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Theater Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Front of House Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $17.75/hr

Front of House Staff Associates are responsible for ensuring the best experience possible for all patrons who enter the Goodman Theatre. Duties include but are not limited to; bartending, selling ...

Front of House Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $17.75/hr

Front of House Staff Associates are responsible for ensuring the best experience possible for all patrons who enter the Goodman Theatre. Duties include but are not limited to; bartending, selling ...

Finance Associate

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$57K - $60K/yr

The Finance Associate is a critical member of the Business Office ... This position supports the theatre through payroll processing, accounts payable management ...

Finance Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $60K/yr

The Finance Associate is a critical member of the Business Office ... This position supports the theatre through payroll processing, accounts payable management ...

Guest Services Associate Salary Range $19.73 - $19.73 Hourly Position Summary The Guest Services ... Dearborn location as well as at the Theater of the Mind venue, located at 333 North Randolph. This ...

Guest Services Associate REPORTS TO: Guest Services Manager FLSA STATUS: Part-Time, Hourly, Non ... Dearborn location as well as at the Theater of the Mind venue, located at 333 North Randolph. This ...

Guest Services Associate REPORTS TO: Guest Services Manager FLSA STATUS: Part-Time, Hourly, Non ... Dearborn location as well as at the Theater of the Mind venue, located at 333 North Randolph. This ...

House Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$23/hr

The House Manageris responsible forsupervisingGoodman Theatre's Front of House operation ... This role manages on-shift bartenders, gift store associates, coat check attendants, and other ...

Community Programs Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$48K - $50K/yr

Associate Director of Engagement FLSA STATUS: Full-Time. Salary, Exempt COMPENSATION RATE: $48,000 ... BACKGROUND: Chicago's theater since 1925, The Goodman is a not-for-profit arts and community ...

LG Home Theater Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $20.80/hr

As an LG Home Theater Expert, you'll work in one of our retail stores to promote, demonstrate and ... You'll also work closely with sales associates as you share your knowledge about LG products and ...

As an LG Home Theater Expert, you'll work in one of our retail stores to promote, demonstrate and ... You'll also work closely with sales associates as you share your knowledge about LG products and ...

As an LG Home Theater Expert, you'll work in one of our retail stores to promote, demonstrate and ... You'll also work closely with sales associates as you share your knowledge about LG products and ...

Supervise, motivate, reward and coach associates. * Execute systems and processes that keep the theatre running smoothly. * Assist with hiring, training and associate development. * Evaluate key ...

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Theater Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$34

How much do theater associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for theater associate in Chicago, IL is $20.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a theater associate?

Theater Associates are staff members who work in theaters to assist with various operations, including ticket sales, ushering, customer service, and maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the venue. They are often responsible for helping patrons find their seats, answering questions about showtimes or theater policies, and ensuring a positive experience for all guests. Theater Associates may also support concession sales and help with setup or breakdown before and after performances. Their role is crucial to the smooth running of theater events and maintaining a welcoming environment.

What are the typical responsibilities of a theater associate?

As a Theater Associate, your daily responsibilities often include greeting guests, assisting with ticket sales, guiding patrons to their seats, and maintaining cleanliness in the auditorium and lobby. You may also help with concessions, answer customer questions, and support event set-up or breakdown. By ensuring that guests have a seamless and enjoyable experience, you contribute directly to the positive reputation of the theater and support the smooth operation of performances. Collaboration with box office staff, ushers, and management is common, creating a dynamic and team-oriented work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a theater associate?

To thrive as a Theater Associate, you need customer service skills, organizational ability, and familiarity with basic cash handling or ticketing procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with point-of-sale systems, ticketing software, and basic audiovisual equipment is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you deliver a positive guest experience and address issues efficiently. These skills ensure smooth theater operations, satisfied patrons, and effective collaboration with colleagues in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Theater Associate vs Theater Technician?

AspectTheater AssociateTheater Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFront-of-house, customer service, ticketing, usheringBackstage, technical setup, lighting, sound, equipment maintenance
Employer & Industry UsagePerformers, box offices, customer service roles in theatersTechnical departments within theaters, production companies

Theater Associates primarily handle customer service, ticketing, and ushering duties in a theater setting, focusing on front-of-house operations. In contrast, Theater Technicians are responsible for technical aspects like lighting, sound, and equipment setup behind the scenes. While both roles support theater operations, they differ in skills, responsibilities, and work environment, making them distinct career paths within the theater industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Theater jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Theater jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Theater Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Theater Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Theater Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,573 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Theatre Program Manager - Theatre

University of Illinois

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Summary

The position plans, develops, and implements undergraduate student recruitment, admission, and retention protocols and for the School of Theatre and Music (STM), with a particular focus on Theatre, including youth programming.  In addition, this position provides administrative support to the Head of Theatre; may teach workshops and/or introductory courses in an area of expertise; may supervise student employees; and may engage in other duties as assigned. This position works closely with the Director of the School, the Associate Director for Enrollment, the Head of Theatre, and STM staff and faculty.

Job Responsibilities (Essential Duties)

 

Student Recruitment, Admission, Retention Management

      Work closely with the Director, the Associate Director for Enrollment, and the Head of Theatre to plan, develop, and implement the on- and off- campus recruitment, admission, and retention program for the Department of Theatre.

o   Participate in annual discussions about recruitment priorities, goals, strategies, and actions.

o   Co-develop theatre recruitment and program content for print, website, and social media.

o   Plan, develop, and/or participate in campus, college, STM, and/or department level and recruitment and admissions meetings and activities.

o   Co-represent STM, and the Department of Theatre at recruitment conferences, festivals, recruitment fairs, school visits.

o   Plan, develop, implement, and document all aspects of Department of Theatre on- and off- campus recruitment activities.

o   Review all Theatre admission applications including both documents and in-person or remote auditions; manage faculty review and application recommendations

o   Work closely with the Associate Director for Enrollment to manage all theatre student recruitment and admission records and communications.

o   Manage Theatre aspects of the STM recruitment budget.

o   Other STM student recruitment, admission, and retention duties as assigned.

Youth Program Management

      Convene and work closely with the Director, the Associate Director for Enrollment, the Head of Theatre, and STM faculty to determine annual youth programming plan; responsible for implementing this plan.

o   Propose, develop, and implement theatre youth programs for prospective UIC students.

o   Manage Theatre youth program budget, logistics, labor, etc.

o   Other STM youth program management duties as assigned.

Head of Theatre and Assistance

      Provide clerical and operational support to the Head of Theatre such as

o   Maintain and deliver student enrollment data regularly and upon request.

o   With Head, establish and communicate annual faculty-student advisor decisions.

o   Provide student degree reports and course enrollment upon request.

o   Assist with management of student scholarships and awards records; provide award information to advancement and administration when necessary.

o   Coordinate Department production auditions.

o   Co-develop programs for public performances and events.

o   Other STM Head of Theatre assistance duties as assigned.

Teaching/Academic Programming

      Provide academic advising support to all incoming theatre students; serve as an academic success and well-being contact for students throughout their time with STM; and teach student orientation and/or introductory courses in an area of expertise.

o   Serve as primary theatre student success point person from first encounter to graduation.

o   Teach introductory theatre courses. (e.g. THTR 281: Practicum in Theatre Administration)

o   May help plan, implement and/or teach academic year and summer high school youth programs.

o   Other teaching/academic programming duties as assigned.

Other

      May supervise student employees.

      Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.


University of Illinois logo

About University of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Urbana, IL, US

Year founded

1974

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