The Front of House Department at McCarter Theatre hosted its first hiring event this weekend, interviewing approximately 75 applicants for three part-time positions.
By Payal Marathe, Special to the Packet
The Front of House Department at McCarter Theatre hosted its first hiring event this weekend, interviewing approximately 75 applicants for three part-time positions.
The event spanned two days, and interested applicants set up an interview on either Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. or Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. The department was looking to hire an assistant house manager, an individual to join the café staff and a security and parking attendant.
House services manager Tricia Bitetto said she wanted to try this new format to recruit members for her team in anticipation of the busy upcoming season at the theater.
”The director of marketing did an event like this for the ticket office, but we’d never done it for the front of house department,” Ms. Bitetto said. “For the upcoming season it’s important I have as many people on board as possible.”
Ms. Bitetto said the hiring event was well advertised, and had already met capacity for both days before the interviews began on Thursday.
She added that she was impressed by the quality of applicants.
Many potential employees are individuals looking for a second job, Ms. Bitetto said, but that does not mean they apply to McCarter half-heartedly.
”McCarter seeks people who enjoy the theater but also understand our role in reaching the community,” she said. “It’s not just about having passion for the theater but about celebrating theater with every interaction.”
Ms. Bitetto said she thought the event was successful overall, calling it a “great and efficient way to hire people.” This type of hiring format attracts applicants who are really enthusiastic, she said.
She added that she would likely repeat this event for the Front of House Department in the future.
The hiring process will hopefully be completed by mid-August, so new members of the team can be trained by September, Ms. Bitetto said.
The new theater season at McCarter will kick-off with “Proof” on Sept. 6. Other plays scheduled for later in the year include “The White Snake,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Fences” and “The Figaro Plays.”