Front of House Coordinator, District Theatre - Bell Performing Arts Centre

Temporary On-Call to June 30, 2023

The Surrey School District respectfully acknowledges that our schools reside on the traditional, unceded, and shared territories of Coast Salish peoples: The q? \xc3\xadc?? y? - Katzie, the q\'wa: n??\'?n? - Kwantlen and the SEMYOME - Semiahmoo First Nations, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.

Surrey Schools values an inclusive school district, where equity is deeply embedded and diversity welcomed. We are committed to creating and cultivating diverse, inclusive and barrier-free environments for all applicants, employees, students, and their families. We work to continuously grow and improve our practices, celebrate our differences, and empower people to promote positive change in our communities. Our identity, as Surrey Schools, is expressed in the shared values of openness, fairness and tolerance and recognize the importance of diversity of identity and thought. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Surrey Schools, recipient of the BC Top Employers and Canada\'s Greenest Employer awards, is the largest school district in BC and the second largest employer in Surrey. Spread across one of the fastest-growing cities in British Columbia, Surrey Schools provides quality education to over 77,000 students with 124 schools sites and a variety of other learning facilities, offering a broad range of innovative programs and services to support the learning of our students. The Surrey School District team of approximately 13,000 employees works tirelessly every day to ensure that children are getting the best start they can, providing the preparation to be our leaders of tomorrow.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Front of House (FOH) Coordinator shall oversee the operations of the lobby and audience areas of the district theatre including patron and client services, volunteers, concession and some box office duties. This position is located at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Sullivan Heights Secondary School.

The FOH Coordinator, will be present at all publicly attended District Theatre events to ensure the safety and comfort of District Theatre patrons. The FOH Coordinator will also communicate and collaborate with the District Theatre\'s clients to assess and provide any of their lobby requirements. The FOH Coordinator will recruit, schedule, and oversee the District Theatre\'s volunteers. On non-show days the FOH Coordinator may be required to work in the Box Office selling tickets and acting as reception. These activities and responsibilities will require the person to work very flexible and dynamic hours primarily in the evenings and on weekends.

The FOH Coordinator reports to the Associate Manager, District Theatre Client and Audience Services.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Audience Services

Plans, organizes, schedules, supervises and coordinates a variety of operational activities such as: security, volunteers, ushers, ticket takers, coat check, and concessions at the district theatre for all interested user groups.

In coordination with the Associate Manager, Client and Audience Services, determine and ensure that each event is staffed appropriately with volunteers and security personnel. As well, verify and submit the security hours and charges for approval to the appropriate authority.

Ensure the safety of the patrons and staff, before, during and after a performance.

Provide customer service excellence to the patrons, before, during and after a performance.

Oversee the District Theatre concession including the staffing, inventory and ordering of goods.

Assist with facility requirements and operations that will enhance the presentation and variety of events.

Maintain the equipment in the audience services area of responsibility to acceptable standards of operation and advise the Manager, District Theatre Operations, of any concerns in writing.

Utilize effective interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the host school, public and other district staff.

Open and close the building including setting the security alarm and contacting the monitoring station.

Client Services

Coordinating with the Associate Manager, Client and Audience Services, consult with the client to determine their requirements. This will include day-of-show scheduling, physical lobby set up, crowd flow, signage and liaising with caterers.

Enforce any District Theatre rules and regulation regarding audience capacity, food safety, building security, fire code, and general theatre etiquette.

Observe the use of the theatre and equipment for safety issues and advise the Manager, District Theatre Operations, of any concerns in writing.

Provide all assistance and direction required in the areas of audience services management, as per the requirements of the rental contract.

Volunteer Coordination

Recruit, schedule, and supervise the District Theatre\'s volunteers in the areas of ushering, ticket taking, coat check, and concessions.

Track the hours of volunteers and coordinate with the Associate Manager, Client and Audience Services to determine appropriate levels of volunteer appreciation activities or rewards.

Assist in the organization and operation of Volunteer appreciation events.

Box Office

Liaise with the Box Office on show days to ensure the efficient movement of patrons through ticket sales or will call.

Performs related duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required Hours: 1 to 4 shifts per week as required. Must be able to work evenings and weekends.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

In-depth knowledge of audience services practices and procedures and how they are applied to live performance, educational workshops, graduation ceremonies, conferences and other large events at a large (800+ fixed seating) theatre venue.

Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise, coordinate, plan, direct and evaluate the work of others including volunteers, external vendors and assigned staff.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Working knowledge of venue ticketing and box office systems.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse cultures and age groups.

Ability to perform under high pressure situations and within tight time constraints.

Ability to proactively identify, anticipate problems and initiate solutions.

Ability to gain and maintain an understanding of theatre client\'s needs as they pertain to front of house operations.

Experience with venue security scheduling and deployment.

Experience handling cash, floats and making nightly deposits.

Physical ability to lift and carry heavy items, climb ladders, bend, stoop, crouch, stretch, and to work on feet for extended periods.

Skilled in the use of general office equipment including computers, and a variety of software.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of grade 12 and a post-secondary diploma in Arts or Event Management, or an equivalent combination of training and professional experience.

Professional

experience working at a live performing arts venue in a Coordinator position.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Valid B.C. Driver\'s License

Serving It Right Certification

Qualified applicants can apply by clicking "apply online" below by March 24, 2023. Please ensure to upload resume, cover letter and any supporting documents.

Note: Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Records Search prior to employment. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.