Front of House Duties

FRONT OF HOUSE DUTIES

Background Information:

In May 2012 Indhu Rubasingham took her position as Artistic Director of the Tricycle. Her vision for the theatre led to a new mission:

The Tricycle views the world through a variety of lenses, bringing unheard voices into the mainstream. It presents high-quality and innovative work, which provokes debate and emotionally engages. Located in Brent, the most diverse borough in London, the Tricycle is a local venue with an international vision.

The Tricycle is located on the busy and vibrant Kilburn High Road. It currently comprises a 235 seat theatre, a 300 seat cinema and three further workshop spaces. We aim to produce and present an ambitious range of new work that explores new territories, that develops and nurtures emerging and creative talent, speaks to and challenges a young, diverse audience, and that enhances our intercultural understanding and collaboration.

Indhu’s inaugural season included Paper Dolls, by Philip Himberg, in association with Sundance Institute, was a new play with music about an extraordinary collision of cultures in Tel Aviv. This followed the multi- award-winning Red Velvet by Lolita Chakrabarti which played to 98% audiences, 48% of whom had never been to the Tricycle before. Red Velvet will transfer to St Ann’s Warehouse in New York early in spring 2014.

This past year has seen only the start of a new journey for the Tricycle. In January 2013 Arts Council England pledged £3.1 million towards to upgrade of the theatre and its facilities, which will enable all our communities – the local, artistic, international and the Tricycle communities – interact in and engage with the building and its work. A central aim of this project will also be to create a new creative learning space that is dedicated to active learning and that will be a crucible for young, local people to experiment, train and take a lead in developing their creative skills with the professional support of Tricycle practitioners.

The Role/s

The main duties are to assist in the smooth running of the Front of House on a day-to-day basis. You are here to maximise profits on the bar (if applicable) and providing the best possible customer service.

Responsible to: Duty Manager, who is turn responsible to the Commercial Operations Manager and the Executive Team.

Hours of work: You are on a ‘Zero Hours’ contract and work on a shift basis, which may differ from week to week. We suggest you work a minimum of two shifts a week.

Ushers – Main Duties and Responsibilities Ushers are an integral part of the Front of House team and as such they are primarily responsible for the health, safety and comfort of the public whilst they are on the premises. For many members of the public this may be the first time they have visited the Tricycle and for many, you will be their first point of contact and will influence the first impression they have.

All ushers must familiarise themselves with the Fire and Evacuation procedure before each performance; the Duty Manager will hold Fire Drills on a regular basis.

Ushers main tasks are:  To tear and scan tickets at Front of House designated positions, ensuring that only patrons with correct tickets for that show and date enter the auditoria.  To ask customers to take seats or positions in the theatre or cinema auditoria.  To monitor Front of House and notify a Duty Manager or a Security Guard should there be any cause for concern regarding the security and welfare of the building and its customers and staff, e.g. making sure exits and gangways are clear.  To sell programmes and ice creams in the interval periods and to assist at special events and function evenings.  To monitor the noise levels, ensure that customers respect the rules concerning food and drink in the auditoria, and the use of mobile phones during the performance.  To monitor audience members attempting to access the stage area to get to their seats or using it to place their drinks on.  To tidy and stock up leaflet racks around the building.  Cleaning and removal of rubbish from the auditoria, before, during and after each performance.  To check levels of toilet rolls/ hand towels and the general state of Public Toilet areas, letting a Duty Manager know if any need replenishing.

Bar Staff – Main Duties and Responsibilities

 Serving alcohol, teas, coffees, soft drinks, crisps, etc to the public and staff in a quick, efficient, warm and friendly manner.  Ensure the Café bar is a welcoming environment, clear of dirty glasses and cups, making sure pre-agreed music playlist can be heard at all times.  Taking payment and giving change as required and ensuring the accuracy of each transaction.  Liaising with the Duty Manager on the provision of floats, change, stock, till readings and renewal of till rolls etc.  Cashing up the till at the end of the shift.  Maintaining the cleanliness of the bar area, gallery, cinema foyer, tables, serving counter, glasses, utensils and crockery at all times, using the correct cleaning materials and completing the daily Cleaning Checklist.  Setting up interval drinks/post performance parties etc. and clearing/washing up after Press Nights and other special occasions in liaison with the Duty Manager.  Monitoring stock levels and requirements.  Checking in and storing away all stock deliveries in liaison with the Duty Manager.  Maintaining a clean and tidy cellar ensuring stock rotation is adhered to both in the cellar and in the bar fridges.  Ensure that all returnable bottles are stacked in the appropriate crates and dispensing all other in a safe and practical way N.B. BAR STAFF ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN BEHIND THE BAR THROUGHOUT THEIR SHIFT UNLESS CLEANING, ON A BREAK, OR RECEIVING DELIVERIES Box Office Assistant - Main Duties and Responsibilities

 Serving customers, both over the phone and in person, for tickets for the cinema or theatre.  Providing information on all current shows, films, workshops and memberships, the prices of all these and other possible events taking place at the Tricycle.  To provide a high and professional standard of customer care that reflects the mission statement of the Tricycle; this is especially important as they are the first point of contact for the public and must act as a reception for visitors to the building.  Have a sound knowledge of the building, especially areas which are open to members of the public (Baldwin Studio, Creative Space, Gallery, Rehearsal Room, Theatre & Cinema auditoria)  It may also be necessary to assist the marketing department with their mail-outs of special offers etc.  To abide by and contribute to the Equal Opportunities Policy at The Tricycle.  To be aware of the fire evacuation and Health & Safety requirements and report any problems to the Duty Manager.  To attend Box Office staff meetings wherever necessary.

Terms & Conditions

Period of notice: 2 weeks

Holiday Entitlements: Employees are entitled to the equivalent of 5.6 weeks paid holiday per year (pro rata). This is distributed in each week’s pay.

Sick Pay Entitlements: The Tricycle does not have a Company sick pay scheme for FOH Staff. You may however qualify for statutory sick pay at the current rate. Please speak with Finance Department for further information.

Your performance in the post will be regularly monitored to ensure that we are training you properly. If we feel that you are not working to the standard we expect, we will discuss our concerns with you and give you further training if necessary.

Subject to minor alterations. October 2013