Event House Manager; On-Call

Job Purpose:

The Event House Manager (On-Call) serves as the "host of the audience" at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center (MWPAC), overseeing all front-of-house operations before, during, and after a performance. The House Manager (HM) ensures an excellent patron experience and serves as the on-site authority in the event of an emergency.
This position oversees front-of-house staff and volunteers and works in tandem with the box office during performances. HMs act as positive ambassadors for Gonzaga University and the ARTS at GONZAGA across MWPAC's two venues, as well as the Magnuson Theatre in College Hall. This position reports to the Patron Services and Ticketing Supervisor.

This is a fully flexible, on-call event position with no guaranteed minimum hours. Shifts are posted in advance to the on-call pool to be claimed. Depending on the performance schedule and availability to pick up shifts, hours can vary widely (typical average is 10-30 hours per month). Evenings and weekends required.
Lead vs. Assistant HM

Note:

On shifts where this person serves as Lead House Manager, they hold full on-site supervisory authority as described below. On shifts where they serve as an Assistant House Manager (AHM), this position supports the Lead HM in these functions and defers to their final judgment.

• 40% - Show Preparation & Event Operations
  • Generally interacts with patrons, donors, sponsors, staff and volunteers during events with a customer service mindset to build strong community engagement.
  • Conducts a pre-show walk-through of the lobby and seating area to verify that the house is clean and presentable and all signs or notices relevant to a particular show are in place.
  • Ensures front sidewalks, restrooms, gallery and Myrtle Woldson Collection are clean, safe, and ready for audiences prior to performance, and that parking signs are appropriately placed.
  • Meets with Assistant House Manager (AHM) and Ushers (comprised of students and volunteers) before doors open to assign positions and ticket scanning devices, and review event duties, expectations and pre-show safety reminders.
  • Maintains basic communication with concessions/bar vendor staff regarding event timing.
  • Greets patrons, provides directions, verifies tickets, hands out programs, and shows patrons to seats, including offering assistance to guests with disabilities.
  • Confirms house opening and show start timelines with Stage Management/Technical Staff.
  • Works in tandem with the Patron Services and box office team on ticketing issues, seating disputes, and patron concerns during the event.
  • Monitors intermission length and directs patrons from lobby to seating areas; checks restrooms and public areas at intermission and monitors capacity/fire code compliance in any standing-room or overflow situations.
  • Ensures patrons exit safely and coordinates with Stage Management/Technical Staff to close the house once all patrons have left.
  • Restores theater and FOH equipment to performance-ready conditions after the event.
  • Responsible for final walk-through of theater and lobby spaces, ensuring the theatre, administrative and box offices, Myrtle Woldson Collection gate and any relevant FOH doors are securely locked.
• 25% - On-Site Supervision & Policy Enforcement
  • Reports to the Patron Services & Ticketing Supervisor for scheduling, timesheet approval, and administrative matters; exercises independent judgment on FOH event operations while on-site.
  • Serves as the on-site supervisor for FOH event staff, providing day-of direction and training reminders to AHMs and ushers; ensures assigned positions are covered and house policies are followed.
  • Communicates clearly and diplomatically with all departments and rental artists/agents during event.
  • Enforces published theater policies, including late seating, on a show‑by‑show basis.
• 20% - Emergency Preparedness & Safety
  • As a Gonzaga University employee, this position is a Mandatory Reporter of alleged abuse, sexual harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, and is required to report known or suspected incidents to the appropriate University office.
  • Completes required trainings, including CPR/first aid, and…