House Manager

Playwrights Horizons; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Playwrights Horizons, a writer’s theater in New York, seeks a part-time House Manager to oversee day-to-day venue operations and welcome guests. Shifts include day, evening, and weekends to ensure consistent coverage across shows and rentals.

Responsibilities include safety checks, troubleshooting scanners, and collaborating with management, ushers, and box office to place staff appropriately. Strong English and theater enthusiasm are essential.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of Front of House experience.
• F-03 Fireguard License; CPR license is a plus.
• Fluency in English; Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to maintain a part-time schedule of at least 4 shows a week, covering evening and weekend shifts.
• Love of theater and sense of humor encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth operation of the house during shows, performing fire safety checks at each shift start.
• Troubleshoot technical problems of scanners as needed.
• Maintain understanding of scanners and troubleshoot issues.
• Manage safe ingress and egress for patrons.
• Oversee patron safety and well-being before, during, and after shows.
• Answer patron questions and make guests feel welcome.
• Coordinate with Company Management, Ushers, and Doorperson for staffing needs.
• Coordinate with Associate General Manager, Company Manager and Box Office for staffing.
• Communicate with Stage Manager about house openings, late seating, and intermission.
• Maintain a positive, professional demeanor and help others.
• Make quick, on-your-feet decisions when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Front of House experience

Fluency in English

Spanish language (a plus)

Availability for 4 shows/week

Customer service mindset

Education

F-03 Fireguard License

CPR License (a plus)

Tools

Ticketing system

Job description

Playwrights Horizons is a writer’s theater committed to the advancement of bold and visionary contemporary playwrights, through the development and production of daring new work and the education of future theatermakers. In a city rich with cultural offerings, Playwrights Horizons’ 53-year-old mission is unique among theaters of its size; the organization has distinguished itself by a steadfast commitment to centering the voice of the playwright. It’s a mission that is always timely, and one that’s necessary in the ongoing evolution of theater in this country. By expanding the U.S. theater canon with a wider range of voices, Playwrights Horizons aims to be a home for the exploration of playwriting and an anti-racist center of curiosity, dialogue, and artistic risk.

Reports to:

Company Manager.

Position Summary:

The House Manager position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of our venue and serves as a front-line team member who welcomes customers and guests to our theater! This is a part-time position that provides a smooth and enjoyable experience and the schedule requires day, evening, and weekend shifts. We are looking for house managers to add to our current roster to ensure consistent coverage across all of our shows and rentals.

Responsibilities

• Ensures the smooth operation of the house during the run of the show by conducting a fire safety check at the start of every shift and making sure the theater is suitable for patrons, prior to every performance
• Troubleshoot technical problems of scanners as needed
• Maintains a working understanding of the scanners and able to troubleshoot technical problems if needed
• Efficiently executes a safe ingress & egress
• Oversees the safety and well-being of our patrons before, during, and immediately after the show
• Answers patrons questions, listening to compliments/concerns, and making every guest feel welcome
• Working closely with Company Management, Ushers, and Doorperson to ensure all house management needs are met
• Working closely with Associate General Manager, Company Manager and Box Office to to ensure proper staff is in place for all performances
• Communicate and coordinate with Stage Manager regarding opening the house, late seating, intermission, closing the house and events
• Maintain a positive attitude, professional demeanor, and a genuine interest in helping others.
• The ability to make quick and on your feet decisions
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of Front of House experience
• An updated and valid F-03 Fireguard License; CPR license is a plus!
• Fluency in English. Spanish is a plus!
• Basic knowledge of tickets system
• Ability to maintain a part-time schedule of at least 4 shows a week, covering evening and weekend shifts
• Love of theater -- and sense of humor is strongly encouraged!

Compensation:

$22 per hour during production season

Values Statement:

Playwrights Horizons is committed to building a more just future for everyone -- particularly those from historically oppressed communities, by employing a broad spectrum of voices that will enrich the quality and vitality of our work. Playwrights Horizons is an equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to uprooting all systems of oppression by demonstrative equitable and inclusive practices.

The organization is interested in receiving applications from people of all races, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, classes, religions, and people with disabilities. The facilities at Playwrights Horizons are fully accessible and ADA compliant.