Usher

OPERA America, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Opera is seeking part-time Ushers to support performances on a call and as-needed basis at Lincoln Center. Ushers are scheduled in 4-hour shifts, with hours varying weekly including matinee, evening, weekend, and holiday performances.

These roles are covered by the Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc., and Local 32 BJ. Regular Ushers are required to join the union, and employment terms follow the CBA and Opera policies.

Qualifications

• Proven hospitality experience with a warm, welcoming manner.
• Excellent interpersonal and clear communication.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn new front-of-house procedures and safety updates.
• Flexible availability for matinee, evening, and weekend performances.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests attending events and performances.
• Deliver exceptional guest service in interactions with patrons, guests, and colleagues.
• Distribute Playbills and other printed materials as needed.
• Provide accurate information about events and performances, including directions within and outside the auditorium, activities on Lincoln Center campus.
• Enforce house policies and control access to performance areas.
• Operate ticket-scanning devices and read ticket information accurately.
• Open, close, and hold entrance doors to the auditorium.
• Use electronic communications to stay in contact with Performance Managers and follow directions.
• Monitor guests and report emergencies to supervisory/security staff immediately.

Skills

Hospitality experience

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Adaptability

Job description

The Metropolitan Opera is a vibrant home for the most creative and talented singers, conductors, composers, musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers, and dancers from around the world. The role of the Usher is a part-time position on a performance call and as needed basis, dependent on the events scheduled in the opera house. Ushers are typically scheduled for 4-hour shifts at a time, and hours can vary weekly, including daytime, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.

The Usher position is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc., and Local 32 BJ. Employees who become regular Ushers are required to join the union. Terms and conditions of employment are subject to Metropolitan Opera Association’s policies and the CBA.

Primary Responsibilities:

Guest Interaction and Communication

Welcome guests attending events and performances at The Met.

Deliver exceptional guest service in every interaction with patrons, guests, and colleagues.

Distribute Playbills and other printed materials as needed.

Provide accurate information about events and performances, including directions within and outside the auditorium, activities throughout the Opera House, and attractions on the Lincoln Center campus.

Audience Operations and Safety

Enforce house policies—including entry, exit, late seating, and photography rules—and control access to performance areas.

Operate ticket-scanning devices and accurately read and interpret ticket information.

Open, close, and hold entrance doors to the auditorium.

Use electronic communication equipment to remain in contact with Performance Managers and follow direction as needed.

Monitor guests throughout events and immediately report emergencies to supervisory and/or security staff.

Qualifications and Skills:

Guest Service and Communication

Proven hospitality experience with an outgoing and a warm, welcoming manner.

Excellent interpersonal skills and consistently clear, positive communication.

Judgment and Adaptability

Ability to multitask and solve problems in a fast-paced environment serving thousands of guests at each performance.

Adaptability and willingness to quickly learn and implement new front-of-house procedures and technology, including updates to safety protocols.

Availability and Employment Requirements

Flexible availability to work matinee, evening, and weekend performances.

Employees who become regular Ushers are required to join the union.

Physical Demands:

Ability to stand for varying periods of time.