Front of House Assistant - A Christmas Carol 2026

Team: FOH Operations

Responsible to: Head of FOH Operations

Contract: Fixed term (01st November 2026 – 09th January 2027)

Location: The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

Salary: £14.80 per hour

Role Summary

We are looking for Front of House Assistants to provide a high-quality experience for patrons of The Old Vic.

As customer facing staff, Front of House Assistants welcome and help our visitors; control entry into each space; supervise the audience during performances and events, serve drinks from the Theatre bars, and ensure the smooth and efficient running of all the public areas of the theatre.

Assistants must have full knowledge of the house evacuation procedures and perform all duties to a high standard of customer care in attitude, approach and appearance.

Your Team

The FOH team is responsible for all customer service related activities within FOH at The Old Vic Theatre.

The team includes the Operations Director, Head of FOH Operations, Head of Customer Experience, Head of Estate and Services, Facilities Team, Operations Service Manager, Operations Administration Manager, Payroll Manager, FOH Operations Co-ordinator, Operations and Technical Administrator, Fire Officer, Duty Managers, Bar Managers and Supervisors.

Areas of responsibility

Front of House Assistants:

• Must have full knowledge of the House evacuation procedures and perform all duties to a high standard of customer care in attitude, approach and appearance.

• Work as part of the Front of House team (bar and usher)

• Welcome patrons in a polite and enthusiastic manner

• Provide patrons with accurate information, correct directions and effective assistance and help, as required in all parts of the House Assisting customers with access requirements

• Contribute to the health and safety of our customers by playing an active role in emergency evacuation procedures where necessary Sales reconciliation

• Assist with events, specific access performances or other responsibilities (show specific) as required

• Maintain a customer friendly and safe environment in which the public can enjoy the performances

• Contribute to the delivery of a great audience experience by providing outstanding service, enhancing our reputation

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the Theatre's management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.

Person Specification

Essential requirements

• Previous experience of working in a theatre or similar venue in a customer facing role (bartending and/or usher).

• A proven ability to provide a high level of customer service at all times I

• A proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

• Able to demonstrate proactivity and initiative

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and demands

• Availability to work evenings, matinees and/or weekends

How to apply

We understand that everyone is different and we want you to apply in whichever way you feel best shows your skills and experience. There are a range of ways that you can apply with us:

1. Sending a short video file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you (have a look at the person specification in the job description).

2. Sending a short audio file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you.

3. Completing our application form.

4. Uploading your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.

As a Disability Confident employer, The Old Vic has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview. However in the event that we have a high volume of applications all of whom meet the criteria and identify as disabled, meaning it is not practicable to interview everyone, we may apply a weighting to the shortlisting criteria, or add an additional shortlisting stage before any interviews take place. In all cases we will take care to ensure that any criteria or weightings do not disadvantage disabled applicants.

All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

The Process

The recruitment process for this role will be one stage:

• 1st stage in person conversation

The closing date for this role is midday on Thursday 15 October 2026. Interviews are due to take place on Friday 23 and Monday 26 October 2026.

Equal Opportunities

We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of the global majority, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and disabled candidates.

We may take positive action, in cases where candidates are equally qualified, to increase the employment of under-represented groups at The Old Vic.

In the event that we ask you to attend the theatre for a conversation and you are struggling financially, we may be able to reimburse you for any reasonable travel costs.

We partner with a range of inclusive organisations, to find out more please read our FAQs. 

FAQs

Read our recruitment and selection and equal opportunities FAQs here.