House Manager
What does a House Manager do?
What does a House Manager do?
A HOUSE MANAGER oversees front-of-house operations at the theatre. They serve as the liaison between the COMPANY MANAGER, the production staff, and the theatre owners. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the venue, from prepping the house to overseeing the front-of-house staff. They also supervise and/or pay the theatre staff, including porters/cleaners, stage hands, and musicians. Additionally, they serve as the point person for audience services at the venue, welcoming patrons and making sure they are safe and comfortable. They train the staff on safety procedures and coordinate with the facilities department for pre-show inspections, ensuring that the building is ready for patrons to see the show. The HOUSE MANAGER works closely with the BOX OFFICE MANAGER, the USHERS, and the security staff, to ensure audiences enjoy themselves at the theatre from the moment they enter the building until they head home after the show.
Skills
Fire Guard Certification | Strong communication skills | Attention to Detail | Excel | Ability to talk to patrons and staff | Quick decision-making | Customer Service skills | Managing a staff | Ability to read and interpret union contracts
Pathways
Front of house experience | Ushering | Box Office Managing | Shadowing | Apprenticing
How to become a House Manager
How to become a House Manager
House managers typically begin working in the theatre as ushers, ticket sellers, and front of house assistants. Once in a theatre, there may be a chance to eventually work one’s way up to Manager. Front of House careers can be full-time or part-time jobs, as hours depend on the role in the theatre. They can also be salaried at a not-for-profit company or hired for the run of a show. Those just starting out may want to volunteer at their local/regional theatre as ushers or front of house team members. Another path to house management is experience as a company manager.
Union/Organization Affiliation
Resources
- Playbill’s “TRIUMPH OF LOVE INTERVIEW: House Manager Bill Lieberman”
- ATPAM’s “How I Got My Union Card: House Management as a Second Career”
- The Producer’s Perspective’s “10 Questions for a Broadway Pro: The Master of the House”
- Broadway.com’s Tim Pettolina, House Manager at Hamilton’s Broadway Home, Wanted to Be in the Room Where it Happened
Spotlight on Broadway’s “Erich Jungwirth House Manager”
American Theatre Wing’s “House Manager”
CTG’s “Working in Theatre: House Manager”
Anthony McDonald, Associate House Manager, The Minskoff Theatre | ShowbizU x The Broadway League