Master of Ceremonies

Job description

Job Description Job Title: Master of Ceremonies Division: Programming Department: Ceremonies Reports to: Ceremonies Manager Position Type: Unpaid Volunteer Location: Remote with occasional in-person meetings (location-dependent), expected to be on-site during convention dates, including the day before and the day after for setup and teardown. About Anthro SoCal Anthro SoCal is a community-driven convention celebrating furry fandom through art, performance, gaming, and social connection. Our success depends on the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteer team. Anthro SoCal was formally known as Another Furry Con in 2024-2025. Position Overview The Master of Ceremonies (MC / Host) is the literal face, voice, and energetic spark of the convention. In this highly visible staff-level position, you are charged with commanding the main stage, capturing the audience's attention, and guiding thousands of attendees through the event's most critical community milestones. From hyping up the crowd at Opening and Closing Ceremonies to smoothly directing the massive fursuit photo lineup, keeping energy high at charity auctions, and anchoring major presentations, you bridge the gap between backstage logistics and the fans in the seats. If you are an incredibly charismatic storyteller who thrives under stage lights and can keep a massive room engaged and smiling, this role is your stage. Time Commitment Year-round: 1-2 hours per month for planning and communication As convention approaches: Gradually increasing to 2-5 hours per week Convention weekend: On-site presence is required with flexible hours Pre and post-convention: On-site presence is required to assist with setup and teardown activities the day before and the day after the event Key Responsibilities Your role will center around live stage hosting, crowd management, and public performance: Convention Ambassadorship: Proudly serve as the primary on-stage representative and face of the convention, setting an enthusiastic, welcoming, and community-focused tone for the entire weekend Flagship Event Hosting: Script, practice, and deliver high-energy hosting duties for Opening and Closing Ceremonies, driving the narrative of the convention from its initial spark to its final send-off Crowd & Lineup Guidance: Command the stage and room audio to efficiently guide and direct massive crowd logistical events, specifically coordinating the fursuit photo lineup, keeping the pacing structured yet fun Charity & Specialty Presentation: Anchor specialized stage events, including the charity auctions, utilizing your voice and presence to encourage attendee participation, keep bids moving, and maintain high audience engagement Image & Attire Maintenance: Maintain a polished, professional, and entirely presentable wardrobe or costume each day of the convention that perfectly aligns with the event's theme, branding, and high-profile nature Backstage Coordination: Partner closely with the Ceremonies Manager and the Stage Management team to take real-time direction, adapt to script adjustments, and hit timing cues flawlessly Qualifications Required: Charismatic Stage Presence: Exceptional public speaking skills and a magnetic, high-energy stage persona. You must be entirely comfortable commanding a mic in front of rooms of thousands of attendees Improvisational Problem-Solving: The critical ability to "think on your feet" and keep an audience entertained or laughing if there is a technical delay, a guest runs late, or stage logistics shift unexpectedly mid-show Punctuality & Show Reliability: Absolute reliability regarding call times, wardrobe checks, and rehearsals. Live shows cannot start without the host Professionalism: Strong interpersonal skills to interact gracefully backstage with high-profile Guests of Honor, technical production leads, and convention staff with a collaborative demeanor Preferred: Fandom & Convention Knowledge: A deep, native understanding of the community culture, inside jokes, and specific event dynamics (like the logistics and etiquette of fursuiting), allowing your humor and commentary to resonate genuinely Performance or Emcee Experience: Prior experience as a convention emcee, live auctioneer, theater performer, stand-up comedian, broadcaster, panel host, or public speaker Conflict & Stress Resolution: The ability to stay grounded, highly focused, and completely unbothered under the unique mental pressure of live, high-density public speaking What We Offer While this is an unpaid volunteer position, we provide: Free convention membership and staff perks Staff hospitality (meals/snacks during your shifts at-con) Exclusive staff events and social opportunities Recognition in convention materials Experience in event management and team leadership A supportive, creative community environment References and recommendation letters upon request Anthro SoCal is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.