Rude Usher at Belasco Theatre- Page 3

[JohnyBroadway]

Posted: 8/3/14 at 11:17am

Isn't there a union rule that the audience has to be cleared out of the seating area after a performance. I always respect the ushers, and have never ran into a problem because of it. However, the other guests who think they are entitled because they bought a ticket are just plain rude.

[Jane2]

Posted: 8/3/14 at 11:48am

it's my understanding that buying a ticket entitles you to see a program. When the program is over, I don't know of any stipulation which entitles the ticket holder to remain inside the theater to look at it for however long he/she wants. Are customers allowed to remain in a store once it comes closing time, just because they bought something there? I don't think so!

[dented146]

Posted: 8/3/14 at 1:04pm

Having only been a member of the audience, I find this thread very informative. I see that I have never really looked at it from the point of view of the staff. I must agree with Jordan that we did not get the whole truth.

[South Florida]

Posted: 8/3/14 at 5:57pm

I love this, funny.

[South Florida]

Posted: 8/3/14 at 6:26pm

Sorry for double posting but this may be one of the funniest things I have ever read. That menacing looking guy in the shorts.

[OperaBwayLover]

Posted: 8/3/14 at 7:02pm

Jane2: the reason I said 'true' was in response to the patron paying a lot of money for their ticket. The rest was pure BS on their part. It costs nothing for people to be understanding and location has nothing to do with it. There's been many a gracious patron in the top balcony section in the cheap seats. But I digress.

"At my theater, there's also another problem: the paid staff with actual authority, such as myself, is made up primarily of college students and twentysomethings, while the volunteer ushers are generally retirees. I can't count the number of times a patron has asked me a question, then given me a doubtful look and turned to an older usher."

THIS. So much. I am one of the youngest house managers on staff (I'm 27) and I have trouble with just my USHERS who are volunteers and older and do not want to listen to me even though they are assigned to work in my section simply because of the age difference. Sad thing is it's not like I lord it over them: I'm polite, respectful of their experiences, and usually when I tell them something they need to know (seating holds, VIP seating, etc) I'm straightforward so they can't get offended. I actually get that more than patrons doubting my authority due to my age.

[Jane2]

Posted: 8/3/14 at 7:16pm

thanks for the explanation opera!