Part Time House Manager

Steppenwolf Theater Co•Chicago, IL

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Steppenwolf’s Audience Services team is seeking an attentive and engaging part-time House Manager to lead nightly front-of-house operations across our three-theater campus. The House Manager ensures seamless performance execution while maintaining rigorous safety and accessibility standards. This is a variable part-time role tied directly to our production calendar. Candidates should expect weekly hours to fluctuate: During Performance Runs: Expect a consistent schedule of 15-30 hours per week. Between Productions: There may be dark weeks with little to no scheduled hours between the closing of one show and the opening of the next.

Requirements

2+ years of front of house experience required, preferably in a live performance setting
Demonstrate strong oversight skills, including effective task delegation, real-time performance coaching, and the ability to manage a team within a union framework.
Maintain a professional, de-escalating demeanor in high-pressure situations, with a calm pace and clear communication.
Exhibit sound judgment and swift decision-making when addressing "live" operational challenges, from interpersonal conflicts to emergency response.
Thrive in a high-density, fast-paced environment, maintaining positive and productive interactions with a diverse range of personalities.
Foster an inclusive environment using gender-inclusive language, cultural sensitivity, and a steadfast commitment to accessibility
Commit to a consistent 15–30-hour weekly schedule (evenings and weekends specifically)
Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Exemplify high-level organizational and time-management skills to ensure all pre-show timelines and reporting requirements are met with precision.
Per the IATSE Local 750 Collective Bargaining Agreement, staff must maintain a minimum availability of three shifts per week, with a primary focus on evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary onsite manager for all patron and staff issues while lobbies are open to patrons.
Execute rapid, creative solutions for seating disputes, technical failures, and medical emergencies, ensuring minimal disruption to the performance timeline.
Conduct the pre-show process by coordinating house counts, usher ticket pickups, and accessibility requirements.
Maintain real-time communication with FOH, Food & Beverage, and Stage Management to synchronize lobby calls and curtain times.
Create a seamless experience for patrons with accessibility needs, managing the distribution and troubleshooting of assistive listening devices, and overseeing physical navigation throughout the campus.
Onboard and supervise a nightly group of 2–10 volunteer ushers.
Provide technical training on scanning systems and implement contingency plans for ticket verification during technology outages.
Manage the physical environment of all three theater spaces, including the coordination of stuffing program inserts and ensuring the accuracy of all lobby signage, specifically when casting adjustments must be made.
Complete comprehensive nightly house reports for senior leadership, documenting operational successes, conflicts and strategies for adjustment moving forward.
Supervise a part-time roster of 20+ Audience Services Front of House (FOH) Associates, responsible for real-time delegation of duties and maintaining a balanced workload across the team.
Act as the designated Steppenwolf representative for all performance-related front-of-house operations.
Maintain accurate documentation of staff performance and lead coaching interventions in coordination with the Front-of-House Supervisor, maintaining Steppenwolf’s high standard of service while ensuring workplace duties remain in full compliance with the union contract.