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- Tasks: Welcome patrons, serve drinks, and ensure a smooth theatre experience.
- Company: Join the iconic Old Vic, a renowned theatre in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy free tickets, mental health support, and discounts at local bars.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team and enhance audience experiences in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Previous customer service experience in a theatre or similar venue is essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; apply via video, audio, or traditional methods.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the FOH Assistant – Usher & Bar role at The Old Vic
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Join to apply for the FOH Assistant – Usher & Bar role at The Old Vic
We are looking for Front of House Assistants to provide a high quality experience for patrons of The Old Vic. A full job description can be found below.
Terms
We are looking for Front of House staff who are available to work a minimum of 3 shifts per week, up to 6 shifts per week, to start on 15 September 2025.
These are one-year fixed term contracts which will be due to end August 2026, with a possibility of extension.
You will be required to attend paid, mandatory Induction training sessions on 15, 18 and 19 September 2025.
Shifts will start week commencing 23 September 2025.
We operate Minimum Shift Contracts (MSCs). The key terms of MSCs are:
- On an average performance week we run 8 performances per week (Mon-Sat evenings, and Matinees on Wednesday and Saturday).
- You will work a fixed number of shifts each performance week (between 3 and 6 shifts per week), between Monday and Saturday.
- You may be required to work on Saturdays and bank holidays.
- We run a fortnightly rota which repeats for the duration of the entire run (usually 8-12 weeks ahead).
- You may work in either Bar or Usher roles as part of working as a FOH Assistant.
- You may be able to pick up additional shifts on top of your MSC as overtime.
- You will be paid in arrears, on a monthly basis.
What’s great about working at The Old Vic?
- Staff are offered two complimentary preview tickets for each Old Vic production
- Access to interest free travel schemes including Cycle 2 work and Season Ticket loans after your probation period
- Free therapy from our therapy partner SelfSpace
- Mental health support via our in house Mental Health Champions
- Pension scheme with The People’s Pension
- Enhanced sick pay
- All staff social events
- Staff discount in Penny and The Old Vic bars as well as discounts in local bars and restaurants
- Opportunities to get involved with staff clubs and working groups such as the Inclusion Working Group and Sustainability Working Group
- Death in service benefit
The job
As customer facing staff, Front of House Assistants welcome and help our visitors; control entry into each space; supervise the audience during performances and events, serve drinks from the theatre bars, and ensure the smooth and efficient running of all the public areas of the theatre.
Assistants must have full knowledge of the House evacuation procedures and perform all duties to a high standard of customer care in attitude, approach and appearance.
Areas of responsibility
- Working as part of the Front of House team (Bar and Usher).
- Welcoming patrons in a polite and enthusiastic manner.
- Proving patrons with accurate information, correct directions and effective assistance and help, as required in all parts of the house.
- Assisting customers with access requirements.
- Assisting with events, specific access performances or other responsibilities (show specific) as required.
- Maintaining a customer friendly and safe environment in which the public can enjoy the performances.
- Contributing to the delivery of a great audience experience by providing outstanding service, enhancing our reputation.
This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the Theatre\’s management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.
Person Specification
Essential
- Previous experience of working in a theatre or similar venue in a customer facing role (ideally bar and/or usher).
- A proven passion and ability to provide a high level of customer service at all times.
- A proven ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Able to demonstrate proactivity and initiative.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and demands.
- Availability to work evenings, matinees and/or weekends
How To Apply
We understand that everyone is different and we want you to apply in whichever way you feel best shows your skills and experience. There are a range of ways that you can apply with us:
- Sending a short video file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you (have a look at the person specification in the job description).
- Sending a short audio file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you.
- Completing our application form.
- Uploading your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.
As a Disability Confident employer, The Old Vic has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview. However in the event that we have a high volume of applications all of whom meet the criteria and identify as disabled, meaning it is not practicable to interview everyone, we may apply a weighting to the shortlisting criteria, or add an additional shortlisting stage before any interviews take place. In all cases we will take care to ensure that any criteria or weightings do not disadvantage disabled applicants.
All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
The Process
The recruitment process for this role will be one stage:
- 1st stage in person conversation
The closing date for this role is midday on Monday 18 August 2025.
Equal Opportunities
We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of the global majority, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and disabled candidates.
We may take positive action, in cases where candidates are equally qualified, to increase the employment of under-represented groups at The Old Vic.
In the event that we ask you to attend the theatre for a conversation and you are struggling financially, we may be able to reimburse you for any reasonable travel costs.
We partner with a range of inclusive organisations, to find out more please read our FAQs.
FAQs
Read our recruitment and selection and equal opportunities FAQs here.
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FOH Assistant - Usher & Bar employer: The Old Vic
Contact Detail:
The Old Vic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FOH Assistant - Usher & Bar
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Old Vic's productions and their history. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions during your in-person conversation but also show your genuine interest in the theatre and its mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by engaging with patrons in various settings, whether it's volunteering at local events or working in hospitality. This experience will prepare you for the fast-paced environment of a theatre.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your availability and flexibility during the conversation. Since the role requires working evenings and weekends, demonstrating your willingness to adapt to the schedule can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former staff members at The Old Vic if possible. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your conversation.
We think you need these skills to ace FOH Assistant - Usher & Bar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the FOH Assistant - Usher & Bar role. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in customer service and any previous work in a theatre or similar environment.
Craft Your Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in working at The Old Vic. Mention specific aspects of the theatre that appeal to you and how your skills align with the job requirements. Keep it concise and engaging.
Showcase Your Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles that involved customer interaction, particularly in a bar or usher capacity. Use bullet points to clearly outline your achievements and responsibilities in these roles, focusing on your ability to provide excellent customer service.
Prepare for Alternative Application Methods: If you choose to apply via video or audio file, plan what you want to say in advance. Keep it under two minutes, and ensure you cover your experience, motivation for applying, and what excites you about working at The Old Vic. Practice to sound natural and confident.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Old Vic
✨Show Your Passion for Theatre
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working in a theatre environment. Share any previous experiences you've had in similar roles, and highlight what excites you about being part of The Old Vic's team.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role is customer-facing, be prepared to discuss how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to handle various situations with grace and professionalism.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
The Old Vic values collaboration, so expect questions about your experience working in teams. Think of examples where you contributed positively to a group dynamic or helped resolve conflicts.
✨Know the Venue and Its Values
Research The Old Vic and its productions before the interview. Understanding the venue's mission and values will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate.
