In a live theater or performance venue, a house manager is a customer service professional who oversees the front of house operations. Working as a house manager is a great way to get a job in the entertainment industry if you have good customer service and organizational skills. Staff management, customer service, box office work, and safety procedures are just some of the responsibilities of a house manager.
For becoming a house manager, there are no specific educational requirements. Prior experience working in a live performance venue, such as as a box office assistant, usher, or concession salesperson, may be beneficial. CPR and first aid certification may be required for house managers because they are frequently tasked with ensuring patron safety. These managers may be hired for seasonal work by a theater company or a performance venue, or they may work on a per-event basis with a specific theater.
The house manager usually consults with the stage manager before the performance to find out about any potential hazards or unusual effects used in the show. The house manager will frequently brief the rest of the house staff on emergency procedures and general operating protocol following this meeting. Managers will usually check, or have assistants check, that all customer facilities, such as restrooms, are fully stocked and functional. The manager will open the theater doors at a predetermined time to allow seating to begin.
The manager is usually on hand during the pre-show period to deal with any ticket disputes, seating issues, and other customer issues. He or she may make announcements about show delays, expected intermission times, and other important details. It is usually necessary to maintain close contact with the performance’s stage manager in order to coordinate the closing of the theater doors prior to the start of the performance.
The house manager may be in charge of seating latecomers or preventing people from entering during certain parts of the show once the show has begun. The house manager usually manages and reports any type of emergency, from a patron health issue to an emergency evacuation. Should an injury, evacuation, or other serious issue occur during the performance, the manager may need to be able to fill out and file incident reports for insurance purposes.
The house manager may be in charge of reorganizing and cleaning the seating area, lobbies, and restrooms after the performance. Because they must lock up the building and ensure that all patrons have left, house managers are frequently among the last to leave. This interesting job usually allows for some free time during performances for other activities, and it can be a great opportunity for a responsible student, though it is extremely demanding. People who enjoy theater or live performances may enjoy this type of job because it provides many opportunities to see great shows for free.