Ticket House Manager

The Ticket Manager is responsible for all reservations and advance ticket sales, including placing tickets in all outlets being used for the show. He/she reports to the House Manager and should work closely with him/her.

Included in this manual are example forms to be used for the envelopes that are distributed to the outlets. It is CHP's policy to make the ticket selling process flow as easy and non intrusive for the employees/employers at the outlets. They are volunteering this service to CHP as a courtesy to our organization. Treating them with the upmost respect is essential for this service to continue. If any problems arise with the outlets, the Ticket Manager must report it to the Producer so that they can work together to solve the issue. The Ticket Manager is responsible for auditing the ticket sale forms and confirming that the money collected and tickets sold are equal. All advance sale ticket money is to be turned into the House Manager as it is collected, and must identify the ticket outlet that it was collected from. At no time will these funds be used for reimbursements of expenses or purchases.

The House Manager handles all aspects of the show relating to the audience. This includes ticket sales, seating issues, making sure the facility is clean and ready for use, and coordinating the purchase and sale of refreshments. The House Manager answers to the Producer and receives reports from the Ticket Manager.

Responsibilities:
- Find ushers for each performance. Unless seating is reserved (reserved seating is designated for season ticket holders), this job involves little more than greeting audience members and handing them programs. It is customary to allow ushers free admission to the performance on that day, but the House Manager should check with the Producer to be sure.
- The House Manager should find someone willing to sell tickets at the door (which can be the Ticket Manager). If such a person cannot be found, the House Manager must do this himself/herself.
- Before any ticket sales begin, the House Manager should establish a system of recordkeeping to keep track of tickets sold, divided by performance, and money made in sales.
- If refreshments are to be sold at intermission, the House Manager should appoint a Refreshments Manager and coordinate sales with him/her.
- Tickets paid for by check should be made out to Court House Players (CHP).

Before each performance, the House Manager should:
- Put posters/directional signs around near the performance space to direct audiences who are unfamiliar with the theater. Any informative signs (no flash photography, etc.) should be posted at the door
- Have a supply of programs and inform the ushers of their duties
- Set up tickets and cash box. The cash box should have adequate money to provide change for ticket sales. A list of ticket reservations should be kept at the door
- Find out, from the Stage Manager, the time at which the house should be opened
- Communicate with the SM during intermission about the time to start the next act
- Clean up the house, if necessary, assuring adequate supplies of paper products for bathrooms, and setting up chairs if necessary, etc
- During ticket sales, the House Manager should keep track of the number of tickets sold (and at what price) as well as money taken in from ticket sales and refreshment sales. Fill out the 'Admission Tickets Sales' form each night

After each performance, the House Manager should:
- Count receipts for the night
- Take money to the Producer; no more than $100 should be in the starting till each night
- Clean up the house
- Store tickets, cash box, and extra programs in a safe place