Box Office Associate (Part-Time)

AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE CTR; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 18,184 - 25,898; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary ASC performance tickets

Job summary

A nonprofit theater organization in Staunton, Virginia is seeking a part-time Box Office Associate. This role involves providing excellent customer service, managing ticket sales, and ensuring a welcoming environment for patrons. The ideal candidate will have experience in customer service and communication, with flexibility in scheduling. The position offers a pay rate of $16/hour, with eligibility for tips when bartending.

Qualifications

• Customer service, box office, or FOH experience required.
• Strong organizational and multitasking ability needed.
• Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays is essential.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for patrons.
• Process ticket orders through PatronManager.
• Maintain appearance of front of house areas.

Skills

Customer service experience

Communication skills

Organizational ability

Multitasking ability

Tools

PatronManager

Job description

Reports to: Playhouse Manager Pay Rate: $16/hour, tips eligible when bartending Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt Location: Staunton, Virginia (on-site)

Who We Are

The American Shakespeare Center (ASC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Staunton, Virginia, home to the world’s first recreation of Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Playhouse. We produce world-class performances, deliver dynamic education programs, and foster an inclusive community through audience-focused storytelling.

About the Position — What You’ll Manage

You’ll serve as a front-line ambassador for the American Shakespeare Center. From the moment a patron calls to order a ticket to the instant they walk into the Playhouse, you’ll ensure a smooth, welcoming, and patron-centered journey. At the core of what we do is creating great experiences that keep our patrons coming back. You’ll support the box office, front-of-house, concessions, and gift shop, helping deliver excellent service at every step of the patron’s visit.

Core Responsibilities

Box Office Operations

• Greet patrons warmly and provide information about ASC and current productions.
• Process phone and in-person ticket orders through PatronManager.
• Return voicemail and email inquiries about ticket sales; forward messages as needed.
• Generate and maintain daily report templates.
• Manage the Will Call desk for performances.
• Communicate content warnings for productions clearly and compassionately.

Front of House & Patron Service

• Assist the House Manager before and during performances.
• Answer patron questions in the lobby or via phone/email.
• Maintain appearance and stock of bathrooms, lobbies, and gift shop areas.
• Help with recurring gift shop inventory and ring sales.
• Distribute mail to staff and company members’ Playhouse mailboxes.
• Complete routine inventory of all bar items.
• Sell beverages and snacks during preshow and intermission.
• Maintain Virginia ABC certification and compliance.
• Handle cash payments and maintain a cash drawer.

Event & Development Support

• Assist with Development or cultivation events as needed.
• Provide general support for special performances or rentals.

Flexibility: Schedule flexes with production and event calendars.

Typical Pattern: Wednesday–Sunday, with hours between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Sample Schedule (illustrative only; subject to change):

• Wednesday/Thursday: 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 5:30–10:30 p.m., or 6:00–9:30 p.m.
• Friday: 1:00–5:00 p.m., 5:30–10:30 p.m., or 6:00–9:30 p.m.
• Saturday/Sunday: 12:00–4:00 p.m. or 6:00–9:30 p.m.

Coverage Window: Box Office public hours vary by season but generally align with performance schedules. Typical hours include Wednesday–Friday afternoons and weekends prior to performances.

Holidays: Must be available to work major holidays and peak performance dates. Alternate days off provided.

Qualifications

Required

• Customer service, box office, or FOH experience.
• Clear, professional, and patron-friendly communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking ability.
• Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Virginia ABC training and certification (or ability to obtain).

Preferred

• Familiarity with PatronManager or other ticketing systems.
• Experience in a theatre or performing arts environment.
• Retail or concessions sales experience.
• $16/hour, part-time, non-exempt; tips are eligible when bartending.
• No benefits offered for this position.
• Complimentary ASC performance tickets.

How to Apply

Send your resume and a brief cover letter to [e-mail] with the subject line: Box Office Associate Application . Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates are selected based on seasonal needs.