Theater Side Jobs: House Management

Although I retired from Stage Managing, I'm happy to say that I will always consider House Managing an active skill! House Managers are removed enough from specific productions taking place, that there is rarely any drama or misunderstanding of what the job entails or how it is done. Usually paid and operated by the performance space, Front of House positions come with a regulated job description, as well as a quite steady paycheck (depending on the season.) More importantly, the constancy and necessity of House Management makes it a durable [side] profession, as well as bearing the simple pre-requisites of basic organizational and people skills. 

House Managing duties come in various titles: House Manager, Box Office, Usher, and generally always as Front of House. Coming across a dependable paycheck as an artist is sporadic, resulting in the common practice of possessing numerous skills backstage and in production. It is always better to know more about the business you are in. Even if House Management is not your cup of tea, I challenge you to learn (or enhance) a new position in your field! If you're a performer, chances are they need ushers...

And, as always, a handy list of what it takes to be Front of House staff:

• Organization and sale of Online and Box Office ticket sales
• Seating Chart and arrangements
• Coordination with the Stage Manager
• Audience customer service; Coat Check, Concessions, etc.
• Distribution of playbills and programs
• Audience control and flow
• Setting up house spaces and maintaining the house environment

LAST THING

Best entry-level position to get an introduction into House Management is ushering. My theater of choice to start: The Delacorte Theater for Shakespeare in the Park! Do it even if it's JUST for the celebrity sightings; say hi to Meryl for me!
http://www.publictheater.org/en/About/Employment/