HOUSE MANAGER
Playbox Theatre – The Dream Factory
Contract: Hourly Paid, Casual (Production-Based)
Responsible to: Deputy Executive Director
Job Purpose
The House Manager plays a vital role in ensuring that Playbox Theatre’s venue, The Dream Factory, operates safely, efficiently, and warmly during all public performances and events.
As the senior Front of House representative on duty, the House Manager is responsible for delivering an outstanding audience experience, overseeing venue safety, and ensuring the smooth coordination of staff, volunteers, and visiting production teams.
This is a casual, hourly-paid role required during production periods and public events.
Key Responsibilities
Venue & Audience Safety
- Act as the responsible person for Health & Safety during performances and public events.
- Ensure compliance with fire regulations, safeguarding policies, and emergency procedures.
- Conduct pre-show safety checks and ensure clear access/egress routes.
- Manage any incidents, emergencies, or evacuations in accordance with company policy.
- Request and review Risk Assessments from production directors in advance of performances and identify potential hazards.
Front of House Leadership
- Supervise and coordinate Front of House volunteer staff during performances.
- Brief volunteers before each performance and allocate duties.
- Supervise Box Office staff on duty during events.
- Oversee programme and merchandise sales.
- Ensure excellent standards of presentation and customer care throughout the venue.
Customer Experience
- Act as the welcoming and professional “face” of Playbox Theatre.
- Provide calm, confident, and informed responses to audience enquiries and concerns.
- Ensure that all visitors experience a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
- Manage audience flow before, during, and after performances.
Production Liaison
- Liaise with technical director, chaperones, directors, and internal teams to ensure adherence to company policies and safeguarding requirements.
- Support the smooth start and running of performances in collaboration with the production team.
- VIP & Hospitality
- Meet and greet VIPs, guests, and visiting companies.
- Liaise with the Catering Manager and Marketing/Press Officer to coordinate hospitality arrangements when required.
Person Specification
Essential
- Calm, confident, and professional manner.
- Strong organisational and leadership skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain composed under pressure.
- Awareness of Health & Safety responsibilities in a public venue.
- Ability to lead and motivate volunteers.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends during production periods.
Desirable
- Previous experience in a theatre, arts venue, or public-facing environment.
- Experience supervising staff or volunteers.
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures (particularly relating to young people).
- First Aid qualification (or willingness to undertake training).
- A genuine interest in theatre and the performing arts.
Additional Information
Playbox Theatre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be expected to uphold the company’s safeguarding policies and may be required to undertake appropriate checks.
This role is offered on a casual, hourly-paid basis and hours will vary according to the production schedule.
Rate of pay: £14.00 p/h
Playbox Theatre is running an ongoing recruitment programme, as we continue to seek a full team of highly motivated and organised individuals to oversee the smooth running and health and safety of customers of The Dream Factory during busy times. This, alongside ensuring an excellent customer experience for all of our visitors.
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