House Manager - Summer

Music@Menlo is currently seeking a House Manager for its 2026 festival season. The three-week festival comprises over thirty events in three venues. Events include concerts, most of which are recorded live and live-streamed, and multimedia lectures. This is a seasonal, contract position. The strongest candidates will demonstrate past experience in house management in a performing arts setting, be able to hit the ground running, and have outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills. Starting and ending dates for onsite activities are July 16 through August 10, 2026. This position reports to the Business and Operations Manager.

Responsibilities

Front of House Management

Manage the front of house and ushers with diplomacy and sound judgment before, during, and in closing of all events. Front of house management will include supervising volunteer ushers who take tickets, distribute programs, and seat guests; problem solving; and assisting patrons, including guests with disabilities, as needed.

Resolve challenging situations with audience members or volunteer ushers with grace and professional demeanor.

Coordinate on-site venue setup on the day of each event. The setup coordination will involve signage, checking supply of program books, and crowd-control measures for each event. Support will be provided by staff and interns, but the House Manager coordinates instructions and is responsible to assure the correct setup in advance of volunteers’ arrival.

Supervise access to the venue entrances and exits before, during, and after each festival event and in the case of emergency evacuation.

Supervise the operation of front-of-house lighting during performances.

Oversee the provision of equipment and chairs for comfort and convenience as needed for ticket holders waiting in line.

Ensure flashlights are in good working order and are distributed to concert venues as needed.

Ensure programs, signage, and stanchions are gathered and put away at the close of each event.

Collect, count and submit to Music@Menlo all torn ticket stubs labeled by date and event.

Communicate with security for patron transportation from parking lot.

Follow emergency protocols and provide First Aid/CPR to patrons needing care

Usher Management

Conduct the usher orientation session on July 16th.

Assign scheduled volunteer ushers to specific roles and duties for all ticketed events and communicate assignments in advance.

Respond immediately to usher scheduling conflicts and inquiries, ensuring adequate coverage for each event.

Keep a written record of usher attendance and the roles carried out by individual ushers at each event.

Prepare written reports as needed to document usher performance issues, venue problems, etc.

Post-Festival Reporting

Participate in post-festival debrief session and document best practices in writing to be included in house manager operations manual and submitted at the close of contract period.

Qualifications

Previous house management experience in a performing arts setting.

Outstanding communication and organization skills.

Sound judgment and diplomacy, and a solid sense of the skills needed to work with a dedicated yet diverse team of volunteers.

Must be very detail oriented and have the ability to efficiently handle multiple situations at any given time, including emergencies.

Ability to remain calm and pleasant in a fast-paced environment, as well as make good decisions quickly.

Physical stamina including the ability to stand for long periods of time, plus the ability to lift and carry 40+ lbs.

Must be available to work all ticketed festival events, including weekends.

First Aid/CPR certification; American Red Cross course provided to successful candidate

Dates, Compensation, Work Hours, Misc. Info

Dates are June 16 through August 10, 2026. This is a full-time, seasonal, non-exempt position. Hourly compensation is $22.00 per hour. Work schedule will change weekly to include various 40-hour workweek shifts, which may begin midweek and will include Saturday and Sunday hours, plus paid overtime. All employees are required to complete a successful background check. Minors will be required to secure a State of California minor work permit before commencing employment, and as a condition of employment.

Our full-time employees are eligible to participate in our generous benefits package for the duration of their assignment, starting on the first of the month following date-of hire, including comprehensive group insurance plans, retirement plan with exceptional employer contributions, and lunch on site during the festival.

In addition, employees may access the following benefits:

On-the-job training and hands-on experience working with the organization’s staff in a professional, supportive environment

A broad perspective on the many components that form an internationally renowned classical music festival

Free tickets to select performances, subject to availability and schedule demands

Hours/Locations

Expected hours include Tuesday through Friday, mid-afternoon through evenings, and weekends. All events take place on the campus of Menlo School in Atherton, CA.

About Music@Menlo

Founded in 2003 by Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han, Music@Menlo brings many of the world’s leading classical musicians to the Bay Area each summer for a three-week festival, with public concerts, lectures, and a major training institute for emerging and pre- professional musicians. In addition to the festival and institute activities concentrated in the summer, Music@Menlo also offers a series of year-round events and activities. All of the festival’s programming provides an array of opportunities for audiences to connect with classical music in a learning-rich environment. While Music@Menlo largely functions as an independent organization, legally it is a program of Menlo School, an independent, coeducational college preparatory day school located in Atherton, CA. Please learn more at

Our equal opportunity employment policy:

Music@Menlo and Menlo School are committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

JOB ID: 374