House Manager
Position Description
The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) is a nationally acclaimed professional theatre founded by Jeff Daniels and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We seek a part-time House Manager (20–30 hours per week) who will be a vital member of our Front-of-House team, working closely with patrons, ushers, and donors.
As House Manager, you are the host of each event. You partner with the Stage Manager, who is responsible for all aspects of the performance on stage, and with the Box Office Associates, who are responsible for ticket sales and seating assignments.
Evening and weekend availability is a requirement for this position.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesHouse Management (Approximately 70%)
Front-of-House Leadership
- Serve as the host for performances, creating a welcoming, inclusive, and professional environment for all PRTC guests.
- Train and supervise volunteer ushers to ensure exceptional patron service.
- Coordinate lobby and audience operations to ensure performances begin on time.
Patron Experience
- Deliver exceptional hospitality and customer service before, during, and after performances.
- Respond to patron questions regarding productions, theatre policies, accessibility, and programing.
- Resolve seating concerns, patron complaints, and service issues with professionalism and sound judgment.
- Monitor audience activity and address disruptions appropriately.
- Deliver pre-show audience announcements.
Performance Operations
- Partner with the Stage Manager and Box Office staff to coordinate daily performance operations.
- Maintain familiarity with each production, seating configuration, and theatre policies.
- Prepare daily supplies and ensure public spaces are performance-ready.
- Communicate with the Stage Manager and Box Office regarding seating, accessibility accommodations, late arrivals, and performance readiness.
- Complete post-performance reports documenting attendance, incidents, and patron comments.
Safety & Facility Oversight
- Obtain/Maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of ADA requirements and accessibility accommodations to ensure all guests receive a welcoming and inclusive experience.
- Provide calm leadership during emergencies, evacuations, and unexpected situations.
- Monitor public spaces to ensure they remain clean, safe, and welcoming.
- Report facility or safety concerns promptly.
Box Office Associate (Approximately 30%)
Ticketing & Patron Services
- Process ticket purchases, exchanges, donations, and other transactions accurately.
- Maintain accurate customer records and transactional data.
- Assist patrons by phone, email, and in-person with ticketing, seating requests, and general inquiries.
- Support group sales and other special ticketing requests.
Administrative Support
- Maintain patron and volunteer records and assist with database updates.
- Process donations and support fundraising initiatives.
- Oversee general Gift Shop operations.
General Responsibilities
- Develop a strong understanding of PRTC, its mission, productions, and patron services.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and punctuality.
- Collaborate within the Front-of-House department
- Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and excellent communication.
- Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as assigned.
- Follow established theatre policies and opening/closing procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and basic computer applications.
- Comfortable assisting patrons by phone, email, and in person.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Interest in the performing arts; theatre, hospitality, or customer service experience preferred.
- Ability to lift up to 35 pounds and perform the physical requirements of the position.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
- Two or more years of front-of-house and/or box office experience.
- Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to work independently.
- Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with arts ticketing software such as Spektrix, Tessitura, AudienceView, etc.
- Ability to remain calm, organized, and professional in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 35lbs.
- Ability to ascend/decend between multiple levels of the building
Compensation
- $18.50 per hour
- Paid vacation time
- Paid training
- SIMPLE IRA retirement plan
- Complimentary tickets and Gift Shop discounts
About the Purple Rose Theatre Company
The Purple Rose Theatre Company is the home of world-class, original American theatre. Rooted in the Midwest, PRTC takes a handcrafted, artisanal approach to producing new and classic American plays, creating theatrical experiences that are truly one of a kind.
PRTC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional theatre operating under a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) agreement with the Actors' Equity Association.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and résumé to Katie Hubbard, Managing Director, at with "House Manager" in the subject line.
The Purple Rose Theatre Company is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply and are committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We anticipate filling the position by September 1, 2026, though the position may be filled sooner.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Customer service: 2 years (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Chelsea, MI 48118 (Required)
Work Location: In person