Soho Theatre is London s most vibrant venue for new theatre, comedy and cabaret. We occupy a unique and vital place in the British cultural landscape. Our mission is to produce new work, discover and nurture new writers and artists, and target and develop new audiences. We work with artists in a variety of ways, from full producing of new plays, to co-producing new work, working with associate artists and presenting the best new emerging theatre companies that we can find. We have numerous artists on attachment and under commission, including Soho Six and a thriving Young Company of writers and comedy groups. We read and see hundreds of scripts and shows a year. Bang in the creative heart of London, our home is one of the country s busiest venues with a year-round festival programme of theatre, comedy and cabaret, and a buzzing bar. By day we re a hive of writing, workshops, showcases, meetings and events and by night we re stage to an average of six shows and a throng of audiences and artists seeing the work and having a great time. We have over 2,000 performances a year here: Soho Theatre Upstairs is home to intimate, surprising and adventurous work; Soho Theatre Downstairs is our New York meets Berlin comedy and cabaret space; and, Soho Theatre is our stage for powerful new theatre, opera, musical, dance and comedy. Soho Theatre Bar is open from 10am, Monday to Saturday. the place was buzzing, and there were queues all over the building as audiences waited to go into one or other of the venue s spaces. young, exuberant and clearly anticipating a good time. Guardian Box Office Assistant The Soho Theatre Box Office is the first point of contact for all customers, staff, clients and artists entering the building and also acts as a reception and stage door during the daytime. The vibrant and diverse nature of the programme of events at Soho Theatre makes the Box Office a busy and challenging department to work in. We have also expanded our service into ticketing for other venues and outside events that we feel complement our programme of work.
JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Responsible to: Works closely with: Purpose of Job: DUTIES Box Office Assistant (Casual) Sale & Box Office Manager; Deputy Sales & Box Office Manager, Box Office Duty Manager. Customer Manager, Venue Managers, Front of House Assistants Create a welcoming and efficient box office and reception to the theatre by providing excellent customer service Assist in the effective day-to-day operation of the box office and reception actively promoting Soho Theatre s events and campaigns and maximising sales whenever possible CUSTOMER SERVICE Providing proactive excellence in customer service to all customer and visitors to the theatre, as detailed in the Customer Service Policy. Being fully aware of the company and venue s activities and programme of events at all times. Attending Soho Theatre performances regularly in order to gain an understanding of the work and to better inform customer enquiries. Dealing with all general enquiries relating to performances and the venue: in person, over the phone and by email. Providing a welcoming and efficient reception for artists, visiting companies, clients, staff and all other visitors to the building. Taking deliveries for all departments and informing the recipients at the earliest opportunity, while taking responsibility for keeping the theatre foyer clear. BOX OFFICE OPERATIONS Processing ticket sales for all productions at Soho Theatre, and other venues as required, using a computerised box office system (currently Ticketsolve) in person and over the phone, as well as bookings received by email and by post. Ensuring the Box Office takings are reconciled at the end of each shift and that all related paperwork is accurately completed and submitted. Updating the theatre s database and recording patron information as required by the Marketing Department in compliance with the Data Protection Act. Liaising with the Customer Manager and/or Venue Managers regarding any problems or queries during the evening or matinee performances Liaising with ticket agencies, as required. Keeping fully informed regarding ticketing offers and pricing structures, and ensure that all ticketing procedures are implemented, as covered in generic training. 2
SALES Actively promote Marketing and Development Department campaigns, as required. Liaising with Soho Theatre Company s Marketing Department on matters relating to the Box Office, as required. Working with the Development department to promote Friends and Donor bookings and support developing these relationships from a Box Office perspective. GENERAL Supporting the aims and objectives of Soho Theatre Company both internally and externally. Attending Company meetings, internal meetings, team meetings and/or training sessions as required. Upholding the company s equal opportunities, access and diversity policies. Participating in fire and evacuation procedures and perform a role within them, most importantly being to monitor the fire alarm panel to alert the duty manager on duty of any issues promptly. Being a key holder for the building, responsible for opening the reception from 9am as required. Any other duties the Sales & Box Office Manager, Deputy Sales & Box Office Manager or Box Office Supervisors may reasonably require. This is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Box Officer Assistant. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed with the post holder and the line manager from time to time. 3
PERSON SPECIFICATION Experience Experience of working in a Box Office, preferably within a festival environment Experience of working with the general public, preferably within an arts environment Experience in customer service Experience of being a cashier/cash handling Skills High level of computer literacy Excellent administrative and organisational skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Excellent attention to detail Ability to work to deadlines Ability to multi-task under pressure Sound knowledge of box office procedures Excellent customer service skills Qualities An excellent team-worker Flexible attitude and approach to work and working hours An interest in and enthusiasm for theatre, comedy and the arts Friendly, efficient and helpful attitude Ability to work in a fast paced, energetic and demanding environment Excellent communicator with the ability to engage with a wide range of personalities and backgrounds Highly organised and self-motivating An interest in new writing and ambitious approaches to theatre Friendly and approachable A genuine understanding and support of Soho s artistic vision 4
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Equal Opportunities Soho Theatre Company aims to be an equal opportunities employer. All staff members are required to adhere to Soho Theatre s Equal Opportunities Statement of Policy, a copy of which will be given to the successful candidate. Terms of Employment This is a zero hours contract, with a three-month probation period. Salary 9 per hour; overtime is payable as applicable. Holiday entitlement The full paid entitlement is 20 days plus 8 Public and Bank days and any other public holidays as declared from time to time. Your entitlement in respect of this current, and any future, holiday year will be calculated on a pro rata basis based on 12.07% of the hours you actually work and entitlement will be paid for 7 minutes for each hour worked. Holiday entitlement rises to 25 days pro-rata after you have been continuously employed for 1 year, with holiday calculated on a pro rata basis based on 14.54% on the hours worked. Hours Minimum shift length is 4 hours. Box Office is generally open from 9am until 10.30pm, Monday through Saturday at times there may be a requirement to work earlier or later than these times and on Sundays. Shift pattern will include evening, weekend and daytime shifts. Pension The Company operates an auto-enrolment pension scheme. This is at the rate of 2% from the employer and 2.4% from the employee on qualifying (banded) earnings. The Government will pay in 0.6% of qualifying earnings, which is tax relief. If you have made other arrangements, there is the option to opt out altogether. Staff benefits include Complimentary tickets for Soho Theatre productions Season Ticket and/or Cycle to Work loan schemes Training and development opportunities Discount at the Soho Theatre Bar and other local businesses Seasonal flu jabs Free tea and coffee Annual staff party Jan 2019 5