House Manager

House Manager

The House Manager is responsible for running the Front of House during a
performance. He/she is in charge of Ushers and of maintaining order and quiet in the lobby.

Before the Show

Train and assign ushers jobs before each performance

One usher to keep public out of dressing room area

Two ushers to hand out programs

Three or more ushers to seat people

Post non-admittance sign on all doors, other than the main
E
nsure that programs are assembled and are available for each performance
Coordinate with stage manager and/or director to determine when to open theater doors, and keep box office managers informed of status changes
Assist Box Office Manager with crowd control if necessary
After doors are open, assist ushers with crowd management
Coordinate with Stage Manager on closing house and starting performances
Deliver gifts to actors
Set up trash cans near doors or other accessible places

During the Run

Insure the public does not go backstage or into the dressing room area
Stay in lobby to make sure everything is kept quiet, may assign an usher after the first night
Ushers may sit in the audience and watch the performance, but must immediately return to their designated positions during the intermission and after the show
Seat late patrons, preferable in open seats where other patrons won’t be disturbed. Take ticket money if the patrons have not previously bought tickets.
Secure money in cash box.

Intermission

Insure the public does not go backstage or into the dressing room area
Open doors and make sure ushers are in all designated positions
At the end of intermission, announce or flash lights letting the audience know that the show is resuming and ask people to go inside
Close doors
Inform Stage Manager that the House is Closed

After the Show

Insure the public does not go backstage or into the dressing room area.
Have ushers pick up trash and programs in theater, storing programs that can be reused.

Ashland High School Theatrical Society