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Parents

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USHERING


  1. Ushers should dress in black semi-formal apparel

  2. Ushers need to be in place 60 minutes before curtain

  3. Make sure both sets of doors to the lobby are CLOSED

  4. Make sure there is a small trash can just inside the theatre to toss ticket stubs

  5. Make sure there are plenty of programs (100+) ready to go just inside the theatre
    (If there aren't, check the desk just inside the tech booth)


  6. Stand out by the entrance from the hallway into the lobby

  7. Greet guests pleasantly as they arrive and briefly point the way to concessions table, cast-grams, box office, and restrooms

  8. 30 minutes before curtain, check with the house manager whether it is ok to open the house

  9. When given the green light by the house manager, open doors to the house

  10. Doors to house should open no later than 15 minutes prior to curtain no matter what

  11. Position yourself by interior set of doors

  12. 1 usher on each side of the theatre should tear ticket stubs while the other hands out programs

  13. Assist patrons in finding their seats if necessary

  14. As patrons enter, smile and say something pleasant like "Thanks for coming, enjoy the show!"

  15. When instructed by the house manager, or when the lights go down, close the doors to the house

  16. Once the house doors close, one usher should remain in the lobby to check tickets of latecomers

  17. The second person should remain just inside the theatre and seat latecomers in available seats at the back

  18. 15 minutes into the show, both ushers may be seated in remaining seats at the back of the theatre

  19. During the show, keep an eye out for people using cellphones or cameras (if necessary, quietly remind them not to)

  20. If any problem comes up during the show that you cannot handle, seek help from the house manager or theatre staff

  21. During intermission, open the doors to the house, direct people to the restrooms if they need it, and guard the theatre from food

  22. Once intermission begins, check your watch/phone.  After 15 minutes, one person should stay at the door and the other should enter the lobby and begin politely ushering patrons back into the theatre ("Ladies and gentlemen, if you will please return to your seats, we will begin the second act."  Walk throughout the lobby and repeat as necessary.)

  23. When the lights inside the theatre get waved up and down, begin closing the doors to the house

  24. Once the doors are closed and all patrons re-seated, check with concessions volunteers to see if they need any help cleaning up

  25. After the show, open the doors to the house

  26. Thank the patrons as the exit, tell them you hope they come back for our next show, and tell them that the cast will be out in the lobby soon for meet and greet

  27. Collect any programs left behind and leave a neat stack just inside the theatre for the next performance

  28. Check in with the house manager before leaving.  Once given the green light, you can go home.
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