Gift Shop Associate

Milwaukee Repertory Theater•Milwaukee, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Our Guest Operations Team! We’re looking for friendly, dedicated team members to help welcome nearly 300,000 guests to world-class productions across our three unique stages. As a member of our Customer Service Team for the 2026/27 Season, you’ll play a key role in creating a warm, inclusive, and memorable experience for every patron. POSITION SUMMARY The Gift Shop Associate helps create a welcoming, service-oriented retail experience that supports both audience engagement and earned revenue. This part-time, seasonal position is responsible for operating the theater’s Gift Shop during performance hours—including processing sales, assisting with inventory, and supporting merchandise displays. To ensure excellent customer service, Gift Shop Associates are expected to maintain strong knowledge of Gift Shop products, the facility, current productions, and special events. Positions typically range from 12 to 20 hours per week during performance weeks.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in retail, customer service, or hospitality preferred.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Comfortable using point-of-sale (POS) systems; basic math and cash-handling skills required.
Ability to remain patient, understanding and think critically, while interacting with patrons.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays in accordance with performance schedules.
Ability to pass a background check in accordance with state and/or Federal laws.
Able to regularly ascend/descend stairs.
This position lifts and moves materials and supplies up to 25 pounds.
Ability to stand, sit, or walk for up to 2 hours at a time.
The regular duties of this job include communication in person
Job requires use of close vision.
Communicate well with a diverse group of colleagues.
Demonstrate an aptitude and eagerness to learn new skills and processes when necessary.
Solve problems and engage in creative thinking about challenges individually and in a group environment.
Are able to accept and incorporate feedback.
Have excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills and ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
Demonstrates an understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre and/or a willingness to commit to learning and to the mission, vision, and values of the theater in areas of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts both in the workplace and in our community.
Online Application, Resume, and a Cover Letter detailing why you are the best candidate for the position

Nice To Haves

Bring a positive, outgoing and friendly personality; a sense of humor a plus!
Are reliable, punctual, and professional.
Show attention to detail and committed to maintaining a tidy, engaging retail space.
Listen well, follow instructions, and solve problems proactively.
Works well both independently and as part of a team.
Are enthusiastic about live theatre and delivering exceptional guest service.

Responsibilities

Greet and assist patrons with purchases in a friendly and professional manner.
Operate the Toast point-of-sale (POS) system, process transactions accurately, and handle cash/card payments.
Promote current merchandise, special items, and theatre-branded products.
Maintain product knowledge to answer customer questions confidently.
Restock shelves and maintain clean, organized, and visually appealing displays.
Assist with inventory counts, tagging, pricing, and stock rotation.
Alert supervisor to low stock levels or supply needs.
Represent Milwaukee Rep answering basic questions about performances, class/workshop offers and venue amenities.
Uphold the theatre’s values of hospitality, inclusion, and community service.
Coordinate with front-of-house and box office teams to ensure a seamless patron experience.
Take responsibility as part of the Guest Operations team for evacuation and emergency procedures, prioritizing the safety of guests, ushers, and staff above all else.
Open and close the gift shop independently or as scheduled.
Reconcile the cash drawer and ensure accuracy of daily sales reports.
Report any equipment or product issues to Guest Operations supervisors.
Support lobby and house reset, including collection of programs and lost items.
Communicate patron feedback, incidents, or maintenance issues to the House Manager or Associate Director of Guest Operations.
Attend Guest Operations trainings and meetings as required.
Some Gift Shop Associates may be crossed-trained to work as House Assistants.
Perform other duties as assigned.