Posted: 11/2/18 at 4:51pm
Has anybody been a volunteer usher off-broadway?
Ushering in December for Clueless! The Musical and I'm wondering what to expect.
Posted: 11/2/18 at 4:57pm
Hey! I've ushered there before, and at other theatres! It's very fun and painless, and an excellent way to see the shows for free.
At Signature Center, you basically show up early wearing all black, and they may or may not ask you spend a few minutes putting inserts into the programs. They'll give you the rundown on the seating layout, show information, etc. Then when the house opens, you basically just hand out programs to the people coming in, and help point them to where their seat is. Right before the show, they'll direct you to an empty seat and you get to watch the show! At intermission, they may ask you to stand and be available in case people need your help with little things, but any serious issues will be handled by the house manager. Then after the show you're pretty much done, and can go home!
Updated On: 11/2/18 at 04:57 PM
Posted: 11/2/18 at 5:07pm
It might be fun to be a pretend usher and direct people to the wrong seats just to watch the fireworks.
Posted: 11/2/18 at 10:27pm
Ushering 101 tips:
1. Make brief eye contact with each theatregoer, and genuinely share a welcome or good evening.
2. When handing out a program, it should be face up and immediately readable to the patron. Sure, it is a small detail, but the best ushers do this. The front of the Playbill will be upside down to you, but right side up to the recipient. For a party of 4, share 4 Playbills with one guest, and demurely announce in earshot of the others HERE ARE FOUR PLAYBILLS.
3. Share concise seating info. Say row D, on your right or left. If the theatre is set up where YOU escort the theatregoers to their seats, this is lovely.
4. Know that when the first few theatregoers land in their correct seats in each row, the rest of the row almost always seats itself correctly. So, get the early birds into their exact seats.
5. Know the runtime of the show. Know where the washrooms are. Know where any booster seats or hearing assistance devices may be obtained.
6. Invite latecomers to remove their coats before being seated. They may decline, but at least place the idea into their mind.
7. You are an ambassador of the theatre at this performance. Be polite, warm, quiet when necessary, and gracious to everyone.
Updated On: 11/2/18 at 10:27 PM
