Comp Tickets
Comp tickets (short for complimentary tickets) are free admission passes given out by theaters, venues, or arts organizations. These are commonly used for promotional purposes, industry professionals, press, donors, or as part of an employee's job responsibilities. Managing comp tickets is an important part of box office and arts administration roles, as it involves tracking, distributing, and reporting on these free admissions while ensuring they align with the organization's policies and budget goals.
Examples in Resumes
Managed distribution of comp tickets and comps for Broadway productions
Created and maintained complimentary ticket tracking system for 500-seat theater
Coordinated press and VIP comp ticket requests for festival performances
Typical job title: "Box Office Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Box Office Managers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you develop and implement a comp ticket policy that balances promotional needs with revenue goals?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss creating clear guidelines, tracking systems, approval processes, and ways to measure the ROI of comp tickets. They should mention considering different stakeholder needs while maintaining financial sustainability.
Q: How would you handle a situation where comp ticket requests exceed your established limits?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate decision-making skills, knowledge of prioritizing requests (press, donors, VIPs), and ability to communicate policies diplomatically while maintaining relationships.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What systems have you used to track and report on comp ticket distribution?
Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss specific tracking methods, report generation, and ways to analyze comp ticket usage patterns to inform future decisions.
Q: How do you coordinate comp tickets between different departments (marketing, development, artistic)?
Expected Answer: Should explain communication processes, how to balance competing priorities, and systems for fair allocation between departments.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What information do you need to collect when processing a comp ticket request?
Expected Answer: Should mention basics like requester name, number of tickets, performance date, approval source, purpose of comps, and tracking categories.
Q: How would you handle a comp ticket request from someone who isn't on the approved list?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of following established policies, proper escalation procedures, and professional communication skills.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic comp ticket processing
- Record keeping and data entry
- Customer service
- Understanding of approval procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Comp ticket policy implementation
- Report generation and analysis
- Cross-departmental coordination
- Problem-solving and decision making
Senior (5+ years)
- Policy development and oversight
- Budget impact analysis
- Staff training and supervision
- Strategic planning for comp programs
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with ticketing systems
- Poor attention to detail in tracking and record-keeping
- Lack of understanding about different types of comps (press, donor, industry)
- Inability to handle confidential information professionally
Related Terms
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