Master of Ceremonies

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.