Description Department: House Management Reports to: House Manager Compensation: $17.66 per hour Benefits: Non-Benefits Eligible
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13.
Typical Schedule: House Management Casual work on an intermittent basis and are scheduled as needed. Casual employees must work at least one (1) scheduled shift performing department work or job specific training during two (2) scheduling periods in which work is offered to them in at least one (1) of the scheduling periods; this means working a minimum of one (1) shift a month. Hours are reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.
Position Summary
The Usher provides excellent customer service to all stakeholders of the Guthrie. This position has a complete understanding of all areas of the specific Usher level, strong record of attendance and punctuality, performs all the tasks required with little or no direct supervision and will work independently in various theater areas as assigned. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.
The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams which are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Usher role has four levels with continued learning and growth opportunities. Each level builds from the previous level. Progression to the next level is dependent upon whether a next level position is available. To advance you must be proficient in the skills and knowledge required in each level, have a strong attendance record and a history of punctuality. As this position progresses to the next level there will be an increase in the hourly rate. Reasonable accommodations will be made as needed to perform the duties of the job at each level.
- Operations Support
- Is proficient in all Level 2 – Usher duties and responsibilities.
- Staff all Level 2 Usher positions as needed, with Level 3 – (Monitor / Vom Guard) being the priority shift.
- Complete additional training shifts to learn Level 3 – Usher (Monitor / Vom Guard) duties and responsibilities in each performance space.
- During showtime operations, work as a “Vom Guard” at various aisles and doorways to ensure stage and backstage aisle access is limited to cast and staff members only.
- During performances and events, monitor the audience as they watch the show and be alert for interruptive or disruptive behavior. Communicate with patrons in a professional and helpful manner while minimizing disruption to the performance.
- Collaborate with Usher team, volunteers, Box Office staff, and performance supervisors to respond to and resolve patron inquiries or concerns as needed.
- Share details of patron experiences with the performance supervisor at the end of each shift.
- Other duties as assigned by the performance supervisor.
- Stakeholder Support
- Solve customer service inquiries or issues, in adherence with Guthrie ticketing policies, before or during a performance while maintaining excellent customer service and composure.
- Use knowledge, skills, and training to partner with volunteers and Usher staff while assisting patrons.
- Use good judgement and seek help from supervisor if something is unclear or requires additional input/assistance.
- Talent Support
- Assist and support Usher team and volunteers as needed in a respectful and helpful manner.
- Strategy Support
- Attend orientations and training shifts.
- Actively participate in meetings, refreshers, activities, and trainings.
- Participate in semi-monthly check-ins with House Management Leadership
- Foster a work environment incorporating the Guthrie values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Essential Knowledge and Qualifications
- Demonstrates proficient knowledge of all the Level 2 Usher roles and responsibilities and consistently follows procedures.
- Consistently demonstrates outstanding customer service experience as an Usher Level 2.
- Demonstrates knowledge of each theater space, accessibility resources, and the location of patron amenities in the public spaces in the theater.
- Demonstrates knowledge of location of emergency exits and knows and follows all emergency procedures.
- Consistently uses hand radios, small flashlights, and electronic scanning equipment effectively.
- Can manage multiple priorities, maintain composure, and concentrate effectively in a busy noisy, and/or stressful environment.
- Can repeatedly move up and down flights of stairs in various areas of the theater, including in low light conditions and during emergencies.
- Can effectively perform the responsibilities of the monitor/Vom guard role during productions with various production elements, such as loud noises and flashing and/or strobe lights.
- Consistently reports to work on time and in uniform for pre-show meetings.
- Consistently uses online scheduling and timecard systems and submits schedule availability and timecards on time.
- Has a strong attendance and punctuality record.
WHO SHOULD APPLY? The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision.
WHY SHOULD I APPLY? Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. In addition to a competitive salary, the Guthrie offers attractive employee benefits and staff perks, subject to plan or policy terms.
- Sick Time: One hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked (in concurrence with the Minneapolis and State of Minnesota Sick and Safe Time requirements)
- Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains; Discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking.
- Complimentary Tickets: To all Guthrie productions
- Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
- Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps.
- Other Employee Perks: Wellness Program; Guthrie Store discount; Affinity Groups
ABOUT THE GUTHRIE
The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.
Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position.
