Re: Front of House Attendant

Dec 2017

Dear Applicant

Re: Front of House Attendant

Thank you for your interest in the above position with Polka Theatre.

In order to help you with your application, please find enclosed:

Background information on Polka Theatre
Job description, person specification and terms of employment

The application form with the equal opportunities monitoring form can be downloaded from

On the application form you will need to provide the names of two people who will act as referees for you, one of whom should be your present or most recent employer, indicating if we are able to contact this person prior to offering the successful candidate the job.

To apply pleasereturn the completed application form along with the equal opportunities monitoring form by email to or by post to Hilary O’Connor, Head of Operations and Front of House, Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB. Please note CV’s will not be accepted.

Application deadline:By 5pm Friday5th January2017

Interviews:Monday 15th January 2017

Start date: Mid-LateJanuary 2018

We regret we are unable to acknowledge receipt of applications. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful.

Thank you for your interest in working for Polka and we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Hilary O’Connor

Head of Operations and Front of House

Background Information on Polka Theatre

Polka Theatre is one of the few venues in the UK which is dedicated to producing and presenting work for young audiences. Since the doors opened in 1979, Polka has been entertaining children with resonant, engaging and exciting theatre.

With two performance spaces providing work for children from 0 to 14 years and a Creative Learning studio for participatory activities, Polka attracts annual visitors of over 90,000 children, parents and teachers.

The company is committed to producing theatre for children and young people which is challenging, relevant and of the highest quality. Polka presents its work in a theatre environment designed specifically to meet the needs of children and capable of providing a rich theatrical experience across a range of productions.

As well as being internationally renowned as a pioneer of theatre for children, Polka is a much-loved local theatre and a vibrant part of local life in Wimbledon and South West London. The venue offers a range of additional facilities for visitors including a café, garden, playground, colouring and reading corner and dressing-up box. The company has strong links with schools, libraries, businesses and other voluntary organisations in the community and a broad Creative Learning and Community Engagement programme.

Polka tours work internationally and regularly co-produces and collaborates with other companies; recent examples include The Paper Dolls with Little Angel Theatre; How To Hide A Lion with Oxford Playhouse; Babe, The Sheep Pig with Tom O’Connell Productions; Hatch with The Royal Opera and To Dream Again with Clwyd Theatr in Wales.

Polka’s mission: To use the power of performance to light up children's imagination and creative potential, whatever their background or ability, through thrilling and playful world-class theatre and a creative programme of learning in a welcoming and stimulating setting.

“Polka… Home to work that consistently respects and challenges its young audiences” The Guardian

“The place to be for children’s theatre” ayoungertheatre.com

APPLICATION GUIDANCE NOTES

Job Description and Person Specification

Please read the person specification and job description carefully. You should ensure that you meet all the essential criteria before submitting an application.

The supporting statement is an important part of the application as it is your opportunity to explain specifically why you want the job and what makes you a suitable candidate.

It is important that you provide us with clear examples which demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required for the job.

Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and will be carried out by at least two people. When shortlisting we will be making an assessment of how closely your application meets the selection criteria set out in the person specification.

Data Protection

The information given on the application form will be used to create a shortlist for interviews. Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the recruitment process.

The application form will be kept on file for a maximum of six months and then destroyed. Any applications received after the closing date will be discarded immediately.

Should any job opportunities arise in the future for which we think you may be suitable, we may send you application details about the vacancy. In addition, we may contact you in the future for feedback on our recruitment procedures.

Equal Opportunities

Polka Theatre strives to be an Equal Opportunities employer. The aim of our policy is to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, class, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, trade union activity, political or religious belief. Selection criteria and procedures will be kept under review to ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. All employees are required to comply with, and actively promote, this policy.

Please let us know if you require special arrangements for interview, contact Hilary O’Connoron 020 8545 8334 or email: o that suitable alternatives can be discussed.

Job Title: Front of House Attendant

This post is one of a number of attendants that make up the core of our Visitor Service team. You will be responsible for the efficient and friendly service for all visitorswithin the venue, shop, café and across the Front of House operations in general.

Job Purpose:

To cater for the needs, well-being and safety of the theatre audience and visitors
To engage and interact with our visitors to ensure they have a memorable visit
To attend to the cleanliness and maintenance of the theatre’s public facilities

Responsible to:

Head of Operations and Deputy Theatre Managers

Duties:

Welcome all visitors as they arrive at the theatre
Provide exceptional customer service at all times
Staff the theatre shop
Staff the café
Provide occasional assistance in the box office
Sell programmes and refreshments
Check audience tickets on the door, ensuring age policy is enforced
Show audiences to their seats and monitor the audience during the performance
Fire safety awareness, understanding procedures for evacuating the building in an emergency
Assist visitors to make use of our reading area, dressing up area, craft area, playground and garden
Check toilets regularly for supplies and cleanliness
Clean and tidy the building, garden and playground regularly throughout the day including the auditorium after every show

Being aware of general security and health and safety issues within the building at all times
Such other duties as may reasonably be required by the Head of Operations or Deputy Theatre Managers

Contract:

Fixed term until August 2018with a possible extension of an additional 6 months thereafter, following successful performance reviews

Wages:

£8.20 per hour paid weekly.

Hours of Work:

Polka Theatre is open Wednesday – Sunday each week and hours are worked according to the needs of the theatre’s performance schedule and, therefore, no minimum weekly hours are guaranteed- schedules are completed two weeks in advance.

Dress Code:

A uniform shirt will be supplied, to be maintained by the attendant
Smart black trousers/skirt and black shoes to be supplied by the attendant

Person Specification:

Essential

An interest in visitor services
An interest in the arts and theatre
The ability to work without constant supervision and to use your own initiative
The ability to motivate yourself for the duration of the shift
Enthusiasm for working with diverse communities, and all age-ranges especially children
Good level of numeracy and accuracy
Confidence in handling cash
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Punctuality, reliability and good time management skills

Desirable

Have experience in a customer facing role
Have experience working in a Front of House Team, at an arts organisation
Have experience of a sales related role

Knowledge of Health & Safety procedures

Ability to be confident and positive when dealing with complaints or difficult customers
Fire Safety and First Aid qualifications

Polka Theatre

240 Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB

+44 (0)20 8543 4888