Usher

Lyric Opera of Chicago • Chicago, IL

12d • $18 • Onsite

About The Position

Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences; engagement with communities to ignite creativity across Chicago; and a modernized Opera House that is the setting for truly great experiences, Lyric is leading the advancement of opera. This collaborative vision will deliver ever more exciting, thought-provoking and inclusive audience and community experiences – while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

We are searching for Ushers to be ambassadors for Lyric Opera by providing service as the first point of contact for our patrons who visit the theater. This Usher will provide professional customer service to guests by directing patrons to their correct seats, answering questions, and resolving patron issues. The Usher must be professional in appearance and demeanor and possess great communication skills. This is a high-level customer service-oriented position.

Requirements

• Education: high school diploma or GED required.
• Effective customer service orientation, professional appearance, and “team player” qualities are essential.
• Ability to work afternoon, evening, and weekend functions, events, or performances.
• Required ability to work in a dark space such as a dark theater to seat guests.
• Required standing for long periods.
• Parts of a uniform will be supplied; the remaining parts must be worn in compliance.
• Ability to assist patrons in seating and emergencies.
• Usher jobs are union-contracted positions; employees are required to join the Service Employees International Union, Local 1. While no membership fees are applicable, a small fee (TBD) per performance is owed as dues to the union.
• Ushers must work all evening/matinee performances during the opera season, postseason musical performances, and as-needed ballet season; staff must arrive 1.50 hours before curtain to prepare the work area.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service at all times.
• Efficiently direct patrons to their ticketed seats, distribute programs and respond to general inquiries about Opera House facilities and/or productions.
• Effectively implement required safety procedures and assist patrons in emergencies, including (but not limited to): patron accidents, house evacuations, or related incidents that may occur.
• Ensure that security procedures are consistently followed, including monitoring assigned house exits and maintaining an awareness of crowd management issues to alert supervisory or security personnel of problems.
• As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric’s leadership identifies the need at any time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees