box-keeper
Definition
- Noun:
- Theatre attendant: A "box-keeper" is a person employed in a theatre or opera house whose job is to escort patrons to their seats in the private boxes (enclosed seating areas), often also responsible for selling tickets or managing access to those boxes.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The box-keeper politely showed us to our seats in the royal box. (The attendant guided us to the reserved seating area.)
- She worked as a box-keeper at the historic theatre for over twenty years. (She was employed to manage the boxes and assist audience members.)
Advanced Usage
- "Box-keeper's duties": The responsibilities of a box-keeper may include checking tickets, maintaining order in the box area, and providing programs or refreshments.
- The box-keeper's duties included ensuring that no unauthorised persons entered the private boxes. (The attendant enforced access rules for the exclusive seating.)
Variants and Related Words
- Box (n): A separate, enclosed seating area in a theatre; also a container.
- We had a wonderful view of the stage from our box. (The private seating area.)
- Keeper (n): A person who manages or guards something.
- The zoo keeper fed the animals. (The person responsible for the animals.)
Synonyms
- Usher: A person who guides people to their seats, especially in a theatre or cinema.
- The usher led us to our row. (Similar role, but typically for general seating, not just boxes.)
- Attendant: A person employed to provide service or assistance.
- The theatre attendant helped us find our seats. (A broader term for a service worker.)
Related Idioms
- In the box: Referring to being seated in a private box at a performance.
- The VIPs were all in the box, watching the show. (They occupied the exclusive seating area.)
Notes
- The term "box-keeper" is somewhat archaic and is more commonly found in historical contexts or older theatre descriptions. In modern usage, the role is often merged with that of an usher or ticket-taker.