Casual Usher

Job description

The Hexagon Theatre hosts events that attract a diverse range of audience members who enjoy excellent customer service, delivered by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic professionals.

From the 10th June, internationally acclaimed artwork by Luke Jerram measuring seven metres in diameter and suspended inside Reading’s historic Concert Hall, _Gaia_ will feature high-resolution NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface. The week-long event will be taking place with support from Usher staff from The Hexagon.

We are looking to add a few new team members to our friendly bunch, specifically for the Gala event but also to remain as Hexagon Ushers in future if you so wish.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

**About the role**

Ushers are required to:

- Ensure the safety and comfort of theatre and event audiences and to evacuate the venues where necessary.
- Provide a warm welcome to customers on arrival and be a source of information regarding the events as well as the venue’s facilities.
- Show customers to their allocated seats and ensure that customers’ behaviour is monitored during an event to prevent and deter disruption and dangerous occurrences.
- Sell programmes, merchandise, ice creams, as well as assist other staff where necessary, including at other Reading Arts venues such as The Concert Hall and South Street arts centre.
- Previous experience in a similar role is preferred but not essential as full training will be provided.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
**Work Together as one team - **champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading

**Drive Efficiency - **create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively

**Be Ambitious - **aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential

**Make a Difference to Reading - **inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity

**About you**
- You must be available to take up the position immediately and commit to working evenings and weekends as and when the Reading Arts event programme requires.
- **You must be at least 18 years of age due to the nature and content of some performances e.g. comedians.**:

- You must have the ability to work well under pressure as well as a pro-active and outgoing manner.
- The position would suit anyone who enjoys a social role, is confident yet sympathetic in dealing with difficult situations, and is passionate about delivering outstanding customer service with a smile.

A rota system offers shifts when there are events and you must tell us in advance of any shifts you would not be available for. Most shifts will commence at 6.30pm and last approximately 3-4 hours. On weekends there are matinee performances that start earlier. Some weekend work is required but you will not be expected to work them all.

For the Gaia Installation at the Concert Hall work will be available at all times of the day. From the 10 to the 18 June we will be playing host to general visitors as well as concert goers, and guests attending less traditional events such as gong baths and silent discos.

Closing Date: Sunday 14th May 2023

Interview Dates: Week commencing 23rd May 2023

Interview Process: 20 minute interview in venue or via Teams/Zoom if necessary

Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is the key to our success.