Job Description
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The House Manager for the Solvang Festival Theater ensures the comfort, safety and enjoyment of all audience members and is responsible for the smooth operation of the “front-of-the-house” of the theater (before, during, and after an event).
The House Manager is the on-site Solvang Theaterfest contact person before, during and after a performance or event, for all theater patrons, volunteers, vendors, contractors, and all production associated staff and entertainers.
The House Manager supervises volunteers and theater security personnel.
This position is an hourly, seasonal short-term position (primarily evenings) from April-September, and is on an “as needed basis” for Special Events during the remainder of the year.
DUTIES:
Theater Operation
Oversees special event load-in, rehearsals and all performances to include turning on house lights, unlocking public facilities, opening the theater and providing direction and information to theater renters to ensure their event goes smoothly.
Coordinates with the Box Office any seating issues, patron needs, groups and special accommodations as they arise.
Coordinates with the show specific Stage or Event Manager opening of the house, intermission, and end of show responsibilities.
After performances, secures all theater and front of house entrances and areas before leaving. Ensures all lights are turned off and A/C or Heating systems are set appropriately in the entire backstage areas to ensure that cost saving measures are in place.
Ensures the entire theater facility is locked and secured at the end of every performance.
Reports any damages, needed repairs, or incidents occurring at the theater in writing to the Solvang Theaterfest Business Office in a timely fashion.
Track work schedule and submit a written time card every two weeks, or as pay periods dictate.
Provide assistance for last minute emergencies or needs (ex: restroom out of toilet paper or clogged toilet.)
Responsible for seeing that all trash in the amphitheater and Green Room is picked up and all trash containers throughout the property are emptied into the main trash bin every evening following a PCPA performance or Special Event.
Responsible for ordering and stocking all paper and soap products as needed for the theater facilities.
Volunteers (Red Coats)
Recruits, trains, maintains and inspires theater volunteer crew for the season. This includes volunteer ushers, concessionaire help, Company Store volunteers, blanket rental, information distribution, and ticket takers.
Conducts Red Coat training/orientation prior to each show to include: general usher expectations, ticketing, seating plans, usher stations and responsibilities, emergency procedures, extraordinary circumstances, and general information.
Provides oversight of volunteers during pre-show, performance, intermissions, and post show.
Ensures all volunteers project a positive, professional and caring attitude to each and every person at the theater.
Writes and distributes Red Coat solicitation and schedules for the season. Note: Coordinate Red Coat Volunteer staffing for all Special Events with the ST Office Manager prior to scheduling Red Coats.
Assists ST Red Coats Committee Chair to schedule and hold the Red Coats Picnic before the season begins.
Take red coats to cleaners each year as needed before the season starts.
Coordinates the Red Coat Thank You Mailer with the ST Office Manager.
Communication/Customer Relations
Provides excellent customer service to all theater visitors and users.
Serves as the main point of contact for Solvang Theaterfest before, during and after each performance at the theater.
Manages all issues associated with the front-of-the-house including answering general questions, solving seating issues, facility needs, and group needs as they arise, and handling demanding or difficult patrons with courtesy and professionalism.
Prepares a House Manager written report after each performance, submitted to the Solvang Theaterfest Business Office, PCPA stage management, and PCPA Production Office.
Company Store and Rentals
Oversees the theater’s Company Store inventory and sales and rental of theater blankets and cushions during performances and special events.
Ensures the company store is kept neat and well organized at all times.
Ensures accurate accounting and reporting of income generated and an accurate and precise inventory of items for sale, to include rental blankets and cushions.
Ensures blankets and cushions are kept clean and in good condition, and are stored safely during the off season.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
Proven ability to project a positive, professional image and communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals.
Must possess excellent customer service skills with the ability to partner with others to quickly resolve and diffuse difficult situations in a positive, professional manner.
Must demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and support of Solvang Theaterfest practices and procedures.
Must possess the experience and ability to effectively manage volunteers.
Ability to deal with changing conditions and unpredictable situations in a professional manner.
Excellent attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
Must maintain current Red Cross Certification in CPR and Basic First Aid.
Must be flexible with the ability to work evenings, weekends and on an as-needed basis.
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:
Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift 25 pounds.