Cinema or theatre attendant
Cinema and theatre attendants help customers visiting entertainment shows.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): Variable
Typical hours (a week): 23 - 25
How to become a cinema or theatre attendant
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You may be able to start by doing a customer service practitioner intermediate apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Direct application
You can apply directly to vacancies advertised by theatres and cinemas. Experience of dealing with the public, for example in retail or hospitality, may give you an advantage though it's not always essential.
More info
Career tips An interest in film or the arts would be helpful. Further information You can find out more about working in cinemas from Creative Choices.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to enjoy working with other people
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restriction & Requirements
You may need to be aged 18 or over for jobs that involve serving alcohol.
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- checking tickets
- showing people to their seats
- selling programmes
- selling refreshments from trays or kiosks during the interval
- dealing with any problems or complaints
- re-stocking the refreshment kiosks and trays
- collecting litter and tidying up after a show
- working in the cinema or theatre's cafe, 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
Career path & progression
You could become a cashier, team leader or manager.
