Who We Are:

The Kennedy Center is the nation's cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents more than 2,000 performances each year across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. 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.

Job Description:

The Apprentice Theater Manager manages and supervises the safe and orderly operation of the theater, its performances and events. Addresses all front of house pre-planning issues . Serves as the primary point of contact for the theater and leads patron service accommodations. Serves as the principal financial liaison for the theater and is responsible for generating all settlements. This apprentice position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, I.A.T.S.E. Local 18032, and is limited to a three year term, per the contract, before eligibility for ATPAM membership is required. Full ATPAM certification is accomplished by passing the ATPAM written test.

Duties and Responsibilities:

25% Ensures patron satisfaction through coordination of timely performance curtain times, deals with ticketing and seating problems, solves issues related to special patron needs and ensures safety of the audience at all times.

15% Serves as on-site liaison for presenters, producers, artists and company personnel and acts as daily representative for artist/company hospitality.

10% Carries out all contractual agreements with visiting companies, renters and presenters by coordinating all expenses related to event or rental and settling all outstanding sums. Verifies payroll, purchase orders and payment requests.

15% Provides summary of performances or events through the completion of a house report that includes all relevant information required to accurately depict the outcome of performances or events.

5% Communicates any issues related to the physical operation of the theater to the facilities department and follows up to ensure that any issues have been resolved in a timely manner.

5% In close coordination with the box office supervisor, helps oversee box office activity as it pertains to the particular performance or event. Manages house seats. Verifies the daily box office statements to ensure accuracy in calculation of ticket sales and commissions.

5% Oversees the schedule of the theater as it relates to load-in, rehearsal, performance and load-out durations. Coordinates with production managers to pre-plan scheduling of incoming productions or events.

5% Supervises the head ushers to ensure adequate placement of usher staff. Communicates daily with usher staff to inform them about issues related to performances or events. Completes annual performance management evaluations for head ushers and assistant head ushers.

10% Schedules stage door personnel and supervises their performance. Completes annual performance management evaluations for stage door personnel.

5% Coordinates all activities within the theater with other Kennedy Center personnel including security, housekeeping, facilities, box office, parking & auxiliary services, volunteers, gift shop, food & beverage services, and management.

N/A Responds to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center management and staff in a professional and expedient manner; Adheres to all employer policies and procedures; Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications:

• College degree or equivalent is required plus one to three years' experience in theater operations and front of house management with direct supervision of staff.
• Knowledge of the theatrical settlement process is required. A practical knowledge of technical aspects of production operations is helpful.
• Demonstrated success in positive dealings with the general public is needed; customer service training (hospitality and food service training acceptable equivalents) is preferred.
• A thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office is required with particular skills in manipulation of MS Excel documents helpful.
• Excellent organization, management, communication and financial management skills are required in order to successfully facilitate the accurate financial operation of the theater.
• The ability to work well under pressure and the ability to prioritize in a multi-task environment working with a variety of individuals are required.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and on the telephone. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and other essential tasks. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. This position infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 25 pounds and may walk as much as 2 to 3 miles using stairs during one two hour period.

Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment may be high due to the use of amplified music in the theaters and lobbies. This is a high stress position responsible for the safety of patrons within the theater.

Travel is not required.