflict Resolution & Communication
- Time Management & Problem Solving
- Choreography & Creative Direction
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Staff training and development
- Project management
Timeline
Manager of Entertainment: Shows, Casting & Booking
Cedar Point
01.2024 - Current
Production Vocal Supervisor
Carnival Cruise Line
01.2020 - 06.2024
Entertainment Director
Carnival Cruise Line
01.2019 - 01.2020
Production Manager
Carnival Cruise Line
01.2012 - 01.2019
Pre-School Teacher
St. Johns Episcopalian School
01.2010 - 01.2012
Lead Vocalist/Performer
Cedar Fair, Worlds of Fun
01.2007 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Performance
University of Central Missouri
CORE STRENGTHS
- Strategic Leadership & Execution
- Budget Oversight & Fiscal Accountability
- Show Development & Creative Direction
- Choreography, Vocal Direction & Staging
- Talent Management, Casting & Auditions
- Large-Scale Event Production
- Technical Integration (Lighting, Sound, FX)
- Safety, Compliance & Risk Mitigation
- Vendor & Agency Collaboration
- Team Building & Leadership Development