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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 are July 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…