大象传媒

Meet Aisha, 24, from London. She works at the Young Vic Theatre as a front of house assistant, or usher. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

Aisha with a programme at the Young Vic Theatre
My job makes theatre-goers feel welcome and it makes me so happy!
Aisha speaking to a theatregoer.
Image caption,
Aisha speaking to a theatregoer.

What is your job?

I work at the Young Vic Theatre. I鈥檓 an usher, also known as front of house assistant. This involves showing people to their seats and if they鈥檝e got a problem, I try to help. I talk a lot to the theatre-goers and sell programmes.

What was your educational career path?

I did three years of Performing Arts.

How did you get the job?

I had to do a five-week course with Mencap to get the job. I did a group interview, then a one-to-one interview. Then I got the job.

Was it a smooth ride?

When I was younger I had meningitis, so I take longer to do things than other people, but I get there. One of my big struggles was my maths, but it鈥檚 got a lot better. Sometimes I see letters backwards. My reading and writing skills are not the best, but it鈥檚 OK. I like it when people write things down, so I know how to process it.

What is it like to work with Aisha?

Claudia, support worker: I started work with Aisha in May. She has dyslexia and dyscalculia, so we needed to work together to improve her communication, maths, and writing skills. One of the best things of working with Aisha is that you know what you get, because she will be open with you. We always say it鈥檚 not about your qualifications, but your commitment to the job. Aisha鈥檚 definitely given us that commitment.

Aisha speaking to a theatregoer.
Image caption,
Aisha speaking to a theatregoer.
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Top tips

  • Just go for your dreams. Don鈥檛 let anyone stop you and say you can鈥檛 do it

  • You can be anything you want to be. If you don鈥檛 know something, just ask

  • We鈥檙e not perfect - we鈥檙e all finding out things about ourselves and that's OK.

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Aisha is a front of house assistant, or usher. Another name for this role is a cinema and theatre attendant. Cinema and theatre attendants help customers visiting entertainment shows.

What to expect if you want to be a cinema or theatre attendant

  • Cinema or theatre attendant average salary: Variable
  • Cinema or theatre attendant typical working hours: 23 to 25 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a cinema or theatre attendant?

You could get into this role via an apprenticeship or applying directly.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

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Work experience can help you make informed decisions about your future career.

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Find work experience placements with Workfinder.

Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.

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