Theatre House Manager Job Description

By LeadLake Team   /   Job Category   /   2024

The duties of a theatre house manager include recruiting, supervising, and training house workers such as ushers, greeters, and sellers. They are responsible for coordinating the opening and closing times of the building in collaboration with the stage manager, as well as checking and cleaning the restrooms and the house area. Additionally, the house manager oversees the box office and ticketing operations. They also play a key role in developing, reviewing, and implementing the theatre's business plan.

What are the responsibilities of a theatre house manager?

A theatre house manager is responsible for various duties in a theatre. This includes training and managing ushers, overseeing cleaning and routine maintenance procedures, and working closely with the box office manager. They also play a role in recruiting or supervising the recruitment of all house workers and coordinating building opening times on show nights in collaboration with the stage manager.

What education do you need to be a theatre manager?

Usually, a job would have educational requirements that applicants must meet. In the case of hiring for a theatre manager position, employers often prefer candidates who hold a degree related to theatre, business, education, hospitality, culinary arts, technical management, reading, composition, or music theory.

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How would you define the role of a theatre house manager?

The duties of a theatre house manager include recruiting, supervising, and training house workers such as ushers, greeters, and sellers.

Additionally, they are responsible for coordinating building opening and closing times with the stage manager.

The house manager is also in charge of checking and cleaning restrooms and the house area, as well as overseeing the box office and ticketing.

They play a crucial role in developing, reviewing, and implementing the theatre's business plan.

What does a front of house manager do in theatre?

A Front of House Manager, also known as a FOH Manager, is in charge of overseeing the daily operations and management of the reception and seating area in a theatre.

Their main responsibility is to supervise and manage the Front of House staff.

They play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations and providing excellent customer service to patrons in the theatre.

What is house management in theatre?

In the field of theatre, house management involves several important tasks. These include selling tickets, ushering patrons in front of house areas, and managing and maintaining the theatre building. House management staff typically work for the theatre, supervised by the house manager, rather than for the theatrical troupe occupying the space.

What is a theatre manager job description?

The theatre manager is responsible for providing comprehensive training to show personnel regarding the operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of all audio equipment.

To create an effective theatre manager job description, it is important to include detailed duties, responsibilities, and expectations.

How much does a theatre operations manager make?

A Theatre Operations Manager's salary is not fixed, but it can be highly competitive. The salary typically falls between £37k and £49k.

So, what exactly does a Theatre Operations Manager do? Find out more on the Get Into Theatre blog.

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Can you provide a summary of the duties performed by a theatre house manager?

The house manager is responsible for scheduling, training, and supervising the ushers who assist with ticketing and escorting patrons to their seats.

Additionally, the house manager ensures that an appropriate number of programs are available for distribution before the performance.

What does a house manager do?

The house manager has the duty of ensuring audience safety during emergency situations such as fires or tornadoes. They should be knowledgeable about the necessary actions to either evacuate or secure the audience. Additionally, the ushers should be trained in emergency procedures and familiar with escape routes within the venue.

The responsibilities of a house manager, as outlined by the American Association of Community Theatre, include safeguarding the well-being of the audience in the event of an emergency. This entails being well-informed about the appropriate measures for evacuating or securing the audience members. Moreover, the ushers should receive guidance on emergency procedures, specifically the location of different escape routes within the venue.

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What is the primary objective of a theatre house manager?

A house manager in a theater plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth operation. Their responsibilities include welcoming the public and ensuring their safety and well-being before, during, and after the show. Additionally, they need to make sure that the theater is clean and presentable by conducting a thorough inspection before the show. They are also responsible for putting up relevant signs or notices specific to a particular show, such as restrictions on flash photography or cell phone usage.

Alternatively, a theater manager or operations manager can oversee the administrative and production-related aspects of a theater. They handle financial, marketing, and organizational concerns as needed, and ensure the efficient functioning of all front-of-house, theater, and administrative areas.

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What kind of experience is typically sought after for a theatre house manager position?

To pursue a career as a theatre manager, individuals typically need to have a bachelor's degree in either theatre management, marketing, or performance arts. Additionally, it is beneficial to have prior experience working in theatre production.

Who takes on the management of a theatre?

Commercial theatre is typically managed by the impresarios or trusted producers, who assume responsibility for running the operations. On the other hand, independent theatres usually have the artistic collective taking charge of management. This is a common model for theatre management in cultural venues.

What experience do you need to work in theatre?

This job requires solid stage operational experience in professional theatre, either in a producing or rep theatre or within a touring environment. The job type is full-time and permanent.

Having a degree qualification or equivalent, or relevant professional experience in theatre or performing arts would be considered desirable for this role.

What are the human resources of a theatre?

In summary, the human resources of a theatre incorporate various functions, traditions, and unique ways of working, which can be influenced by historical rivalries among groups.

Theatre management involves the development of models and strategies for cultural venues. (Source: University of Barcelona, "Theatre Management: Models and Strategies for Cultural Venues")

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Are there any specific qualifications needed to become a theatre house manager?

Qualifications for a House Manager in Theatre typically include strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well under pressure. Candidates with previous experience working in a live performance venue, such as a box office assistant, usher, or concession salesperson, may have an advantage. It is also beneficial to have a Bachelor's degree in theatre arts, business administration, or a related field. Additionally, having 3-5 years of experience managing a live theatre production, along with a proven track record of successfully managing shows including budgeting, scheduling, and logistics, is important.

What qualifications do theatre managers need?

Theatre managers are generally expected to possess certain qualifications in order to excel in their role. These qualifications typically include a bachelor's degree in theatre, drama, fine arts, or a relevant field. Such degree programs often provide coursework in areas such as playwriting, acting, directing, stagecraft, theatre history, and theatre design.

In addition to their educational background, individuals in theatre management positions should be familiar with the various responsibilities that come with the job. These responsibilities may include overseeing and coordinating theatre operations, managing budgets, scheduling performances and rehearsals, hiring and supervising staff, and ensuring the overall success of productions.

For those considering a career as a theatre manager, it is important to note that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the size of the theatre company. However, the role of a theatre manager offers a fulfilling and dynamic position within the theatre industry.

How do I get a job in theatre?

Engaging in student productions, amateur theatre, festivals, and events can provide valuable hands-on experience for those interested in becoming a prop maker. Additionally, pursuing a college or university qualification can offer a structured learning environment to acquire the necessary skills for this profession.

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How does a theatre house manager ensure the smooth operation of the theater?

The house manager has the responsibility of overseeing the smooth operation of the house, including the lobby and audience seating area, throughout the duration of a show. They are accountable for ensuring that the theater is clean and organized prior to each performance, as well as ensuring the safety and behavior of the audience while they are on the premises.

In addition, the house manager serves as the welcoming presence for the theatre, taking care of the public's well-being and safety before, during, and immediately after the show.

What does a theater manager do?

The responsibilities of a theater manager include overseeing the theater's organizational structure, fundraising efforts, marketing strategies, budgeting and accounting tasks, as well as day-to-day operations.

Additionally, they may also be responsible for managing the demands and needs of actors, directors, production personnel, and audience members.

The role of a theater manager is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of the theater and its ability to meet the expectations and requirements of all stakeholders involved.

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Are there any specific health and safety regulations that a theatre house manager must adhere to?

The job of overseeing the cleaning and maintenance of the house, lavatories, and dressing rooms is typically assigned to a theatre caretaker. Additionally, they are tasked with ensuring that fire and safety regulations are strictly followed, which involves regular checks on fire and smoke alarms as well as other emergency equipment.

Does health and safety law apply to theatres?

Health and safety regulations for theatres are the same as for other businesses. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and other relevant legislation impose responsibilities on employers, employees, the self-employed, and those who manage the premises. Work at height and manual handling are the primary causes of injuries in the theatre industry.

What does a house manager do in a theater?

The theater's capacity limits and fire laws must be observed by the house manager if standing room is offered.

The show time is confirmed by the house manager with the stage manager.

If there are latecomers and a need to delay the start of the show, the house manager informs the stage manager, who oversees the production in progress.

Why is manual handling a problem in theatres?

Theatres, especially for travelling shows, involve a significant amount of manual handling. Loads in these theatres are often heavy, awkwardly shaped, and difficult to move, particularly in tight spaces. This movement is often performed under time constraints. According to HSE, over a third of reported injuries annually are connected to manual handling in the theatre industry.

What is the theater & performance safety program?

The Theater & Performance Safety Program aims to maintain a safe and healthy environment in all campus Theatre & Performing Arts departments and programs. Our goal is to identify and reduce any known or potential hazards related to creative, artistic, and performance development.

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How does a theatre house manager handle ticket sales and reservations?

Responsibilities include managing pricing and initiatives, such as ticket offers, in collaboration with the marketing team. Build and maintain relationships with third-party ticket agents and other sales outlets. Generate financial and sales reports and analyze data for informed decision-making.

How does the owner of a local movie theater keep track of tickets?

The owner of a local movie theater maintains records of the number of tickets sold in each purchase to create a probability distribution. The variable X represents the number of tickets purchased in a single transaction. We want to determine the expected value of this distribution.

To calculate the expected value, we need to multiply each possible outcome by its corresponding probability and then sum them up.

However, without that information, we cannot find the expected value.

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Is budget management a key responsibility for a theatre house manager?

One of the responsibilities is to monitor the theatre programme to align with the objectives outlined in the business plan.

Another duty is managing the budget effectively to meet the financial and operational targets set for the theatre.

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What is the role of a theatre house manager during live performances or events?

The responsibilities of a house manager in a theater include recruiting or supervising the recruitment of all house workers such as ushers, greeters, and concession sellers. Additionally, they coordinate the opening times of the building on show nights in collaboration with the stage manager. The house manager is also responsible for orienting and training all house workers, ensuring they understand how tickets should be taken and stored. Furthermore, they are responsible for checking the restrooms after intermission and at the end of the night.

In addition to these duties, the front of house manager oversees the selling and booking of tickets for a show.

What does a house Manger do?

House managers play a vital role in the theatre by welcoming and ensuring the safety and well-being of the public before, during, and after the show. They are responsible for addressing any questions or concerns, listening to compliments or feedback from patrons, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for the audience members.

The role of a house manager is essential in creating a positive experience for theatergoers. They take charge of maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for the public, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the theatrical performance.

The American Association of Community Theatre recognizes the significance of house managers and their contributions to a successful theater experience.