Performance- an FOH requirement

Somebody said, "Why don't you have performer as part of your FOH breakdown?" Well, because at least as far as I'm concerned FOH is one big performance. When I'm sitting at a desk or taking drink orders or selling a product or on stage singing, its all an act. The only thing that changes are the characters. Let me tell you a little about my characters.

When I'm behind the desk I am 'James.' A smile, a laugh, a "not a problem sir, I'll connect you right away," or, "Oh, I'd be glad to send that to you." This is the nice, empathetic person who actually has tuned out the second you called in and has hit auto-pilot. Not that he isn't going to take care of you, but in fact your question is not unique and your needs are actually quite simple. Now when someone walks in and needs something that doesn't fall off his tongue, James jumps into headhunter mode and gets what you need fast. This is the person you hope is on the other end. Not all people share in my attempt at doing my job.

When I'm waiting on tables, I'm 'Sir.' Its not that I didn't introduce myself, or am wearing a name tag, its just that you don't take the time to digest my name. It's fine, you aren't paying me to be your friend, I am just a glorified* servant. (*Glorified depending on wear you work, I've seen some pretty awful uniforms... never work at a place where you have to wear an eye patch.) In this role, I am quick to respond, and quick to please. I'm in and out. No dilly-dally. No small talk. That's what you want. So that is what 'Sir' provides. Please don't forget to tip though, cuz 'Sir' does have bills

Now when I'm giving away products, I'm the '[insert product name here] Dude.' This guy is pretty fun to be. I'm actually a personification of my product. Luckily I don't have to wear the product (poor Mattress Warehouse mascots,) no instead I am the product if it were a human. This is probably why there aren't college campus marketing reps for things like peroxide or female wipes... would you want a human form of that? "Hey Maxi Dude, can you come party at my place tonight?" Yeah, that sounds more like playground slander than product placement...

As an RA, I am James Parks. This is wear I get to be me. Bossy, mean, strict, harsh, cold. I like to roam my halls with a flash light and randomly shine it into peoples rooms to make sure they are not harboring illegal immigrants. Or sometimes, I spend all night waiting for someone to get in the shower late, and turn the hot water off and demand they do the ABCs backwords to prove they aren't drunk or high. Its so nice to be such an influential part of young peoples lives. I only wish they understood that the weekly reading from Anne Frank's Diary is for their own good.

Now, when I am actually on stage performing I have no name. I am whatever you make me. This is where you have complete control and I like it. I hope you understand just how crucial your role in this relationship is. Without you, the audience, I really am nothing. Not only do you bring characters to life, you are living through me, and deciding what is really going on. Its fantastic. When's the last time you went to a play? If it hasn't been for a while, I suggest taking a trip. When you do, don't just vegitate like you do while watching The Real House Wives of Richville, actually be involved in the experiences you're watching. That is after all what you paid for. Not just to watch, but to experience.

Experience, thats what we're all about. Front of house is no different from anything else in that regard. Its all about the experience. I want to give you an amazing one, and you want a good one. So don't forget to let me know how I'm doing... and 20% is customary.