Butts Acting Guild Dance Company

Front of House Manager’s Duties: Tech to Post-Production

With Examples & Best Practices

Butts Acting Guild

Technical & Dress Rehearsals

1. Prepare FOH Operations

• Coordinate with SM to align lobby-to-stage timing.

• Train ushers on seating, ticket scanning, and emergency procedures.

• Test concessions, merchandise, or hospitality setups if used.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Prepare signage, if needed.

• Ensure ushers know evacuation routes.

Performance Period

2. Manage Audience Experience

• Arrive early to prepare lobby, signage, tickets, and concessions.

• Supervise ushers, greeters, and volunteers.

• Coordinate with Stage Manager to open house when ready

• Handle patron needs: accessibility, late seating, lost & found, complaints.

• Enforce safety and emergency protocols.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Keep a FOH checklist (bathrooms stocked, lobby clean, scanners ready).

• Assign ushers to specific zones for efficiency.

• Be the calm, friendly presence patrons interact with first.

Post-Production

3. Wrap-Up FOH Duties

• Supervise lobby cleanup after each performance.

• Return borrowed items (cash boxes, scanners, signage).

• Debrief with SM or producer on patron experience.

Examples & Best Practices:

• Note patron feedback (positive and negative) for future shows.

• Thank volunteers and FOH staff personally.

• Maintain inventory of reusable FOH supplies.

Summary

In community theatre, the Front of House Manager is:

• The host – creating a welcoming audience experience

• The organizer – coordinating ushers, concessions, and lobby operations

• The communicator – linking FOH with stage management

• The problem-solver – addressing patron needs and emergencies smoothly