WPA Event Usher

Washington Performing Arts Society • Washington, DC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Washington Performing Arts seeks experienced and collaborative customer service professionals (ushers) to work as part of a public-facing team in coordination with Washington Performing Arts Front of House Manager on site at several partner venues. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a cooperative, supportive, and passionate team, which enriches our D.C. community with vibrant performing arts experiences. This is a 1099 independent contractor position. Contractors are offered specific event dates on an as-needed basis and retain full autonomy to accept or decline any project or event invitation. Compensation is handled on a fixed hourly rate, payable upon submission and approval of an invoice following the completion of the event. The contractor acts as an independent entity and is not an employee of Washington Performing Arts.

Washington Performing Arts ushers contribute to the front of house presence during specific, pre-scheduled event blocks at Washington Performing Arts Partner Venues, the Hopkins Bloomberg Center Theater (555 Pennsylvania Ave NW), Church of the Epiphany (1317 G Street NW), Sixth & I (600 I Street NW), and National Church of God (6701 Boch Road, Ft. Washington, MD) on specific performance dates. All ushers must be at least 18 years of age.

This role is focused on customer service and patron experience. Ushers are expected to be professional, courteous, helpful, and engaging with all patrons. This position requires a pleasant demeanor and good communication skills, experience working with a wide range of audiences, experience with venue safety and emergency situations and protocols, comfort troubleshooting escalated issues and patron interactions, and a genuine attitude of welcome for all. This is an active position that includes constant walking, climbing stairs, and occasional sitting.

The contractor must provide their own standard professional black-and-white business attire (black bottoms, white button-down shirt, black closed-toe shoes) for all performances. Refrain from chewing gum, eating, and drinking during shifts. Use of electronic devices while in the performance hall is not permitted.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Must have aptitude for collaboration
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Nice To Haves

• CPR and First Aid certification preferred
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• Appreciation for and understanding of a variety of musical genres, including classical, jazz, global music, gospel music, and more.

Responsibilities

• Advance arrival (one hour) for pre-show orientation with Washington Performing Arts and Venue staff.
• With Washington Performing Arts Patron Services staff, facilitate advance ADA requests, including any specialized ADA accommodations, including distribution of large-print programs. Provide assistance to guests with special needs, such as helping with seat accommodations.
• Greet, answer questions, and provide directions to patrons.
• Examine tickets for entry to various seating areas in the theater. Scan or tear tickets, distribute performance programs, and direct guests to their ticketed sections at pre-show and at intermission. Assist in verifying credentials to restricted seating areas. With Front of House Manager, coordinate late seating entrances and keep the house orderly during the event.
• Ensure patron experiences continue to be safe and enjoyable through the duration of the event, partnering with venue security as necessary.
• Identify and report any immediate crowd-control or safety issues directly to venue security or management staff. In the event of an emergency, take appropriate action to clear patrons safely from the venue.
• At the end of a performance, direct patrons to the nearest exit. Check seating section for any lost and found items and pick up programs. Lost and found items will be returned to the Front of House Manager.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED