Open Mic Hosts (Ages 16+) - Paid Opportunity
Role title: Open Mic Hosts (Paid Freelance-Style Placement) - Drop the Mic
Fee: £108 per event
Event Dates: 21st June, 19th July, 16th August, 20th September, 18th October
Location: The Fickle Pickle Club, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.
Role summary
We’re looking for confident, reliable young musicians (16+) to host Drop the Mic events, alongside an experienced supporting host. You’ll welcome the room, introduce acts, keep the energy flowing, and perform short sets to open/close (and potentially fill transitions). This is a real-world opportunity to build professional skills in live events, communication, and self-management.
Key responsibilities
Host the event with support from the supporting host
Welcome the audience and set a positive, inclusive tone
Introduce performers clearly and respectfully
Manage transitions between acts (light stage management with support from team)
Perform self-accompanied material to open/close, and where needed, fill short gaps
Represent The Song School values (inclusive, safe, community focused)
Arrive on time for agreed call times
Essential Requirements
Aged 16+
Able to accompany yourself live (no other musicians or backing tracks)
A minimum of 30 minutes of performance ready material
Willingness to learn material from memory (minimal lyric sheets or phones on stage)
Confident in speaking to an audience (or willing to get better at it)
Reliable, punctual, responsive and prepared
Comfortable in taking direction on being supported as a host
What you’ll gain
Paid, real world experience of live hosting
Coaching and feedback from experienced working musicians
An understanding of professional expectations including; communication, punctuality, preparation, venue coordination and more
Evidence for CV/ Portfolio (where appropriate)
Nice to Have
Ability to adapt set length on the fly (depending on how much is needed)
Strong stage presence and calmness under pressure
Networking skills
Experience in different performance settings
Knowledge of creating your own invoices (or willingness to learn)
How to apply
Please complete the form below. This will then be assessed by our team for feedback and next steps. Deadline is 9th June.