What do Box Office Assistants do?

Working in the music industry as a Box Office Assistant can be a good way of experiencing the excitement of live performance and playing an important role in keeping customers happy and things running smoothly. A Box Office Assistant needs to maintain high standards of customer service and remain positive, confident and outgoing whatever the demands. They are the first point of contact for visitors to the venue, and will be selling tickets for a wide range of events both over the phone and in person. The hours can be long, particularly during music festivals and special events, and the role usually involves regular evening and weekend working.

Box Office Assistants usually report to the Box Office Manager, or sometimes to a Team Leader or Supervisor. They will need to be able to demonstrate first-rate keyboard, cash handling and numerical skills and will be expected to be flexible in terms of their hours and in juggling the tasks they are required to take on. They will be expected to know, or to be trained in, the particular box office system the venue operates, such as The Patron Edge ticketing system or Databox.

Responsibilities of a Box Office Assistant include; providing a quality front line service to customers, selling tickets using both manual and computerised systems, dealing counter, telephone and internet bookings, maintaining information and display material front of house and in the Box Office area. A Senior Box Office Assistant or Team Leader will be responsible for drawing up and managing the rotas and may include responsibilities for evaluating and reporting on sales and managing the box office system.

Possibilities for career development for a Box Office Assistant include progression to supervisor or Box Office Manager, where responsibilities are broader and can include sales, marketing, events management and venue management responsibilities. There are then possibilities to work in venue or events management in the music business or to develop skills in marketing and sales.