House Open
A "House Open" is a standard term in theaters and performance venues that refers to the time when the venue begins allowing audience members to enter and find their seats before a performance. This usually occurs 30-60 minutes before show time. When someone mentions "House Open" experience on their resume, it typically means they have worked in front-of-house operations, managing the process of audience entry, seating, and pre-show activities. This can involve coordinating ushers, handling accessibility needs, and ensuring smooth audience flow into the performance space.
Examples in Resumes
Managed House Open procedures for 500-seat theater venue
Coordinated staff of 10 ushers during House Open operations
Supervised House Open timing and audience flow for Broadway-style productions
Typical job title: "House Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find House Managers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where you're understaffed during a house open for a sold-out show?
Expected Answer: A senior manager should discuss prioritizing tasks, quick staff reallocation, emergency staffing procedures, and maintaining clear communication with all departments while ensuring audience safety and satisfaction.
Q: Describe your experience with creating or updating house management policies.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in developing comprehensive procedures, training programs, emergency protocols, and ability to adapt policies based on venue needs and audience feedback.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you coordinate between box office, ushers, and stage management during house open?
Expected Answer: Should explain communication systems, timing coordination, problem-solving approaches, and how to maintain smooth operations between different departments.
Q: What strategies do you use to handle difficult patrons during house open?
Expected Answer: Should discuss de-escalation techniques, customer service best practices, when to involve security, and how to maintain positive atmosphere for other guests.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the typical procedures during a house open?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe basic timeline of events, usher assignments, ticket-taking procedures, and general audience management tasks.
Q: How would you handle a patron with accessibility needs?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic accessibility services, proper etiquette, and knowledge of venue's accessibility features.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic customer service
- Understanding of theatre protocols
- Usher coordination
- Basic emergency procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Staff supervision
- Problem-solving during high-stress situations
- Departmental coordination
- Advanced customer service management
Senior (5+ years)
- Policy development and implementation
- Budget management
- Staff training program development
- Emergency response planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No customer service experience
- Poor communication skills
- Unable to handle high-stress situations
- Lack of experience with accessibility accommodations
- No understanding of basic theatre operations
