House Manager

Valley of the Moon Music Festival is seeking a dynamic and experienced House Manager to oversee the front-of-house operations of our summer festival. The House Manager will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of all activities related to audience services, front-of-house staff management, and patron experience. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service skills, strong leadership abilities, and a passion for the performing arts. This position reports to the Managing Director. 

Responsibilities will include:

Front-of-House & Usher Management:

• Manage the front of house and ushers with diplomacy and sound judgment before, during, and in closing of all events. Front of house management will include supervising volunteer ushers who distribute programs, and seat guests; problem solving; and assisting patrons, including guests with disabilities, as needed.
• Address and resolve any audience or volunteer-related issues with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Ensure the lobby, front-of-house areas and house are clean, organized, and welcoming.
• Oversee the supervision of venue entrances and exits before, during, and after each event, ensuring smooth crowd flow and adherence to safety protocols.

Event Setup & Coordination:

• Coordinate venue setup on the day of each event, including signage placement, program book distribution, and crowd-control measures.
• Prepare and set up wine and glasses for post-concert receptions, ensuring a seamless transition from performance to reception.
• Fill and maintain water pitchers and cups for audience use.
• Serve as a liaison between front-of-house staff, production crews, and performers to facilitate communication and coordination.

Event Operations & Safety:

• Manage front-of-house lighting operations during performances.
• Coordinate with production staff to provide any pre-show announcements, audience instructions, and emergency procedures.
• Follow emergency protocols, supervise evacuations if necessary, and provide First Aid/CPR as needed.
• Communicate event headcount to the Box Office Manager after each performance.

Post-Event Breakdown & Cleanup:

• Collect and store programs, signage, and wine glasses at the end of each event.
• During the second half of the concert, set up for the post-concert reception.
• After the reception, strike everything, wash all wine glasses using a commercial machine, and store remaining wine properly.

Other:

• Collaborate with production and event management teams to coordinate the seamless execution of performances, rehearsals, and special events.
• Other duties as assigned 
• Participate in a post-festival debrief session and document best practices in writing to be included in house manager operations manual.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a similar role, preferably in a theater or performing arts venue.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of staff and volunteers in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of theater operations, including ticketing systems, audience services, and front-of-house procedures.
• Familiarity with safety and emergency protocols, including evacuation procedures and crowd management techniques.
• Must be available to work all festival events, including weekends. 
• Physical stamina including the ability to stand for long periods of time, plus the ability to lift and carry 40+ lbs.
• Certification in Crowd Management, First Aid/CPR, or other relevant training is a plus.
• For the safety of the VMMF community, they must be fully vaccinated and boosted. 
• In order to fulfill the following responsibilities, the House Manager must have a current driver’s license and access to a vehicle. 

Dates/Compensation:

The House Manager must be available to work on-site in Sonoma, CA from July 12 - 27, 2025. 

This is a contract seasonal staff position. Compensation $3,000 commensurate with experience. No employee benefits will be offered or available.

Hours/Locations:

Expected hours include weekends and some weekday evenings. The majority of events take place at the Hanna Center Auditorium. There are 4 offsite events during the festival. 

Concert Dates:

Sat 12 - 2:30pm lecture and 4pm concert at Hanna  

Sun 13 - 4pm concert at Hanna

Tue 17 -  7pm concert at La Luz

Sat 19 - 2:30pm lecture and 4pm concert at Hanna 

Sun 20 - 4pm concert at Hanna

Tue 22 -  7pm concert at Buena Vista winery 

Thu 24 - 6pm event at private residence

Fri 25 - 6pm concert at Hanna

Sat 26 - 2:30pm lecture and 4pm concert at Hanna 

Sun  27 - 11am kids concert at community center,  4pm concert at Hanna and 6pm closing celebration at Hanna or private residence