I am working on putting together a front of
house manual for the College I work at. We have a variety of students who handle this for two different venues located in the same facility. I have the Basics like ticket pricing, how to count in and out cash box, how to deal with outside ticket companies and such. I was wondering if anyone else had other things they include like, checking all the emergency exits,
Headset protocols, or even tips on de-escalation when the
house is sold out.
@peacefulone61 PLEASE teach the eager beavers
NOT to open the
lobby doors BEFORE we've re-lit the
house lights. Time and time again some newb flings open the
lobby doors the instant we go to black at the end of the first act allowing the
lobby lights to flood in and illuminate the 'dead body' as they miraculously spring to life and
bolt for the nearest
wing.
Cardinal rules to live by:
1; We won't begin a production and / or act until the
House Manager is ready and has turned the
house over to us.
2; Don't open the
lobby doors until we've re-lit the
house lights.
3; Supplemental rules. Try not to give us the
house if / when you've still got frail patrons with canes or walkers struggling their way down aisles and steps to reach their seats. Please have everyone seated before you give us permission to take the
house to black.
4; Brace them to deal with folks who show up with a valid ticket but for yesterday's or next week's performance.
5; Brace them for patrons with huge, tall, hats. (Who often refuse to remove them during performances.)
6; Brace them for patrons visually and / or aurally recording.
6; Brace them to deal with unadvertised performances by understudies, as well as any use of strobes or
pyro. Think Equity rules regardless of whether you're Equity or not.
Teach them to scan for errant items such as:
- Coats draped over balcony rails and about to begin smoldering when the
balcony rail lights come up.
- Purses, shoes, and galoshes / overshoes left behind under seats.
- Look and listen for
cell phones left behind when the
house empties.
Headset protocols. THANK YOU!
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard
