WPA Event Usher

Washington Performing Arts; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Washington Performing Arts ushers contribute to the front of house presence during pre-scheduled events at partner venues in DC. This is a 1099 independent contractor role with an hourly rate, paid after submitting an invoice. You must be comfortable walking, standing, and engaging with diverse patrons in a public setting.

Ideal candidates are at least 18, capable of teamwork, and ready for shifts on event dates listed in the description. Professional attire is required; background checks apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff.
• Experience in customer service in public settings.
• Willingness to obtain CPR/First Aid certification if not current.

Responsibilities

• Advance arrival for pre-show orientation with staff.
• Facilitate ADA accommodations with staff and guests.
• Greet patrons and provide directions.
• Examine and direct entry of tickets, distribute programs.
• Coordinate late seating with Front of House Manager.
• Ensure patron safety and report issues to security.
• Direct patrons to exits and manage lost and found.

Skills

Collaboration

Customer service

Communication

Professionalism

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

CPR/First Aid

Job description

Description

Fall 2026

Department: Marketing, Communications & Creative Media

Title of Immediate Supervisor: Front of House Manager

Hourly Contract Rate: $18.50 an hour

Specific Conditions of Work:

This is a contracted 1099 position that is paid an hourly rate and offered on a per-event project basis. Background check required. Applicants must be available to work in person on the following dates and times on an as-needed basis:

• October 3, 2026, 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. | Hopkins Bloomberg Center Theater
• October 18, 2026, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. | Sixth & I
• November 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. | Sixth & I
• February 18, 2027, 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. | Sixth & I
• April 10, 2027, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. | Church of the Epiphany
• April 17, 2027, 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. | Hopkins Bloomberg Center Theater
• May 1, 2027, 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. | Hopkins Bloomberg Center Theater
• June 5, 2027, 3:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.| National Church of God

POSITION INFORMATION

Washington Performing Arts seeks experienced and collaborative customer service professionals (ushers) to work as part of a public-facing team in coordination with Washington Performing Arts Front of House Manager on site at several partner venues. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a cooperative, supportive, and passionate team, which enriches our D.C. community with vibrant performing arts experiences. This is a 1099 independent contractor position. Contractors are offered specific event dates on an as-needed basis and retain full autonomy to accept or decline any project or event invitation. Compensation is handled on a fixed hourly rate, payable upon submission and approval of an invoice following the completion of the event. The contractor acts as an independent entity and is not an employee of Washington Performing Arts.

Position Summary/Purpose

Washington Performing Arts ushers contribute to the front of house presence during specific, pre-scheduled event blocks at Washington Performing Arts Partner Venues, the Hopkins Bloomberg Center Theater (555 Pennsylvania Ave NW), Church of the Epiphany (1317 G Street NW), Sixth & I (600 I Street NW), and National Church of God (6701 Boch Road, Ft. Washington, MD) on specific performance dates. All ushers must be at least 18 years of age.

This role is focused on customer service and patron experience. Ushers are expected to be professional, courteous, helpful, and engaging with all patrons. This position requires a pleasant demeanor and good communication skills, experience working with a wide range of audiences, experience with venue safety and emergency situations and protocols, comfort troubleshooting escalated issues and patron interactions, and a genuine attitude of welcome for all. This is an active position that includes constant walking, climbing stairs, and occasional sitting.

The contractor must provide their own standard professional black-and-white business attire (black bottoms, white button-down shirt, black closed-toe shoes) for all performances. Refrain from chewing gum, eating, and drinking during shifts. Use of electronic devices while in the performance hall is not permitted.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Advance arrival (one hour) for pre-show orientation with Washington Performing Arts and Venue staff.
• With Washington Performing Arts Patron Services staff, facilitate advance ADA requests, including any specialized ADA accommodations, including distribution of large-print programs. Provide assistance to guests with special needs, such as helping with seat accommodations.
• Greet, answer questions, and provide directions to patrons.
• Examine tickets for entry to various seating areas in the theater. Scan or tear tickets, distribute performance programs, and direct guests to their ticketed sections at pre-show and at intermission. Assist in verifying credentials to restricted seating areas. With Front of House Manager, coordinate late seating entrances and keep the house orderly during the event.
• Ensure patron experiences continue to be safe and enjoyable through the duration of the event, partnering with venue security as necessary.
• Identify and report any immediate crowd-control or safety issues directly to venue security or management staff. In the event of an emergency, take appropriate action to clear patrons safely from the venue.
• At the end of a performance, direct patrons to the nearest exit. Check seating section for any lost and found items and pick up programs. Lost and found items will be returned to the Front of House Manager.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Must have aptitude for collaboration
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Essential Capabilities & Preferences

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• Appreciation for and understanding of a variety of musical genres, including classical, jazz, global music, gospel music, and more.