Front-of-House Manager Job Description
A front-of-house manager is a theatrical facilities management and operations professional. He is charged with overseeing all public areas of a theater, concert hall or performing arts center, including the lobby, bar and/or concession stands, and the auditorium itself. He manages all ushers and concessions employees. Additionally, he ensures that the experience of each patron is enjoyable and safe.
Job Responsibilities
A front-of-house manager recruits trains and manages all house customer service staff, including ushers, concessions salespeople and box office staff. She also coordinates any volunteer or unpaid workers as required. She creates and maintains metrics reports with regards to attendance, lost-and-found and box office receipts. She is responsible for the overall experience of patrons, and so coordinates all concession and merchandise displays, the cleaning of the public spaces and any artwork or advertisements that are on display. Generating revenue is also one of her most important duties. As such, she motivates her concession staff to up sell and move as much merchandise as possible during a given shift. Finally, she is responsible for all vendor management, and sees that all liquor, food and merchandise is purchased, delivered and prepared for sale.
Job Opportunities
Theatrical communities tend to be small, with everyone knowing each other. Perhaps the best way to obtain employment as a front-of-house manager is to frequent local theater hangouts to get to know the players. Additionally, these jobs are posted on niches job site such as playbill.com. Prospective candidates may also volunteer at a theater (for example, as an usher) as a means to get a foot in the door for future employment.
Qualitative Requirements
A candidate for the role of front-of-house manager must maintain a professional demeanor and image, as this is a customer facing job. Additionally, he must be able to manage multiple projects and responsibilities at once. Providing stellar customer service must be of the utmost importance to him. He must also be a strong manager, motivating and inspiring his staff to perform to the best of its abilities. He may have to lift heavy boxes and other items. He will also be required to work long non-traditional hours including nights and weekends.
Educational Requirements
Formal post-secondary education is not required to obtain employment as a front of house manager. Applicants must posses a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, because the safety of theater patrons is a priority, candidates must be certified in first aid procedures and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Average Compensation
In 2009, theater house managers working in the United States of America earn an average salary of $35,000.
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