Lead Usher

Little Island seeks four Lead Ushers to spearhead the front of house efforts for Little Island’s unique performance venues: The Amph, a 700-seat amphitheater, and The Glade, an intimate space with open lawn seating. The Lead Usher will assist in delivering excellent customer service to our visitors, supporting the overall guest experience, and collaborating with other team members to ensure smooth event operations. This position reports to the Assistant Manager of Workforce Development.

The Lead Usher will contribute to creating a welcoming and safe environment for all visitors. This role provides an opportunity to gain essential workplace skills, including communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and hospitality in a public space within the performing arts. The Lead Ushers will receive instruction and work alongside more experienced staff, providing them with the support they need to learn and grow in the role. This position is ideal for individuals looking to develop skills in public event coordination, customer service, and arts programming.

About the Role

• Hourly Rate: $23.00
• Job Type: Temporary
• Employment Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
• Schedule Expectations: 10-20 hours per week, with shifts typically scheduled Tuesday through–Sunday, including late afternoons and evenings. Schedules are aligned with the performance calendar, mostly requiring evening and weekend availability.
• Work Environment: Onsite
• Projected Start Date: March 10, 2025 (onboarding), with regular weekly shifts beginning April 7, 2025.
• Projected End Date: October 3, 2025 (subject to change)
• Employment Duration: Please note this is a temporary position. There is no guarantee of rehire for future seasons, and reapplication will be required for any subsequent opportunities.
• How to Apply:

What You’ll Do

As The Amph Lead Usher

• Assist in the daily operations of front-of-house alongside the House Manager and additional experienced staff.
• Support the smooth flow of visitors entering and exiting the venue, ensuring that seating arrangements and audience management are handled efficiently.
• Provide assistance to guests with seating and ticketing questions.
• Help maintain cleanliness and order within the venue before, during and after performances.
• Complete daily reports on safety and venue operations as directed by the House Manager.

As The Glade Lead Usher

• Assist with the coordination of front-of-house operations in collaboration with the Production Team, including daily safety and performance reports.
• Support the management of visitor flow during free outdoor performances, ensuring safety and comfort.
• Assist with pre-and post-show briefings on the day’s programming, roles, and emergency procedures to ensure team readiness.
• Help the onsite Park Supervisor with emergency response coordination and assist in evacuation plans when needed.

All Lead Ushers

• Contribute to a welcoming environment, helping visitors feel informed and comfortable.
• Educate guests about park rules and safety and share event information to encourage engagement and programming.
• Participate in Usher Corps training and collaborate with the Assistant Manager of Workforce Development and House Manager in developing the skills of the team.
• Perform other tasks as needed to support park operations.

What You Bring

• No prior leadership experience required; this role is ideal for participants with a season of front-of-house experience and who are currently attending or who have graduated from a CUNY program.
• Previous experience working in front of house theatre or onsite events supervision or other related fields is a plus but not required.
• A willingness to learn essential workplace communication and collaboration skills with a wide variety of personalities and situations requiring hospitality.
• Confidence in intervening during challenging public facing interactions.
• Passion for engaging with visitors of Little Island, ensuring they feel welcome and have the information they need in service to a memorable experience.
• Enthusiasm for public art and public spaces and a genuine interest in collaborating with a team of ushers early in their career; Experience working in outdoor arts programming a plus.
• Ability to climb steps repeatedly; stand for long periods of time; work in a busy environment with environmental conditions such as noise, dim/absent lighting; bend, stretch, reach, kneel without restriction and transport or lift park equipment ranging from 30-40 lbs. is not required of everyone on the team at all times, but some Lead Ushers will need this ability to complete certain aspects of the role.
• Comfort working in varying weather conditions, including light rain, summer heat, and in intermittent direct sunlight.
• Ability to converse in multiple languages is desirable.
• Possession of F04 Fireguard Certification or willingness to obtain required.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.

Benefits and Perks

• Eligible for up to 56 hours of accrued sick time
• 401(k)-retirement plan with company matching (eligible after 90 days)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to discounts at neighborhood businesses

Life at Little Island

• Park employees will spend time onsite at Little Island working in outdoor weather conditions, navigating the entire park multiple times a day, and interacting with park visitors to ensure operations are running effectively. Little Island is ADA compliant, and park employees are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for each other and our park’s visitors.
• Little Island’s Headquarters, located near the park, provides an open floor plan office, shared work areas and kitchen, a locker room, rehearsal space, and storage for the park. It is a dynamic and multi-use space where employees and artists can collaborate, connect, and unwind in between shifts, meetings, and events.
• Little Island is a proud equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. In short, you are welcome here no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you look like. Our park is for everyone, and so is our workplace.