Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Cinema / Theatre Attendant / Usher- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Selling or Influencing Others Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Working Life
Cinema/theatre attendants check tickets, show people to their seats and answer enquiries from the public. They also handle advance bookings and sell tickets, programmes and refreshments.
Attendants working in kiosks or licensed bars are responsible for stocking and pricing goods and cashing up at the end of the day. All duties are usually shared between a team of attendants.
Attendants ensure public safety in the auditorium by checking that gangways and fire exits are clear. They also make sure that customers do not smoke.
Cleaning duties also form a large part of the work. Attendants clean and tidy the auditorium, stairways, corridors, entrance areas and toilets following performances.
Cinema/theatre attendants may be required to wear a uniform.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Greet patrons attending entertainment events.
- Sell or collect admission tickets, passes, or facility memberships from patrons at entertainment events.
- Clean facilities.
- Settle seating disputes or help solve other customer concerns.
- Examine tickets or passes to verify authenticity, using criteria such as color or date issued.
- Provide assistance with patrons' special needs, such as helping those with wheelchairs.
- Guide patrons to exits or provide other instructions or assistance in case of emergency.
- Refuse admittance to undesirable persons or persons without tickets or passes.
- Assist patrons by giving directions to points in or outside of the facility or providing information about local attractions.
- Assist patrons in finding seats, lighting the way with flashlights, if necessary.
Further Information
- Cinema Projectionist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Cinema-Theatre Attendant- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Cinema / Theatre Attendant / Usher
You need a polite and helpful manner when dealing with customers. Tact and a fairly strong personality are also helpful when dealing with the occasional awkward customer. Reasonable stamina is important as a lot of the time is spent standing. A smart and neat appearance is necessary.
You need to be able to work well in a team. You will also need to be adaptable and flexible as staff are frequently moved from one duty to another, especially in smaller cinemas or theatres. You should be able to handle money and work out change.
Interests - Cinema / Theatre Attendant / Usher
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry / Progression - Cinema / Theatre Attendant / Usher
Training generally takes place on-the-job and covers aspects such as health and safety and the layout of the venue. Staff are also trained in emergency procedures. Experienced staff usually train new attendants. An interest in film, for cinema work or the arts can also be an advantage.
Health & Safety:
- Fire Safety Awareness
- First Aid courses
- Manual Handling
These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: customer service, management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: sales, customer service, hospitality.
Search for PLC Courses
You can explore career pathways of development in the Media, Film & Publishing Sector.
Pay & Salary - Cinema / Theatre Attendant / Usher
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €23k - €29k
Salaries vary based on employer, duties, role, location, shift pattern, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Indeed.ie/ Excel Recruitment
Last Updated: January, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Cinema / Theatre Attendant / Usher
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Sports and leisure assistants; travel agents; air and rail travel assistants; holiday representatives, tour guides; Leisure and theme park attendants; Travel agency managers; proprietors Leisure and travel service occupations n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Although employment levels grew between 2021 and 2022 for this occupation, numbers employed remained below pre-COVID-19 levels. The numbers employed across the various roles in this occupation are too small in the Labour Force Survey for further analysis but the CSO Census data shows that approximately half of those in this occupation worked as air travel assistants or travel agents, with 2022 levels for these roles well below their 2016 levels.
Approximately a third of persons employed in this occupation work part-time, higher than the national average. The extent to which employment in these occupations will recover to their prepandemic levels is uncertain as affordability and attractiveness for air travel services in particular remains vulnerable to increased energy costs, and consumer demand and preferences given the green agenda and cost of living pressures.
