House Manager

Objectives

Typical tasks and tips

Prior to performance nights

• In consultation with the Production Manager, Director, and Building Operations and Maintenance Chair, become familiar with the needs relating to the performance space (such as climate control, house lights, etc.) as well as the lobby.
  • TIP: The Building Operations and Maintenance Chair will contact members of the BOM squad whose areas are being affected.
• Select at least three Parking attendants for each performance and assign one to remain for the duration of that performance.
  • TIP: Ask the Production Manager for the names of volunteers for all production jobs.

Performance nights

• Prepare the lobby and performance space prior to lobby opening:
  • Turn on all indoor lights (lobby, house, bathroom access, bathroom, kitchen, and gazebo) and outdoor lights (parking lot, etc.).
  • Unlock lobby doors.
    • TIP: The rear lobby door crash bar must be held in the unlocked position using the Allen wrench hanging near the door.
  • Check and prepare as needed performance space and lobby to ensure it is neat and cleaned and trash receptacles are available and ready for use.
    • TIP: Ensure that all seats are folded up before the audience is admitted.  This makes it easier for patrons to reach their seats.
    • TIP: Put one trash can at each outside entrance in lobby and one trash can just inside workshop doorway.  Be sure there are plastic disposal bags in all cans.
    • TIP: Ensure carpet runners are in place at exits in lobby and performance room.
  • Check and prepare outside of entrances to ensure cleanliness as well as the availability of cigarette disposal cans.
  • Check and prepare bathroom facilities as needed prior to performance and intermission.
    • TIP: The key for the paper dispensers is on a hook under the kitchen cabinet.  Be sure to return the key to this hook.
• Provide the Box Office Attendant with startup funds for making change.
• Alert patrons when a performance is about to start or restart.
• Assist late arrivals in getting to a seat unobtrusively, or ask that they wait in the lobby until an appropriate point in the play.
• Answer patron questions or introduce them to someone who can.
• Advise patrons, as necessary, that food and drinks are not permitted in our performance room.
• Advise patrons, as necessary, that smoking is permitted only outside and away from building entrances.
• Ensure that smoking materials have been properly disposed of.
• Know the evacuation plan and assist with evacuation of the building in event of an emergency.
• Assist handicapped patrons in getting to and from their seats.
• Return all patron-accessible areas to a clean-and-ready state following each performance.
  • Following each performance, fold seats up and remove any items or trash that patrons have left behind.  Place the latter in the Lost-and-Found box in the ticket booth.
  • Turn off all lights (inside and out), lock all doors, review climate control, tie garbage bags, etc.).
• Communicate facility requirements to the Building Operations and Maintenance Chair.
• Collect monies from the Box Office Attendant and make deposit.

Last revised 2/2/03

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