Helpful Hints for Front of House Managers
(******* Needs Revision*******)
Hi there,
Thanks again for agreeing to manage Front of House. Below is a list of things I
have learned from managing in the past. It should have most of what you need to
know.
Volunteers needed
If the weather is cold, the ideal FOH staff is 8 people (9 including the
Manager):
- 2 in cloak room (1 if weather is good)
- 2 on Odd door
- 2 on Even door
- 2 Greeters
At intermission you need 4 (5 including the Manager):
- 1 watching Odd door entrance
- 1 watching Even door entrance
- 1 watching the stage
- 1 in Cloakroom
At the end of the show, 4 plus the Manager:
- 2 opening Odd doors
- 2 opening Even doors (you and one other)
- 1 on cloakroom. (After doors are opened someone can rush to help with
Cloakroom, and whoever is left will help clean up the theatre, that is walk up
and down the aisles and along each row of seats picking up programs, water
bottles, etc.) The FOH Manager must be free to cope with emergencies. Also you
need four people to remain in case of an emergency, such as a black-out, so that
you may guide people out of the theatre.
Soliciting Volunteers
I suggest you submit a piece into Greasepaint asking people to call/email you.
There is also an up to date list of volunteers on the KT website at:
http://www.kanatatheatre.com/foh/manager.
Don't get too paniced if you don't hear from people right away. My experience is
that most people will sign up about a week before, but it doesn't hurt to go
looking. Try to fill up your first week right away.
Finally, if you still think you aren't getting the people you need, write up an
email and forward to the Director of Membership (Katie Betts) to send out. That
should put you over the top. Oh Yes, and it's always a good idea to go after the
cast of the last show, especially if they are newcomers, so contact the Producer
for their phone numbers and emails if they are not on the recent membership
list.
I have the following posted at the Manager's website (http://www.kanatatheatre.com/foh_mgr.htm)
for your use if you wish:
- A sample schedule excel spreadsheet with FOH positions
- An email to your volunteers which you may cut and paste
- An email soliciting a new actor, for you to cut and paste
- The FOH Manager duties, which are also posted in the cloakroom.
Also please review directions for Volunteers at: http://www.kanatatheatre.com/foh.
During run of Show
It's a long stint while the show is actually on. Remind your volunteers to bring
along a book or something to pass the time. You may also check with the Stage
Manager to see if a volunteer can take a small break in the Green Room while the
show is on. (The answer will vary from show to show, sometimes the actors need
their quiet time.) Also, all volunteers are crew and are welcome at the après
performance Happy Hour. Check on location, and whether BYOB is stipulated before
informing your crew.
You deserve a couple of nights off during the show. You can make arrangements
ahead of time with a more experienced volunteers to fill in for you.
Hope this all helps, and please don't hesitate to call or email me if you have
any questions.
Susan Monaghan,
FOH Coordinator