Working at Broadway theaters

[theatreguy]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 12:55am

So I know the ushers have a union and stuff, but what about the people who sell merchandise and stuff like that? Are does one go about getting those jobs? Is there a company or something that handles them, do individual theaters hire them? Anyone have info? Thanks.

[zzannahk]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 12:56am

sometimes they're in the playbill.com job listings

[PJ]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 1:03am

The best way to go about getting a job selling merchandise is just to go around to the theatres and inquire about getting a job. It might even be wise to take a resume with you just in case.

[theatreguy]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 1:12am

PJ, that's what I was thinking. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't one of those jobs that you can only get if you know the right people.

And, at the theater, with whom exactly do I leave my resume?

[alli2]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 1:15am

you have to know someone who works for a merchandise company, or go to the show and ask to see the manager on-duty.

selling merch is lots of fun!!

[PJ]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 1:16am

Here's what I did:

Go to a theatre shortly before show time, that way the merchandise people are there, and ask them. They'll most likely direct you to their boss if he's there at that theatre or at another one. Go to the boss and let him know you're interested. If they ask, give them a resume.

[theatreguy]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 1:21am

Cool, thanks so much everyone.

The parents would like me to get a job, so I figure I might as well start out with someone a know I'll like then work my way down the list.

[jimmirae]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 1:28am

Okay, Call me jaded but "Ushers" have a Union now?? I think Ushers are great but, A Union?? This is a HOOT!

[PennyLou]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 10:15am

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Updated On: 12/23/05 at 10:15 AM

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/16/05 at 11:26am

jimmirae---The ushers union isn't new. It's been around for a long time.

[broadwaygal3]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 1:53am

"Ushers have a union now?" FYI, the ushers union has been around for many, many years, and they are just as valid as any
other theatrical union. I think they're a local of IATSE, or they used to be. It's great part-time work for actors and
students.

I worked as a Broadway and Lincoln Center usher in the 1970's
and I loved it! I got to see almost every show on Broadway
and it was great! I made some great friends working as an usher,
got to meet many celebrities. It was one of the best jobs I ever had.

[jimmirae]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 5:04am

I never even gave it a thought so it struck me funny, Not to make less of their jobs, It was just that I thought most Ushers were simply Broadway Lovers who could see more shows doing that job, You know, Like Streisand talks about being an Usher when young?
I truly had no idea, I simply never noticed.
Thanks for the info.

[Broadway Bob*]

Posted: 10/17/05 at 1:48pm

I was a substitute (or "understudy" if you will) Broadway usher for several years. The thing that amazed me is that most of the people who are ushers couldn't give a hoot about the theater. A majority of them are older, nasty women who don't like new people coming in and bothering them. They've all been doing it for years and rarely ever actualy watch the show playing at their theater. There are some exceptions. There are younger people, too, but most of them are family members of the older ushers, and most of them are just as nasty and couldn't care. Then there were the few of us who were genuinely interested in the theater and were nice. We were the main ones the old ladies hated and tried to run out.
Being a sub usher was great. I got to work all the different theaters and see a LOT of amazing theater and get paid to be there. The best was when I got to see something I wouldn't have seen, normally, and LOVED it! I miss it VERY much.