Title House Manager | Part-Time | Lexington Opera House

Lexington, KY, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Part-time

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $18.00

Benefits

401(k) savings plan

401(k) matching

Job Description

Oak View Group (OVG) is a global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, specializing in venue development, management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, OVG manages a collection of seven world-class venues and partners with iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions across four continents. This innovative company is committed to enhancing the live entertainment experience through cutting-edge venue operations and exceptional customer service. The Lexington Opera House, one of the cultural jewels within OVG's portfolio, is a historic performing arts center listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Established in 1887 after a devastating fire, the Lexington Opera House is a premier cultural hub in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, seating fewer than 1,000 patrons and hosting an average of 85,000 attendees annually. The venue showcases a diverse array of programming including ballet, opera, children’s productions, family shows, comedy, music, and professional national Broadway tours, serving as a cornerstone for the local community and beyond.

The House Manager role at the Lexington Opera House is a critical part-time position responsible for maintaining the smooth operation of the theatre's house during performances. This role is both highly visible and integral, serving as part of the theatre's public face. The House Manager ensures a welcoming atmosphere for patrons and oversees safety and well-being before, during, and immediately after shows. This individual manages lobby and seating areas, addresses patrons’ questions and concerns, and handles any complaints or compliments that arise. A key aspect of this role involves supervising volunteers and front-of-house staff, who are often the primary points of contact for the audience. Ensuring these team members maintain a professional appearance and deliver excellent customer service is of paramount importance.

The House Manager coordinates all front-of-house activities, including recruiting and training volunteers, scheduling and briefing them before shows, and managing their assignments to ensure smooth seating and emergency procedures. The role requires close collaboration with other theatre staff such as the box office manager, technical coordinator, and event coordinator to promote an efficient production experience and uphold the high service standards of the Lexington Opera House. This position reports to senior theatre management and carries a pay rate of $18.00 per hour, with part-time benefits that include participation in a 401(k) savings plan and matching contributions. Enthusiasts of the performing arts with supervisory experience and a passion for community engagement will find this role rewarding and impactful, contributing directly to the continued success and prestigious reputation of the Lexington Opera House and Oak View Group as leaders in live entertainment.

Job Requirements

high school diploma or GED
3-5+ years of work experience in the performing arts, arts administration and/or theater management, or a related field
2+ years of supervisory experience
ability to recruit and train volunteers
excellent communication and interpersonal skills
ability to work evenings and weekends as required for show schedules

Job Qualifications

3-5+ years of work experience in the performing arts, arts administration and/or theater management, or a related field
2+ years of supervisory experience
high school diploma or GED required
previous experience recruiting volunteers a plus
previous experience training staff preferred

Job Duties

Recruiting or supervising the recruiting of all volunteers
coordinating building opening times on show nights
orienting and sharing in the training of volunteers
explaining to volunteers how tickets are to be scanned or processed for entry to shows
checking the auditorium, lobbies, restrooms, and any other public space before and after the audience is permitted to enter the theatre to assure the house is in a ready state
turning restroom lights on and off in the lobbies and public areas and assuring that the house is secured by locking down the lobbies after a show
schedules and supervises volunteer assignments within the theatre, ensuring that ushers and volunteers have a clear understanding of the seating scheme and of emergency sheltering in place or egress as needed
conducts briefings with the volunteers before each show to inform them about expected attendance, who the designated floor captains are, the running time of the show, intermission, the late seating policy, the photo policy, planned meet-and-greet schedules, concessions, merchandise, programs or handouts, accessible seating or expected service animals, and general housekeeping information
provides an impeccable appearance at all times and ensures all volunteers are provided with an appearance befitting the high standard of the theatre
works closely with the theatre staff, particularly the box office manager, theatre technical coordinator, and event coordinator, to ensure a smooth and efficient production of each show and to represent the company in a professional manner