House Manager, Valley Moon Music Festival

• JOB:
  House Manager, Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Valley of the Moon Music Festival is seeking a dynamic and experienced House Manager to oversee the front-of-house operations of our summer festival. The House Manager will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of all activities related to audience services, front-of-house staff management, and patron experience. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service skills, strong leadership abilities, and a passion for the performing arts.

This position reports to the Managing Director.

• 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 distribute programs, and seat guests; problem solving; and assisting patrons, including guests with disabilities, as needed.
• Address and resolve any audience or volunteer-related issues with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Ensure the lobby, front-of-house areas and house are clean, organized, and welcoming.
• Oversee the supervision of venue entrances and exits before, during, and after each event, ensuring smooth crowd flow and adherence to safety protocols.

• Coordinate venue setup on the day of each event, including signage placement, program book distribution, and crowd-control measures.
• Prepare and set up wine and glasses for post-concert receptions, ensuring a seamless transition from performance to reception.
• Fill and maintain water pitchers and cups for audience use.
• Serve as a liaison between front-of-house staff, production crews, and performers to facilitate communication and coordination.

• Manage front-of-house lighting operations during performances.
• Coordinate with production and technical staff to provide pre-show announcements, audience instructions, and emergency procedures.
• Follow emergency protocols, supervise evacuations if necessary, and provide First Aid/CPR as needed.
• Communicate event headcount to the Box Office Manager after each performance.

• Collect and store programs, signage, and wine glasses at the end of each event.
• During the second half of the concert, set up for the post-concert reception.
• After the reception, strike everything, wash all wine glasses using a commercial machine, and store remaining wine properly.

• Collaborate with production and event management teams to coordinate the seamless execution of performances, rehearsals, and special events.
• Other duties as assigned by Directors
• Participate in a post-festival debrief session and document best practices in writing to be included in the house manager operations manual.

• Proven experience in a similar role, preferably in a theater or performing arts venue.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of staff and volunteers in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of theater operations, including ticketing systems, audience services, and front-of-house procedures.
• Familiarity with safety and emergency protocols, including evacuation procedures and crowd management techniques.
• Must be available to work all festival events, including weekends.
• Physical stamina including the ability to stand for long periods of time, plus the ability to lift and carry 40+ lbs.
• Certification in Crowd Management, First Aid/CPR, or other relevant training is a plus.
• For the safety of the VMMF community, they must be fully vaccinated and boosted.
• In order to fulfill the following responsibilities, the…