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Usher

Employer
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Location
Washington, DC
Closing date
Sep 1, 2019

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Industry
Nonprofit
Function
Administrative
Hours
Full Time
Career Level
Experienced (Non-Manager)

Job Details

About the Organization:

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ("The Kennedy Center") is a world premier performing arts organization and our nation's cultural center. Diversity is a critical component of our mission, vision, and values. Our staff exhibits a wide variety of perspectives and experiences which enable us to foster and strengthen an environment of diversity and inclusion.

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts.

The Kennedy Center, which opened on September 8, 1971, is located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. The Center continues its efforts to fulfill President Kennedy's vision by producing and presenting an unmatched variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, world, and folk music, and multimedia performances for all ages.

Job Description:

The Usher is responsible for the seating and the safety of patrons in all performance venues in The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, including, but not limited to: the Concert Hall, the Opera House, the Eisenhower Theater, the Terrace Theater, the Theater Lab, the Family Theater, the Millennium Stage, the Terrace Gallery and other venues and spaces as directed. Ushers are expected to offer the highest level of customer service possible to patrons, donors, visiting artists, artist management, guests, and any other member of the public or administration they may encounter. Ushers are also expected to carry out any job function management deems as appropriate and within the scope of customer service, audience experience, pre-show prep, post-show breakdown, guest and staff safety/emergency response/security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Politely directing and escorting patrons to their seats.
  • Providing patrons with programs and other relevant materials.
  • Checking assigned section for cleanliness.
  • Visually sweep the theaters to check for potential safety issues and lost and found items.
  • Be aware of and enforce appropriate house rules.
  • Remain at assigned post throughout the event unless taking an assigned break.
  • Must be aware of, and follow, the proper procedures for assisting patrons with disabilities.
  • Attend pre-event Usher meetings and other trainings as required by management.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of all assigned venues within The Center and a thorough understanding of evacuation procedures from all points within each venue.
  • Other duties as directed.


Key Qualifications:
  • Formal training beyond a high school diploma of 6 months to one year's duration or equivalent desired. Successful completion of usher orientation and specific-theater training, including general knowledge and safety/security.


Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required:
  • Knowledgeable of all theater seat locations
  • Knowledgeable of proper directions on getting to all seat locations
  • Ability to deal discreetly and sensitively with disruptive or dissatisfied patrons.
  • Deal effectively with a wide variety of personalities and situations requiring diplomacy, tact, friendliness, poise and firmness
  • Provide immediate and appropriate response to safety incidents and emergencies.
  • Flexible work schedule. Evening, weekend and holiday work is required.
  • General theater knowledge helpful.
  • Maintain a professional, neat and well-groomed appearance in accordance with Kennedy Center guidelines.
  • Communicate effectively in English.
  • Ability to read small print.


Physical Demands:

Must have the ability to stand for long periods of time, be able to move up and down stairs, be able to descend/ascend ramps and inclines/declines, be able to open theater doors repeatedly, and be able to lift and carry up to 10 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Close concentration, visual attention and need for manual dexterity.

Work Environment:

Will be working in a fast-paced, busy environment with environmental conditions such as low-to-high noise levels, varying heights and slopes, and limited lighting (ranging from dim to dark).

Company

The Kennedy Center is America's living memorial to President Kennedy and the nation's busiest arts facility. The Center presents and produces a variety of theater, musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, world, and folk music, and multimedia performances for all ages. We are the nation’s beacon for the performing arts, engaging artists and audiences around the world to share, inspire, and celebrate the cultural heritage by which a great society is defined and remembered. 

The Center serves as a catalyst among American arts organizations, eager to explore new directions and inspire audiences locally and worldwide. Whether through our NSO In Your Neighborhood initiatives, our expansion of Hip Hop programming, or the carefully curated programs intended to reflect the rich diversity of our culture, we are committed to reaching new audiences through innovative programs.

Through numerous free events, our national impact in arts education, and the diverse array of programs, art forms, and guest artists on our stages, we pride ourselves in reflecting and making a difference in our community and world today. The Kennedy Center is an institution and gathering place where all are welcome. Our expanded programming palette and the ongoing development of our new building expansion, called The REACH, are indicators of a growing, thriving organization. We have named this new extension of our campus The REACH for the words that inspire us: Renew, Experience, Activate, Create, and Honor.

FY 2017 Annual Report

Company info
Website
Location
2700 F Street, NW
Washington
DC
20566
US

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