Cinema/Theatre Attendant

Also known as:

Theatre Usher
Usher, Cinema/Theatre

Introduction

Cinema/theatre attendants sell tickets, show members of the audience to their seats and sell confectionery and refreshments during intervals. Cleaning duties may also be required.

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Work Activities

Cinema/theatre attendants check tickets, show people to their seats and answer enquiries from the public. They also handle advance bookings and sell tickets, programmes and refreshments.

Attendants working in kiosks or licensed bars are responsible for stocking and pricing goods and cashing up at the end of the day. Ices, popcorn and soft drinks may also be sold from a tray in the auditorium. All duties are usually shared among members of a team of attendants.

Attendants ensure public safety in the auditorium by checking that gangways and fire exits are clear. There must always be at least one attendant present in the auditorium.

Cleaning duties can also form a large part of the work. Attendants clean and tidy the auditorium, stairways, corridors, entrance areas and toilets following performances. This includes emptying litter bins.

Cinema/theatre attendants may be required to wear a uniform.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You need a polite and helpful manner when dealing with customers. Tact and a fairly strong personality are also helpful when dealing with the occasional awkward customer. Reasonable stamina is important as a lot of the time is spent standing. A smart and neat appearance is necessary.

You need to be able to work well in a team. You will also need to be adaptable and flexible as staff are frequently moved from one duty to another, especially in smaller cinemas or theatres.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Cinema/theatre attendants earn in the range of £5.52 - £9.80 an hour. There may be some fringe benefits, such as free or discounted tickets.

Part-time work is common. Typically, attendants work 12 - 20 hours over three/four weekdays. In the evening, attendants may work from 6 pm to show close (about 10.30 pm).

Employers throughout the UK are local theatres/cinemas, and large, multi-screen cinemas run by chains. In addition to cinemas and theatres, attendants also work in concert halls and arenas.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

A background in customer service work is useful.

Entry may be possible in some parts of the country through adult training programmes. Details are available from your Local Enterprise Company (LEC), Jobcentre Plus office or Careers Scotland Centre.

• 63% of people in occupations such as theatre and cinema attending work part-time.
• 31% work on a temporary basis.

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