Cinema/theatre attendant

Attendants carry out a number of tasks at a cinema or theatre. They take tickets, show people to their seats, and sell programmes and refreshments. Some cleaning may need to be done. Read on to see the full theatre or cinema attendant job description.

Also known as:

Theatre usher
Usher

Theatre or cinema attendant job description

Cinema and theatre attendants both do similar jobs. The actual tasks they perform depend on which part of the cinema or theatre they work in. Some attendants sell tickets at the cinema or theatre box office. This involves speaking to customers either face to face or on the phone (more likely at a theatre) and taking payment, either by credit/debit card or cash. Some attendants are known as ushers; they take tickets as customers enter the cinema or theatre auditorium. They also show people to their seats, if necessary. At theatres, ushers often sell programmes.

Attendants also serve drinks and snacks, usually from a shop or counter in the cinema or theatre. In some venues, during an interval, an attendant carries a tray of ice creams and drinks into the auditorium. Attendants who work in a shop or at a counter may be responsible for stock control and cashing up at the end of the day. Attendants have responsibility for public safety. They check that gangways and fire exits are clear. There should always be at least one attendant present in the auditorium, in case of an emergency. Some attendants clean and tidy the auditorium, stairways, corridors, entrance areas and toilets following performances. This includes emptying ashtrays and litter bins. Attendants could do a number of the above tasks, or they could focus on just one. It depends on the size and style of the employing cinema or theatre. Cinema and theatre attendants usually wear a uniform. This could be a full uniform or, more likely, a T-shirt or shirt.

Now we've looked at the theatre or cinema attendant job description, let's move on to the qualities and skills needed to do the job.

Personal qualities and skills

As a cinema or theatre attendant, you need:

Good people skills - you are the public face of the cinema or theatre.
To be tactful and able to keep your cool when you get an occasional awkward customer.
To be smart and tidy.
The ability to work well in a team.
To be adaptable and flexible – you could be moved from one duty to another.

Pay and opportunities

Pay for cinema/theatre attendants is highly variable. However you can expect to be paid close to the National Minimum Wage, potentially on an hourly basis. You could work up to 23-25 hours per week. However, part-time work is common, particularly in theatre where there may only be one or two performances per day. In the evening, attendants may work from 6 pm to show close (about 10:30 pm).

Employers include local theatres and cinemas, large, multi-screen cinemas run by chains and concert halls and arenas. Opportunities for cinema/theatre attendants occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on employers’ websites, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

You can enter this career by applying directly to cinemas and theatres. Experience of working with people is useful. Most cinema attendants have to be at least 18 years old, so they can work during 18-certificate films.

Training usually takes place on-the-job and covers aspects such as health and safety and the layout of the venue. Staff are also trained in emergency procedures. In large cinema complexes, you may be sent on a course run by the cinema company. You will learn about different aspects of the job in more detail, and about company procedures. It may be possible to work towards a relevant customer service work-based qualification. Experienced staff usually train new attendants.

A customer service practitioner apprenticeship at level 2 (intermediate level) could be a good way into this role.

If you demonstrate suitable skills and interest, with further training this type of role can lead to technical, administrative or other roles in cinemas or theatres.

Qualifications

No formal academic qualifications are needed for entry to this work. GCSEs in English and maths will help, however. To do an intermediate apprenticeship, you’ll need GCSEs in maths and English – although you may be able to work towards these during your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. You must be aged at least 18 to be present at an 18-certificate film.

A background in customer service work is useful.

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