Usher

The Metropolitan Opera; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Opera in New York invites applications for part-time Ushers. This role is on a performance call and as-needed basis, with roughly 4-hour shifts and hours vary weekly, including matinee, evening, weekend, and holiday performances.

You will welcome guests, provide outstanding service, distribute Playbills, answer questions, scan tickets, enforce house policies, and help with directions inside the Opera House.

Qualifications

• Proven hospitality experience with an outgoing and a warm, welcoming manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and consistently clear, positive communication.
• 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.
• Flexible availability to work matinee, evening, and weekend performances.
• Employees who become regular Ushers are required to join the union.

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 Lincoln Center campus attractions.
• 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.

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.