Hospitality at Holland Community Theatre

House Managers should complete a training session with an experienced Hospitality Committee member to ensure knowledge of HCT building and emergency procedures.  All House Managers must be over the age of 18.  House Manager Training will provide proficiency in the following:

• Auditorium seating

• Thermostat location and use

• Ceiling fans in auditorium

• Lights in lobby

• Emergency evacuation procedures – see next page

• EPS/Fire alarm system – ID card is in lobby lights box

• Fire extinguishers location and use – back door, light booth, (where else?)

• Circuit breaker box – basement on stairway to outside door

• Plumbing emergency procedures

• Medical emergency procedures

• Box Office rules and basic procedures

 

Pre-Show

• Arrive one hour before show, dressed professionally

• Obtain House Manager nametag from Box Office and ensure it is worn visibly

• Turn on ceiling fans in auditorium and step lights (in entryway by awning door)

• Check public areas of theatre for supplies and general cleanliness

• Be present in the lobby at all times.  Visit with patrons as desired and appropriate.

• Coordinate with Stage Manager concerning house open, generally 30 minutes prior to curtain; establish early scene changes in order to prepare for late patron seating and confirm the use of the hallway for late patron seating will not inhibit the cast

• Supervise ushers; communicate any guest needs promptly and train new ushers as needed; assist ushers as needed

• Supervise Concession Hosts, assist as needed, train as needed; if concession hosts are viewing the evening’s show, ensure cash box is in secure location before curtain

• Five minutes before showtime, flick lobby lights

• Determine if all patrons are clear of the restrooms before show starts.

• Coordinate with Box Office concerning Will Call ticket pick up.  Take charge of any reserved       tickets to be picked up in order to seat patrons quickly

• Coordinate/communicate with Stage Manager and Ushers 

• Turn off ceiling fans in auditorium immediately prior to curtain

• Shut door to auditorium 

 

Curtain

• Get House Manager flashlight from lobby lights box for seating late patrons.

• Check with Box Office when show starts as to unsold seats nearest the door for temporary seating.

• Late patron seating should not interrupt any action on stage

• If there are no scene changes conveniently timed to patron arrival, utilize front door under awning – spare key to front door is in the Box Office.  Patron can stand at end of hallway, behind row C, until scene change or intermission, provided this is not being used for in-show entrances.

​

Intermission

• Take note of intermission start time

• Assist Concession Hosts as needed

• Be present in the lobby at all times; engage patrons as appropriate

• Flick the lobby lighting five minutes prior to the end of intermission

• Ensure all patrons are clear of the restrooms before the show resumes

• Ensure stage is clear of debris before show resumes

• Shut auditorium door and communicate to Stage Manager the end of intermission

• If Concession Hosts are viewing production, assist in the closing of concessions as needed

 

Post-Show

• Remain until after show is over, and all (or almost all) patrons have left.

• Make sure front door (awning door) is shut and locked.

• Clean up auditorium – pick up Playbills and trash.  Ensure any undamaged Playbills are stored for reuse.

• Return flashlight to light box before leaving and name tag to Box Office.

 

Emergency Evacuation Procedures​

• House Manager is responsible to ensure audience and front of house personnel is clear of the building