House Manager

International Festival of Arts & Ideas•New Haven, CT

7d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

For 30 years, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas (“Arts & Ideas”) has inspired and delighted audiences with an annual program of over 200 performing arts and humanities events year-round, at least 80% of which are free. Focused events in June range from world and nationally-renowned speakers sharing the stage with critical local voices for discussions on democracy, to jazz concerts, theatrical performances, dance; takeout mixology classes; bike and walking tours; and live, individual performances by local on-call artists on front lawns and sidewalks throughout the area. Year-round programs include special town-hall events, a fellowship program for youth, planning and implementing mini-festivals in New Haven’s culturally-rich neighborhoods, participation in the NEA Big Read, and our annual Visionary Leadership Award program. The House Managers (HMs) are responsible for setting a “serious fun” vibe at all Festival events, while ensuring the safety of all audience members through venue management and careful attention to managing volunteers and ushers. When on-site at venues, they will work closely with Stage Managers and the Artist Services Coordinators (ASCs) to offer efficient and ease-of-flow House Management services. HMs will be trained by their supervisor, the House Management Captain, though previous experience in customer service and event management is preferred.

Requirements

Complete all projects with accuracy and diligence.
Arrive to work on time, focused, and ready to serve customers each day.
Always maintain a positive presence, including interactions with both staff, volunteers, ushers, and, of course, audience members.
Engage with a diverse group of volunteers
Maintain a calm demeanor under pressure, flexibility with an ever-changing work environment, and a sense of humor.
Reliable transportation and flexibility with scheduling are essential.

Nice To Haves

Interest in the arts & performing arts
Conversational Spanish
Familiarity with the neighborhoods and communities in and around New Haven

Responsibilities

Become familiar with venues (restrooms, exits, fire extinguishers, etc.) and with events (running times, late seating, intermission).
Check for proper number of programs and appropriate signage at venues.
Meet with box office personnel to review procedures such as late seating, press seating, handicapped seating, and over-flow issues, as well as CSSOs (Customer Service and Safety Officer) at each venue.
Contact volunteers and ushers the day before each event to confirm attendance, as well as the day off to confirm availability.
Meet with volunteers and ushers to communicate their responsibilities and placement/assignments clearly.
Coordinate opening of the house, intermission and the start of the show with the stage managers, ASCs and, for ticketed events, the Box Office Lead.
Handle all late arrival audiences.
Stay on site and remain alert for any emergencies or disturbances in the audience.
At the conclusion of the performance, assist the audience with efficient and safe departure from the space and clean up the audience areas before leaving the venue.
Count ticket stubs and fill out a House Management Report for each event.
Deliver Report and ticket stubs to the House Management Captain at the end of your shift.