Concessionaires – Bartenders

Porchlight Music Theatre; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Porchlight Music Theatre in Chicago is seeking experienced bartenders for live theatre shows at the Biograph Theatre. Roles include lead and non-lead shifts with duties from setup to cash handling and customer service for a limited beverage menu.

Shifts are 4–5 hours, with some 9-hour 2-show days; lead bartenders may have administrative duties and scheduling responsibilities. Compensation starts at $18.50/hr for leads and $16.50/hr for non-leads plus tips.

Qualifications

• BASSET certification is required.
• At least one year of bartending experience (restaurant or event).
• Familiarity with Square POS is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Daily setup, premixing signature cocktails, stocking, and keeping the bar clean for doors opening.
• Provide efficient, friendly service to theatre guests.
• Operate Square terminal for ordering and payments.
• Close out Square and cash handling as needed.
• Keep the bar area tidy and presentable during shifts.
• Take bar garbage to dumpsters at shift end.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

BASSET certification

Tools

Square POS

Job description

Porchlight Music Theatre is looking for experienced, BASSET-certified bartenders for its live theatre performances at the Biograph Theatre. The bar will offer a limited menu focused on beer, wine, soft drinks, premixed signature cocktails, and packaged snacks.

Shifts are available for its upcoming runs of;

Little Shop of Horrors: Nov 4-Dec 13, 2026

Dead Outlaw: Feb 10-March 21, 2027

Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story — April 3-25, 2027

Miscellaneous Events and possible extensions TBD

Shifts are generally 4-5 hours in length, except for 2-show days where shifts may be up to 9 hours. Number of staff per shift varies based on house count. Many shifts will be solo. Lead bartenders will also have some administrative hours. Typical single-show shifts are 6pm-10pm or 1:30pm-5:30pm.

Compensation

Lead bartenders $18.50/hr base pay plus tips. Non-leads $16.50/hr base pay plus tips.

Bartender Duties

• Daily setup, including premixing signature cocktails, preparing stock, and ensuring that everything is clean, ready, and attractive at doors opening.
• Efficient, responsible, friendly service to our theatre guests.
• Operation of Square terminal for ordering and payments.
• Proper closeouts of Square, as well as cash (if any).
• Keep bar area tidy and well-presented throughout shift.
• Take all bar garbage to dumpsters at end of shift.
• Other duties as assigned.

Lead Bartender Additional Duties

• Working with Executive Director and snack/beverage partner to ensure stock levels are adequate, and to place/pickup/receive stock when it arrives.
• Scheduling of bartender shifts. It is intended that Lead Bartender work as many shifts as possible, supplemented by others as necessary.
• Maintenance of Square POS

Requirements

• BASSET certification
• At least one year experience in bartending (restaurant or event)
• Familiarity with Square POS an asset.

About Porchlight Music Theatre

Porchlight Music Theatre is the award-winning center for music theatre in Chicago. Dedicated to setting the stage for the future of the American musical, Porchlight celebrates the past, present, and future of this unique art form through live performance, youth education, and community outreach. As a leader in the Chicago arts community, we are committed to looking at the musical theatre canon through a modern lens, offering intimate and powerful theatrical experiences that inspire and connect our audiences.