House Manager

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

For 30 years, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas ("Arts & Ideas") has inspired and delighted audiences with an annual program of over 200 performing arts and humanities events year-round, at least 80% of which are free.

Focused events in June range from world and nationally-renowned speakers sharing the stage with critical local voices for discussions on democracy, to jazz concerts, theatrical performances, dance; takeout mixology classes; bike and walking tours; and live, individual performances by local on-call artists on front lawns and sidewalks throughout the area.

Year-round programs include special town-hall events, a fellowship program for youth, planning and implementing mini-festivals in New Haven's culturally-rich neighborhoods, participation in the NEA Big Read, and our annual Visionary Leadership Award program.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The House Managers (HMs) are responsible for setting a "serious fun" vibe at all Festival events, while ensuring the safety of all audience members through venue management and careful attention to managing volunteers and ushers. When on-site at venues, they will work closely with Stage Managers and the Artist Services Coordinators (ASCs) to offer efficient and ease-of-flow House Management services.

HMs will be trained by their supervisor, the House Management Captain, though previous experience in customer service and event management is preferred.

Department Wide

• Become familiar with venues (restrooms, exits, fire extinguishers, etc.) and with events (running times, late seating, intermission).

• Check for proper number of programs and appropriate signage at venues.

• Meet with box office personnel to review procedures such as late seating, press seating, handicapped seating, and over-flow issues, as well as CSSOs (Customer Service and Safety Officer) at each venue.

• Contact volunteers and ushers the day before each event to confirm attendance, as well as the day off to confirm availability.

• Meet with volunteers and ushers to communicate their responsibilities and placement/assignments clearly.

• Coordinate opening of the house, intermission and the start of the show with the stage managers, ASCs and, for ticketed events, the Box Office Lead.

• Handle all late arrival audiences.

• Stay on site and remain alert for any emergencies or disturbances in the audience.

• At the conclusion of the performance, assist the audience with efficient and safe departure from the space and clean up the audience areas before leaving the venue.

• Count ticket stubs and fill out a House Management Report for each event.

• Deliver Report and ticket stubs to the House Management Captain at the end of your shift.

REQUIREMENTS

• Complete all projects with accuracy and diligence.

• Arrive to work on time, focused, and ready to serve customers each day.

• Always maintain a positive presence, including interactions with both staff, volunteers, ushers, and, of course, audience members.

• Engage with a diverse group of volunteers

• Maintain a calm demeanor under pressure, flexibility with an ever-changing work environment,

and a sense of humor.

• Reliable transportation and flexibility with scheduling are essential.

ORGANIZATIONAL DESIRES

• Interest in the arts & performing arts

• Conversational Spanish

• Familiarity with the neighborhoods and communities in and around New Haven

CLASSIFICATION

• Job Type: Part-Time (Seasonal)

• Pay: $20.00 per hour

• Schedule: June 1-28, 2026

*Note: Includes weekend and late-night hours during the summer (June)

• Location: 195 Church Street 12FL New Haven, CT 06510

Multiple candidates will be hired for this role.