Cinema or theatre attendant
Cinema and theatre attendants check customers' tickets, direct them to their seats and sell refreshments.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a cinema or theatre attendant, you could:
- check tickets and show people to their seats
- sell programmes, merchandise and refreshments
- answer customer queries and deal with any problems
- process payments
- clear litter from seating areas and aisles between shows
- work in the cinema or theatre's café, bar or box office
Working environment
You could work in a theatre or at a cinema.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a team leader or move into front of house management.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to enjoy working with other people
- to be flexible and open to change
- sensitivity and understanding
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- the ability to sell products and services
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to be aged 18 or over for jobs that involve serving alcohol.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You might be able to apply for a Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
You can sometimes find voluntary work with community theatres or smaller independent cinemas. Follow them on social media and look out for local announcements.
You can apply directly to vacancies advertised by theatres and cinemas for front of house staff. It could give you an advantage to have experience working with the public, such as in retail or hospitality, though this is not essential.
Good customer service skills and the ability to do different tasks will be valued by employers.
Career tips
An interest in film, theatre or the arts will be helpful.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.