Bartender

Bartender

McCarter Theatre Center is seeking service-oriented Bartenders to elevate our patrons' concessions experience. Bartenders are essential members of McCarter's Front of House Team, playing a crucial role in enhancing the experience of our patrons by providing exceptional beverage and food service during our performances and special events. As hospitality ambassadors of McCarter, Bartenders help create a warm, efficient, and welcoming atmosphere from the moment the bar opens through final call.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Ensure an exceptional customer experience and maintain a welcoming atmosphere across our multiple bar areas located within our two theaters.
• Prepare and serve drinks according to quality specifications, maintaining consistency in every beverage served.
• Uphold strict cleanliness and safety standards at all times, especially with regard to sanitation and health code procedures, to create a safe environment for both staff and patrons.
• Proactively address any guest concerns or issues on the spot to guarantee a memorable theater experience for all patrons.
• Monitor and restock concession supplies, food items (e.g. candies, pre-packaged snacks, baked goods), beer and wine inventory throughout and after each shift to ensure availability for patrons.
• Maintain an accurate cash drawer and follow cash-handling safety protocols to safeguard against errors or discrepancies.
• Identify and handle intoxicated patrons or those exhibiting disorderly conduct to ensure responsible alcohol service, promptly notifying Front of House supervision as needed.
• Check identification for anyone who appears to be youthful and possibly under the age of 21, refusing service to individuals who do not meet legal requirements.
• Adhere to New Jersey laws governing alcohol service and bartender liability.
• Demonstrate quick and efficient problem-solving skills to address issues related to food and beverage quality, inventory management, staffing, equipment malfunctions or other challenges that may arise during a shift.
• Participate in and complete required paid training, including food safety, anti-choking training, and TIPS certification or renewal.
• Prioritize safe working practices while embodying McCarter's safety and community expectations policies to maintain a secure environment for all staff, patrons, and others.
• Engage in the ongoing work of fostering an equitable and inclusive environment at McCarter. Actively seek ways to improve work practices to ensure greater accessibility, representation, and belonging for all, while upholding and exhibiting our stated values of "justice and joy, beauty and belonging."

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in bartending or as a barista with proficiency in crafting and serving beverages to patrons.
• Thorough knowledge of a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine and spirits, as well as familiarity with common cocktail menus and mixology techniques.
• Exceptional diplomacy, interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a proven track record of building and nurturing relationships with customers and colleagues alike.
• Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, making swift decisions and solving problems effectively while maintaining composure.
• Proficiency in using point-of-sale (POS) systems, such as Toast, and a willingness to adapt to other POS platforms as needed.
• Dedication to providing superior customer service, with a warm and welcoming demeanor that fosters a positive experience for all patrons.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, enabling clear and effective interaction with customers and team members.
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work harmoniously with individuals from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and work styles, always approaching challenges with optimism, civility, and a solutions-oriented approach.
• Position requires a valid background screening to be on file prior to start.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate in other languages (e.g. ASL and multilingual)
• Current CPR & First Aid certification
• An enthusiasm for the performing arts, with particular interest in supporting and elevating the work of global artists across many disciplines

Work Environment

• Led by our core values, McCarter fosters and expects a culture of care and respect for the wellbeing of our staff. We seek individuals who share our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace, where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays during the performance season, as scheduled in advance.
• Work will be completed in public lobby and bar spaces, subject to normal building and HVAC conditions.
• The position involves extended periods of standing, e.g. a 2-4-hour shift; the ability to read and interpret written communication, e.g. POS system screens and ingredient lists; dexterity for preparing and serving drinks; the ability to lift and carry heavy objects such as cases of liquor, beer, and wine up to 40 pounds, with or without assistance. Duties will include repetitive tasks, walking, bending, reaching, and navigating stairs (approximately 40 steps) in varied work environments. Reasonable accommodations are available.
• Potential for moderate to high noise environments depending on production and performance elements; ability to hear and speak clearly in areas with significant background noise (e.g., to answer patron questions); Work environments may include periods of high audience volume and dense foot traffic, particularly before and after performances.
• Dress code includes black clothing; appropriate dark-colored working shoes, with long hair pulled back.
• Employees may be required to use a personal mobile device to access authenticator applications and related software necessary for secure system access (e.g., multi-factor authentication). Use of personal devices for these limited purposes is expected, as alternatives may not be available

This job posting describes the general nature and level of work expected in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications, and may be modified as needed.

Organization Overview

McCarter is one of the country's flagship theatres, a vibrant center for community and for the performing arts, and a key cultural anchor for Central New Jersey. Located on the campus of Princeton University and incorporated as an independent, charitable nonprofit, the company is a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub of arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages.

A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter's legacy of artistic excellence traces back to the theatre's first performances in 1930. A home for new play development and world premieres, the company has launched numerous works that have gone on to tens of thousands of performances reaching millions of audience members around the world.

Among the 100,000 community members who directly participate in the company's work every year, more than 7,500 are students taking part in McCarter's robust arts-in-education offerings. The company offers more than 20 annual in-school residencies in classrooms in Princeton and Trenton, hosts schools from throughout the region for student matinee performances, and offers need-based scholarships to every one of its dozens of educational after-school and summer programs each year. Co-led by Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen and Executive Director Martin Miller, McCarter leads with values of "justice and joy, and beauty in belonging," creating stories and experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations, and engage communities.

To Apply

Please visit our Career Center page to apply for this position. Though a resume is not required, we welcome any additional context you would like to share about your experience and interest in this role. We look forward to learning more about you and the perspective you would bring to the position.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

McCarter is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring, supporting, and promoting a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. We seek team members who bring a range of backgrounds and experiences in support of an expansive artistic vision; who are committed to ongoing anti-racism and anti-oppression work, both individually and collectively; and who value collaboration, curiosity, flexibility, and continuous personal and professional growth.

McCarter does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed. Many skills are transferable, and we recognize that strong candidates may bring relevant experience, intuition, and perspective gained through a variety of paths. McCarter is committed to on-the-job training and mentorship.

McCarter Theatre Center is also committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations throughout the application and hiring process. Applicants who require accommodations may contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.