Hi all!
I hope this post finds you well! The University of Virginia is in the planning stages for our new performing arts center, and I need help! We are beginning the meetings discussing box office, front of house, etc., and I need to crowd source some ideas. What do you like about your box office space? What do you not like? If you could picture your perfect working space, what would it include? What does your staffing look like? What equipment do you use? To give you an idea, the box office would be supporting:
-A new larger performing hall-A new smaller performing hall-Our current Drama Department (three theatres in the drama building which will continue with our current box office space)-Our current historical music venue (846 seats with a mobile box office)-Additional venues during the film festival (an additional two venues with a separate seasonal box office)
Thank you all in advance for your help and ideas! I have never built a box office from the ground up and want to make sure I am covering all my bases. I figured you all would be the best people to ask!
Best,
Olivia A.
What a great opportunity to craft a space! I would say natural light if possible is amazing. I would make sure that accessibility is front and center with the design, not only for your employees, but for patrons who may be coming to the window to purchase tickets. Large monitors or duel monitors when possible since Tess screens are so teeny tiny on laptop monitors. Use this opportunity to think about ergonomics with where your associates will be sitting and working. Adjustable desks, monitor arms, chairs that people actually want to sit in for long periods of time. Ticket printers that are easily accessible to load new stock and troubleshoot paper jams.
You may also want to come to our Lean Coffee chat for this community group next week on Feb 20th @ 3pm EST and propose this as a topic for what I bet would be a lively discussion!
-Jeff