Summer Music Festivals Usher
The Grant Park Music Festival seeks part-time Ushers for the upcoming summer season of concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Ushers serve as important ambassadors for the Festival and our partners at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and help to create a safe, welcoming, and orderly environment for our patrons.
KEY DUTIES
- Smile, greet, and assist patrons from all walks of life and help them to feel welcome at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and other areas of Millennium Park.
- Maintain the efficient operation of the Seating Bowl and Great Lawn.
- Manage and resolve any patron issues in a prompt and friendly manner.
- Provide information to patrons and the public about the Grant Park Music Festival, Millennium Park, and surrounding attractions.
- Communicate Millennium Park rules and regulations to the public; assist in crowd control.
- Assist in a variety of patron engagement efforts (related tasks may include: serving beverages/food, collecting audience information, hosting special guests, and distributing passes/vouchers/wristbands).
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
- Demonstrated communication skills; ability to handle new or challenging situations with grace and diplomacy.
- Ability to raise and transfer up to 20 lbs; ability to work outdoors and possibly in inclement weather; ability to be mobile for up to five hours at a time.
- Ability to work flexible hours June 1 through September 22, including weekends and holidays.
- Must be available to attend three paid, in-person training sessions (May 20, 11am - 1pm; May 21, 5pm - 9pm; May 28, 6:00pm – 9:00pm) and work at least 70% of concert dates.
- Concert dates can be found here and here.
COMPENSATION/SCHEDULE
- $16.50/hour; this position is non-exempt.
- Usher shifts are primarily evenings and weekends.
- Position Start Date: May 20, 2024
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
For 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago's summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus can have a transformative impact on the city. Showcased in the city's most spectacular setting, the Festival continues to be the summer gathering place for all of Chicago. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park is the official home of the Grant Park Music Festival, with free seats available for every concert.
The Festival strives to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our city and the audiences we serve. People of all backgrounds and experiences, and especially those that have been historically underrepresented in the field, are encouraged to apply for open positions at the Festival. Read more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging HERE.
The Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to actual or perceived race (including traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), genetic information, marital status, familial/parental status, disability (physical and mental), military status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, citizenship or immigration status, unfavorable discharge from military service, order of protection status, credit history, arrest record, conviction record, and any other classification/characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
The Festival is led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar, along with Grant Park Chorus Director Christopher Bell, Grant Park Orchestral Association President and CEO Paul Winberg, and Board Chair Adam Grais.
For more information on the Grant Park Music Festival, please visit our website: gpmf.org