House Assistant

Milwaukee Repertory Theater•Milwaukee, WI

About The Position

The House Assistant supports front-of-house operations during performances and events, helping maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for patrons. This part-time, seasonal role works with House Managers, box office staff, and volunteer ushers to provide customer service and accessibility support. The position averages 12 to 20 hours per week during performance weeks and pays $16.00 per hour. The start date is as soon as possible. Duties include assisting with pre-show setup; guiding patrons and supporting crowd management; monitoring public-area cleanliness and safety; welcoming guests and answering questions about productions, events, accessibility services, and ticketing policies; scanning tickets and helping patrons navigate the facility; and assisting with Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs), including explaining their use, cleaning and charging them, and tracking checkouts and returns. The House Assistant also supports usher check-in, distributes programs and other materials, helps reset the lobby and house, and communicates patron feedback, incidents, or maintenance issues to the House Manager or Associate Director of Guest Operations. The role includes participation in evacuation and emergency procedures, attendance at required trainings and meetings, and other assigned duties.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in customer service, theatre operations, or event management is preferred.
Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to manage a fast-paced environment with professionalism and poise.
Patience, empathy, and critical thinking when interacting with patrons.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays according to performance schedules.
Ability to pass a background check in accordance with state and/or federal laws.
Ability to regularly ascend and descend stairs.
Ability to lift and move materials and supplies weighing up to 15 pounds.
Ability to stand, sit, or walk for up to 2 hours at a time.
Ability to communicate in person as part of regular duties.
Ability to use close vision.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ADA accessibility, emergency procedures, and audience safety protocols.
Positive, outgoing, and friendly personality; reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Attention to detail and pride in maintaining clean, engaging public spaces.
Ability to listen, follow instructions, take initiative, and work independently and as part of a team.
Commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming environments for diverse audiences.
Enthusiasm for live performance and passion for the mission of non-profit theater.
Eagerness to learn new skills and processes, accept and incorporate feedback, solve problems creatively, and demonstrate teamwork, diplomacy, and self-direction.
Understanding of historical and institutional racism in American theatre, or willingness to learn and commit to the theater's mission, vision, and values related to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Responsibilities

Assist the House Manager with pre-show setup, including preparing the lobby and placing materials and signage.
Guide patrons to their seats and assist with crowd management during seating, late seating, and intermission.
Monitor cleanliness and safety in public areas before, during, and after performances.
Welcome guests and provide information about productions, events, accessibility services, and ticketing policies.
Respond patiently and attentively to guest inquiries or concerns, escalating issues to the House Manager as needed.
Participate in evacuation and emergency procedures, prioritizing the safety of guests, ushers, and staff.
Scan guest tickets upon entry and assist guests with wayfinding throughout the facility.
Troubleshoot basic issues with Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs) and Ticket Scanning Devices.
Assist patrons with ALD checkout and return, explain device use, ensure devices are clean and charged, and log devices according to internal procedures.
Assist with usher check-in and provide direction and support to ushers during performances.
Stock and distribute programs, feedback forms, and other materials to volunteers and audience members.
Support lobby and house reset, including collecting 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.
Perform other duties as assigned.