STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY

For over 40 years, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been a cultural leader in Chicago and model for theatre companies in the United States and around the world. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, stage managers and playwrights. Steppenwolf’s artistic ambitions are made possible by its incredible workforce of individuals, who help create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and accountability. To that end, we attempt to use an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens in our roles and everyday decision-making. Join us in this ongoing process, as we navigate, together, our complex world.

The Audience Experience team at Steppenwolf Theatre Company is seeking candidates for the part-time position of House Manager.

STEPPENWOLF AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE

Steppenwolf Audience Experience is dedicated to helping everyone coming through our doors feel safe, relaxed and invited. Through presenting an intentional and sincere level of service and hospitality, these positions participate in a team that is committed to cultivating a comfortable and respectful environment that upholds the dignity and experience of our audience, colleagues and guests.

Responsibilities:

• Shift supervisor responsible for leading a 7-10 person part-time team to manage public performances
• Trains and supervises volunteer ushers
• Writes nightly performance reports
• Serves as an escalated point of contact and information for our audience, engaging them as a friendly, courteous, professional representative of the theatre
• Leads part time team in maintaining the lobby and theatre spaces (including the elevator lobby and restrooms) for safety, cleanliness, functionality and presentation

• Liases with the stage manager to coordinate timeline and execution of performances and special events
• Assists patrons with accessibility requirements
• Coordinates with the box office to resolve ticketing conflicts
• Communicates via radio with other staff members to convey patron issues and ensure smooth operations

• Helps coordinate emergency response (calling first responders, rendering aid, leading evacuations)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Successful candidates will demonstrate…

• Prior experience working in a high-volume customer service setting, preferably as a Front of House Manager
• A minimum of one year experience supervising part time teams
• Fast, efficient service techniques in peak service times
• A relaxed appearance and tone when interacting with guests and colleagues, which includes maintaining an unhurried pace and level modulation of voice and volume

• Effective, improvisational problem solving in ever-changing situations
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to work 15-25 hours a week
• Consistent availability on evenings and weekends, as well as during holiday seasons

COMPETENCIES:

Successful candidates will…

Commit to an equitable work environment, which includes use of gender inclusive language; support for individual gender expression, racial equity and inter-generational collaboration; accessibility for people with disabilities; and cultural sensitivity.

Demonstrate compassion, which includes genuinely caring about colleagues and guests alike; showing sympathy for the plights of others; exhibiting empathy for the experience of everyone in the room.

Maintain personal composure, which includes demonstrating maturity; remaining cool under pressure; not becoming defensive or irritated when presented with challenging or unexpected situations; handling stress without showing frustration; serving as a settling influence in tense situations.

Comfortably and effectively cope with change and ambiguity, which includes effectively transitioning between tasks and timelines; identifying priorities and making good decisions with a minimum of information; staying relaxed when things are uncertain; confidently managing risk and uncertainty.

Exhibit interpersonal savvy, which includes relating comfortably to a variety of personalities; cultivating and maintaining positive relationships; employing diplomacy and tact; defusing high-tension situations; seeking the positive in all situations.

HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Hours of employment are structured in consideration of performances, which are presented Tuesday through Saturday evenings, with matinees on Saturdays, Sundays and select Wednesdays. Extra shift availability is also occasionally available to support special events and extra programming on Monday evenings, weekdays, and weekend mornings.

COMPENSATION:

Hourly rate is $20.80 per hour. The Steppenwolf Theatre Audience Services & Experience is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with the IATSE Treasurers and Ticket Sellers Union Local 750.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, professional resume and three references through the link provided.

NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS PLEASE

About Steppenwolf:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 400-seat Ensemble Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programming includes a five play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multigenre performances series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 15,000 participants annually from Chicago’s diverse communities. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Audrey Francis and Glenn Davis are the Artistic Directors and E. Brooke Flanagan is the Executive Director. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.

Steppenwolf Mission: 

Steppenwolf Theatre Company strives to create thrilling, courageous, and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world.

Steppenwolf Core Values: 

Equity Inclusion
Integrity Curiosity
Courage Collaboration
 Accountability Leadership

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Steppenwolf complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.