Usher

Boston Symphony Orchestra; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Boston Symphony Orchestra is seeking a Symphony Hall usher to warmly welcome guests, scan tickets, distribute programs, and direct patrons to their seats during live performances.

Excellent customer service is essential; candidates should be comfortable in a crowded environment and able to work evenings, weekends, and matinees. Training on safety procedures and hall layout will be provided, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Exceptional customer service skills and enjoyment of working with people.
• Technical aptitude to operate ticket scanning devices and scheduling apps.
• Able to accurately record work hours using an app-based system.

Responsibilities

• Scan tickets at Symphony Hall entrances and hand out programs.
• Answer questions about Symphony Hall and the performances and guide guests to their seats.
• Work with managers and other ushers to resolve seating or safety issues calmly.
• Be available for evenings, weekends, and matinees (Friday afternoons).
• Learn the hall layout and policies, including safety and emergency protocols.
• Support a diverse, inclusive team and uphold BSO values.

Skills

Customer service

People skills

Technical aptitude

Tools

Ticket scanning devices

Email scheduling apps

App-based timekeeping

Job description

Summary/Objective

Job Description

About the BSO Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is one of the premier orchestras in the world. The BSO is committed to bringing world class music and performances to the local and international communities. The key to our success has been our employees, from the musicians onstage to those behind the scenes.

About the Role

If you enjoy working with people, being part of a team, and experiencing the excitement of the live music environment, then becoming a Symphony Hall usher may be the right job for you. Ushers not only help guests find their seats, but they are Symphony Hall's front lines for extending exemplary customer service to guests. Problem solving skills are a must, as is the ability to remain calm and courteous in a large-crowd environment.

Responsibilities

Must be able to be kind, courteous, and welcoming to all patrons at all times. Previous experience in a customer service environment is highly valued. Scan tickets at the Symphony Hall entrances, hand out programs, answer questions about Symphony Hall and the performance, and guide guests to their seats. Display thoughtful problem-solving skills, whether it be to resolve a seating issue or a safety concern. Ushers must be able to work in cooperation with managers and fellow ushers to calmly resolve issues. Be able to work evenings and weekends. Matinee coverage is also needed, especially for Friday afternoon concerts. Must learn the layout of the hall and its policies. Be adept and comfortable working within large crowds. Expected to learn and act on the BSO's safety and emergency protocols, such as Symphony Hall evacuations and medical emergencies. While a knowledge of any particular type of music is not required, a respect for the goals and artistic values of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, and all artists who perform at Symphony Hall is expected. Must be punctual and ready to work at the start of each shift. Be able to work as part of a team in a respectful and supportive manner toward one’s colleagues. Must abide by, understand, and promote the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s values of celebrating diversity, and creating an environment of inclusion, equity, and belonging.

Required Education and Experience

Exceptional customer services skills. Enjoy working with people. Technical aptitude to efficiently operate ticket scanning devices, communicate via email and scheduling applications, and accurately record work hours using an app-based system. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment.

Pay rate: $17.50/hr

Equal Opportunity Statement

The BSO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The BSO is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Company Overview

The Boston Symphony Orchestra gave its inaugural concert on October 22, 1881, and has continued to uphold the vision of its founder, the businessman, philanthropist, Civil War veteran, and amateur musician Henry Lee Higginson, for well over a century. The Boston Symphony Orchestra has performed throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, South America, and China; in addition, it reaches audiences numbering in the millions through its performances on radio, television, and recordings. It plays an active role in commissioning new works from today's most important composers; its summer season at Tanglewood is regarded as one of the world's most important music festivals; it helps develop the audience of the future through BSO Youth Concerts and through a variety of outreach programs involving the entire Boston community; and, during the Tanglewood season, it sponsors the Tanglewood Music Center, one of the world's most important training grounds for young composers, conductors, instrumentalists, and vocalists. Today the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Inc., presents more than 250 concerts annually. It is an ensemble that has richly fulfilled Henry Lee Higginson's vision of a great and permanent orchestra in Boston.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and encourages applications from female and minority candidates.