Posted: 3/21/17 at 1:53pm
Does anyone know how to get a job such as an usher, bartender, box office worker, dresser, ticket taker? I always wondered how you score an occupation like that.
Posted: 3/21/17 at 2:07pm
Posted: 3/21/17 at 2:15pm
http://www.playbill.com/job/listing?q=&category=&state=NY&paid=&union=&intern=regular
Posted: 3/21/17 at 2:15pm
I've found Usher/Ticket taker positions at BAM, The Public and The Hudson Theater at playbill.com job section
Posted: 3/21/17 at 2:18pm
It really depends. Honestly, each of the ones you listed have separate requirements and/or unions (with the exception of the usher and ticket taker; they are the same union).
For instance, I am a floor director/backup ticket taker for my theatre and I got the job because I previously worked in concessions for the same theatre and the house manager knew who I was. So, in that case, it was all about who you know. To work in concessions though, I applied for that job when it was posted on Playbill.
Almost all of the jobs you are inquiring about are covered by a union (unless something has changed, concessions is not covered by a union, nor is merchandise). Each of those unions will have their own requirements in order to join: i.e the ushers union requires you work a minimum number of performances before you can join the union and if you want to continue to usher, at that point you will have to.
Also, just so you are aware, the people who work in the box office are generally called Box Office Treasurers (or Assistant Box Office Treasurers, etc).
If there is a career in particular you are interested in, my advice would be to contact their union and speak with someone who can go through the requirements with you and get you started on your path to working in the industry!
Posted: 3/21/17 at 2:23pm
most of the bartending and vendor jobs are contracted out to other companies who service multiple theaters- so when you get a job with them you work in many different theaters and shows.
Posted: 3/21/17 at 4:14pm
It's really easy to get a job as a Broadway dresser- just register at the Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local #764 with your resume showing that you have at least 3 years experience in wardrobe work and several recommendations from supervisors/coworkers. Then make the rounds to Broadway Wardrobe Supervisors and convince them to hire you based on your skills and experience. After you have worked for 31 days on one production you may then become a union member.
Snark aside, it's at least possible to become a TWU member without being related to a current union member, unlike, say, Local #1. But as with any theater profession, there are far more qualified and experienced people than there are jobs available.
Updated On: 3/22/17 at 04:14 PM
Posted: 3/21/17 at 4:54pm
In the good old [golden] days of Australian theatre I was a 'ticket tearer', doorMAN and sold lollies,chocs,and icecream--NEVER had to join a union[ only did when I graduated to performer].
I even got a job in wardrobe but didn't know how to sew on a button-thank God the female[lesbian] star took a shine to me[she was best mate to a Hollywood star who you would think etc etc but maybe] and made me her personal dresser--I was always good at improvisation !
I hope you get the job of your dreams as life in and around live theatre is miraculous...x
Posted: 3/21/17 at 11:29pm
Ticket takers and porters make very good money. The porters have very strong benefits in their union contracts.
Posted: 3/22/17 at 1:36am
Neither concessions nor merchandise staff are unionized. Ticket takers and ushers are in the same IATSE local. You are very unlikely to get a job as a ticket taker, as those positions are usually seniority based. You can technically work as an usher without joining the union. but after 30 performances you are required to join the union. Unless you know a house manager or chief to "bring you in," you're unlikely to get any work without being in the union.
Porters shockingly have a strong union. Not sure how difficult it is to join, but those positions rarely open up.
Backstage positions are extremely hard to get. You really do need to know or be related to someone to get those jobs. Just joining those unions isn't going to be helpful if you don't already have prospects.
