Job Description

Bar Manager / Head Bartender

Drunk Shakespeare – New York City
Actors’ Equity Association Covered Position (CBA)

Brass Jar Productions, the team behind the hit Off-Broadway comedy Drunk Shakespeare, is seeking a Bar Manager / Head Bartender to lead our speakeasy-style bar in New York City.

This is a working leadership role. You will oversee front of house bar operations while actively bartending during performances. You set the tone for service, protect compliance, and ensure our bar program runs cleanly, efficiently, and safely inside a fast-paced live entertainment environment.

This position is covered under our Collective Bargaining Agreement with Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) for Front of House staff. The Bar Manager classification and duties align with the CBA.

About the Role

The Bar Manager is contracted to oversee the Front of House staff’s daily duties and ensure the functionality of all Front of House activities. This includes:

• Front of House scheduling (bar staff only)
• Maintaining the bar (ordering ingredients, replacing glassware, etc.)
• Coaching and training bar staff
• Applying and maintaining responsible alcohol service standards
• Confirming compliance with federal, state, and municipal liquor laws

Bar Managers do not hire, fire, or discipline Front of House staff and do not schedule Actors or Stage Managers, consistent with the CBA.

For legal and tip compliance purposes, this role serves as Bar Manager & Head Bartender. When scheduled in a bartending capacity, the individual may participate in the tip pool in accordance with the CBA. When scheduled as Bar Manager, compensation follows the Bar Manager rate structure.

You will report to the General Manager / Manager on Duty (MOD) during each performance.

Compensation (Per CBA Minimums – NYC)

• Bar Manager (NYC): $25.75/hour minimum
• If scheduled solely as Bartender:
• $13.39/hour (tipped) or applicable minimum wage, whichever is higher
• $18.54/hour (untipped)
• Participation in tip pool during bartending shifts

All hourly minimums increase annually per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

This position is eligible for union benefits through Actors’ Equity Association, including:

• Health contributions to the Equity-League Health Trust Fund
• Sick leave accrual per contract
• Vacation accrual per contract

Union membership (or eligibility and timely enrollment) is required under the CBA.

Typical Schedule

This is a full-time position, typically 5 days per week with 2 days off.

Standard performance schedule generally includes:

• Wed: 5:00-9:30
• Thurs: 5:00-9:30
• Fri: 5:00-11:30
• Sat: 3:00-11:30
• Sun: 3:00-7:30

Additional daytime hours will be scheduled for inventory, ordering, vendor coordination, compliance, and administrative tasks.

Fridays and Saturdays are core business days and generally required.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Bar Operations

• Oversee nightly drink service during performances
• Maintain accurate inventory and pars
• Place and track orders with vendors
• Monitor batching and prep standards
• Ensure clean, organized, inspection-ready bar

Compliance & Safety

• Enforce responsible alcohol service
• Maintain TIPS and relevant certifications
• Support health department compliance
• Partner with MOD on patron safety concerns

Leadership

• Coach bartenders and servers on service standards
• Lead pre-show bar meetings
• Maintain consistency in speed, cleanliness, and guest interaction
• Set the tone for professionalism and hospitality

Administrative

• Inventory tracking
• Basic reporting and cash reconciliation
• Vendor communication
• Maintaining bar documentation

What We’re Looking For

• 2+ years management experience in a high-volume bar or hospitality venue
• 2+ years bartending experience
• TIPS certification (or willingness to obtain immediately)
• NYC Food Handler certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong leadership presence without ego
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Calm under pressure
• Able to balance hospitality and compliance
• Comfortable in a live entertainment environment

Experience in immersive theater, performance venues, or nightlife-driven environments is a plus.

Who Thrives Here

This is not a corporate hotel bar.

You’ll succeed if you:

• Enjoy live entertainment environments
• Like being in the room when the show is happening
• Can pivot quickly when 100+ guests order at once
• Care about guest experience without compromising compliance
• Lead by example

We operate in a collaborative environment alongside performers, stage management, and venue leadership. Professionalism matters.

How to Apply

Email jobs@brassjar.com with:

Subject line: [Your Name – Bar Manager NYC]

Include:

• Resume detailing bartending and management experience
• Short cover letter (max 1 page)
• A cocktail recipe you created, plus a photo of presentation

Visit to learn more about the production.

Job Type: Full-Time
Work Location: In Person – New York City

Drunk Shakespeare is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Minimum wage, Full time, Contract work, Immediate start, Shift work, Night shift

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