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HOSPITALITY & GUEST SERVICE EXPERIENCE


Concessions Supervisor | Climate Pledge Arena (WaFd Club)

March 2024 – Present 

  • Lead operations within an exclusive, high-volume hospitality club during Seattle Kraken (Torrent, Storm, etc) home games, and high-profile concerts to delivering premium food and beverage service to suite-level guests.

  • Oversee full-service hospitality operations, ensuring concession stands and club areas are clean, stocked, and guest-ready prior to event start

  • Coordinate team coverage to deliver timely in-seat and point-of-service experiences for high-end clientele

  • Maintain quality, safety, and service standards in a fast-paced arena environment

  • Support POS transactions, cash handling, and reconciliation with accuracy under pressure

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with culinary, bar, and operations teams to ensure seamless service execution

Bartending | Premium Service & VIP Hospitality

Sept 2010 – Present | Various Venues

Extensive experience providing full-service bar operations and VIP guest care across theaters, events, and hospitality venues.

  • Prepare and serve beer, wine, spirits, and craft cocktails with strong knowledge of standard recipes

  • Execute suite-style and event-based beverage service, including pre-set and on-demand orders

  • Manage POS systems, cash handling, and accurate transaction processing

  • Deliver personalized, high-touch service to VIP and corporate guests

  • Maintain bar cleanliness, inventory, and compliance with safety and alcohol service standards

  • Thrive in high-volume, fast-paced environments, maintaining calm and efficiency under pressure

  • Train staff on service standards, upselling techniques, and guest interaction

 

“Host of the Lounge” | Donor Lounge | Seattle Repertory Theatre

Deliver elevated, concierge-style service within a private donor lounge, supporting high-profile patrons and event stakeholders.

  • Create a welcoming, high-touch hospitality experience aligned with premium service expectations

  • Manage pre-event setup, stocking, and presentation of food and beverage offerings

  • Provide personalized guest attention, including beverage service, recommendations, and relationship building

  • Recognized for guest engagement, storytelling, and creating memorable event experiences

  • Maintain cleanliness, organization, and ambiance throughout performances and special events

 

FOH Audience Lead | Empire Strips Back: A Star Wars Burlesque Parody

Led audience operations and front-of-house service in a high-energy, immersive theatrical burlesque parody blending comedy, performance, and fandom culture​​. 

Lead with a Light Sabor while bringing organization to the chaos.

 

Known for:

  • Bringing organization to high-volume, high-energy environments

  • Balancing structure with personality-driven guest engagement

Front of House Shift Captain |  Seattle Repertory Theatre

Sept 2023 – Present

Lead front-of-house operations and premium guest services for audiences of 600+ per performance.

  • Supervise FOH team, ensuring full coverage of all guest service areas including premium spaces

  • Provide real-time problem solving and guest issue resolution in high-pressure environments

  • Train team members on guest service excellence, safety protocols, and operational procedures

  • Utilize POS and ticketing systems for concessions and merchandise sales

  • Complete financial reconciliation, reporting, and operational documentation

 

​The Golden Lion, London, UK

First Bartending Gig at Nostalic bar (I lived my first four years across the street from it)

  • Serving regulars with personality, care, and plenty of pub storytelling.

  • Managed solo shifts, poured pints while making sure to “top them off”, and kept the bar atmosphere welcoming and familiar.

  • Navigated UK liquor laws while embracing the no-nonsense charm and humor that made The Golden Lion a neighborhood institution​​

© 2026 by Maria Vandenburg

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