Announcement Archive 2010-2013

Scheduling for the 2014 Ballet Season and Shen Yun begins mid-December. On December 6, volunteers will be sent an e-mail message with the date that they may begin scheduling. For selected ushers this message will include an invitation to volunteer for Opening Night.

Starting December 13, ushers assigned to group 1 may signup for House-ushering assignments. Volunteers are asked to signup for at most one of the two performances (February 12 and 13) of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For this ballet, signups close on December 15. (Volunteers may request the other performance from December 16 to 18.)

Starting December 16, ushers in groups 1 and 2 may signup for House- and regular-ushering assignments and may request one (not both) of the performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. These two performances will be closed to requests on December 18.

Starting December 19, ushers in group 3 may signup for House- and regular-ushering assignments.

Starting December 22, ushers in group 4 may request House- and regular ushering assignments.

The General Information page, which was most recently updated this October, explains how volunteers are assigned to groups. Scheduling depends on ushers fulfilling their commitments. Volunteers who cancel a performance without adding another (even if they still usher for four Nutcrackers) will have their Ballet schedules and ushering group reviewed.

NEW AT THE OPERA HOUSE - posted November 7, 2013

Live Titles, headsets that provide a spoken version of the projected supertitles, are now available at the North Lobby coat check for all opera performances. A major credit card or driver’s license is required as deposit. Items about new features and changes at the Opera House are usually posted HERE.

NUTCRACKER 2013 - posted October 28, 2013

Nutcracker scheduling begins early November. On October 28, volunteer ushers were sent an e-mail message with the date that they may begin scheduling. Ushers are urged to review the revised General Information page to familiarize themselves with the descriptions of the scheduling groups for repertory performances.

Scheduling for the first group (House ushering only) opens on Monday, November 4.

Scheduling for the second group commences Thursday, November 7, when all volunteers with PRESTO privileges, including those in group 1, have a choice of either House- or Regular-ushering.

Note that, even though the Shen Yun spectacular will be presented in the Opera House in January (from the 4th to the 12th), these performances cannot be used to fulfill the Nutcracker prerequisite. Scheduling for Shen Yun will begin in mid-December.

BETWEEN OPERA AND NUTCRACKER - first posted October 28, 2013

Volunteer ushers are needed for two special events at the Opera House during the week after the Opera Season ends.

On Wednesday, December 4, Glide Memorial United Methodist Church presents its annual Holiday Festival. The evening will mark the first fifty years at Glide for co-founders Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani and feature singing, story-telling, and some remarkable celebrating. For details, click HERE. Report time is 5:30pm.

And on Friday, December 6, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus kicks off its annual holiday show--for the first time at the Opera House--with SHINE. There will be many seasonal classics, but also some new music, and the program features second-year Adler Fellow Marina Harris. For more information, click HERE. Report time is 6:30pm.

Starting November 4, ushers in group 1 for Nutcracker may signup for one or both events. Starting November 7, all other ushers with PRESTO privileges may request to usher. On November 11, volunteers may check PRESTO to see whether their request has been approved. (posted 10/28; updated 11/27: report time for December 4 changed to 5:00pm)

EARLIER REHEARSAL-TIME FOR THE BARBER - posted October 28, 2013

The report time for the Friday, November 8, dress rehearsal of The Barber of Seville has been changed to 4:30pm. Volunteers now interested in ushering might check PRESTO to check to see if any opportunities open up.

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE - posted October 2, 2013

On Saturday, November 9, the opera company is having an Open House, which will include technical and musical demonstrations, sing-alongs, workshops, and displays.

Ushers are invited to signup to volunteer for the open house through PRESTO Group & Event Manager. Volunteering for this event will require standing for most of the shift. Report time is 9:30am and the event is scheduled to end at 2:30pm.

This announcement will be updated as details become available.

FALL OPERA 2013 - posted June 30, 2013

Scheduling for the 2013 Fall Opera Season begins in mid-July.

Phase 1 (House signups only) opens Friday, July 12.

Phase 2 (House and regular signups) opens Monday, July 15.

Phase 3 (House and regular requests) opens Thursday, July 18.

Volunteers were sent an e-mail message on July 3, notifying them of their phase-eligibility. For selected ushers, the phase-eligibility message included an invitation to request the Verdi Requiem. Selection factors include ushering quality and frequency. Volunteers wishing to be considered must place a request through PRESTO between July 12 and July 17.

In early August ushers with PRESTO access may request vouchers for the rehearsal of Dolores Claiborne, and check PRESTO for the status of their request starting Monday, August 19. (posted 6/30; updated 7/6, 7/26, 8/3, 8/22, 8/27, 9/13, 9/20)

CHANGE IN REHEARSAL-TIME FOR COSÌ FAN TUTTE - posted June 3, 2013

The report time for Thursday's dress rehearsal is now 5pm. Volunteers now interested in ushering should check PRESTO Group & Event Manager to check to see if there are any open opportunities.

NEW FOR SUMMER OPERA - posted May 24, 2013

For Summer Opera season, PRESTO Group & Event Manager will offer two new options. These changes will be of greatest benefit to volunteers who are available on short notice, who want to help when performances are short staffed, and who like to usher in all areas of the Opera House. A third change affects cancellations with one to three days' notice.

Later Signups

When there are openings, ushers will be able to signup as few as three hours before report time. Performances less than three days away will be available in an event separate from the one that encompasses the full season. Performances will be added as needed, any time during the short-notice signup window, 3 to 72 hours before report time.

Email Notifications

Through their PRESTO registration form, ushers may opt to be notified by email when a performance is short-staffed. They can then check PRESTO and signup if more help is needed.

Cancellations

Cancellations within 72 hours of report time will be done by email rather than PRESTO. Ushers should still also call the usher hotline, (415) 551-6247, if the cancelation is less than 2 hours before report time.

VOUCHERS FOR THE JUNE 2 DRESS REHEARSAL - posted May 8, 2013

On May 7, selected volunteers were sent an invitation to signup for vouchers for the June 2 dress rehearsal of The Tales of Hoffmann in recognition of their help during the long runs of Rigoletto, Tosca, Nutcracker, and Cinderella. With nine performances, The Tales of Hoffmann has a long run, too. Volunteers are being counted on to fulfill their ushering commitments, and those that have the the time and inclination are encouraged to offer extra help for this opera. (posted 5/8; updated 5/15)

INVITATION TO MAY 17 CONCERT AT ZELLERBACH - posted May 3, 2013

On Friday, May 17, SF Opera and Cal Performances are presenting Music Director Nicola Luisotti, the Opera Orchestra, and pianist Giuseppe Albanese in a special concert at Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley Campus. Curtain-time is 8pm.

The program includes Puccini's rarely performed Capriccio sinfonico and features Nino Rota's Piano Concerto in C major (1960, at a time when he was also writing film music for Fellini and Visconti) and Brahms' Symphony No. 3 in F major. For additional information, click HERE.

Any volunteer who would like to attend as a guest of SF Opera should check PRESTO, where, for a limited time, each usher may request one or two tickets. (posted 5/3; updated 5/15)

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS - first posted March 25, 2013; this is the version of April 1

The Goldman Environmental Prize Awards Ceremony - Monday, April 15, 3:30pm report time

This annual award presentation recognizes grassroots environmental heroes for sustained and significant efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment. As of March 25, scheduling to usher is open to all volunteers.

George W. Bush with Condoleezza Rice and the San Francisco Girls Chorus - Wednesday, May 1, 3:30pm report time

Mr. Bush never visited San Francisco as President, such was his busy schedule. Now, in what is being styled a "kiss-and-make-up tour", George Bush and his former Secretary of State will engage in a frank and personal conversation about the world as they so thoroughly know it on the stage of the Opera House. The former President plans to begin with a quote from one of his favorite writers, Oscar Wilde: "It is only shallow people who do not judge by appearances. The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible." Ms. Rice will conclude the program by accompanying, on the Yamaha, the San Francisco Girls Chorus in Anthems of Newly Emerging Nations.

Since all ushers undergo a security check before being scheduled, PRESTO opens today for requests for this unordinary event on International Workers' Day.

An Evening with David Sedaris - Sunday, May 5, 6pm report time

Discover the connection between taxidermy and diabetes, at least in the creative mind of David Sedaris. Mr. Sedaris returns to the Opera House during the run of Cinderella.

Volunteers eligible to signup for Summer Opera in Phase 1 may now signup (started on April 5). From April 11 to 16, all other ushers may request this event, which will be closed for processing on Wednesday, April 17. Requesting volunteers can check their schedules on April 18, when any remaining slots will be open for signup.

Zheng Cao Memorial - Monday, June 24, 1:30pm report time [changed to 2pm on June 17]

Mezzo-soprano Zheng Cao died on February 21. The Opera House, where she made her debut in 1995, will be open to the public on June 24 for a celebration of her life and voice. Because her family has suggested that attendees wear red, or red and gold, volunteer ushers may add a red, or red and gold, item to the basic-black dress code for this event.

Scheduling to usher will open for all volunteers on April 5.

Jethro Tull: Thick as a Brick - Monday, July 8, 6:30pm report time

Best known for his work as the lead vocalist, flautist, and acoustic guitarist of the British rock band Jethro Tull, Scotland 's own Ian Anderson is an amazing singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is bringing Tull's epic Thick as a Brick to the stage of the War Memorial Opera House, as part of a world-tour that presents this album live in its entirety for the first time since 1972.

Scheduling to usher will open for all volunteers on April 5.

SUMMER OPERA SEASON 2013 - posted March 25, 2013

Scheduling for the 2013 Summer Opera Season will open with Phase 1 on Friday, April 5.

Phase 1 (for House-ushering signups only) opens Friday, April 5.

Phase 2 (for House- and regular-ushering signups) opens Monday, April 8.

Phase 3 (House- and regular-requests) opens Thursday, April 11.

On Friday, March 29, volunteers will be sent an e-mail message notifying them of their phase-eligibility. To find out how an usher's scheduling phase is determined, see the General Information page.

All ushering for rehearsals is regular, and volunteers for rehearsals are expected to commit to a performance of the same opera. (first posted 3/25; updated 3/29, 3/30, 4/5, 4/6, 4/8, 4/11)

THE GOLDMAN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE - posted March 12, 2013

Volunteers eligible to schedule Ballet in Phase 1 or 2 are invited to signup for the Goldman Environmental Prize Ceremony, which takes place on Monday, April 15. Report time is 3:30pm. Ushering is open to Opera House ushers only; please do not request to bring a guest.

A MESSAGE FROM ERIC - first posted January 1, 2013

Nobody ever said this was going to be easy. As it turns out, they were right.

Having stared at this blank page long enough to know graceful tact and eloquence will continue to elude me, I am instead going to take the direct route and just blurt. Please forgive my bluntness.

This month I will be stepping down from my post as House Manager.

Okay, now the hard part . . . Typically this is where someone in my predicament says thank you and attempts to describe what a pleasure it has been to work with such great colleagues. My problem here is no matter what I say, it will fall well short of expressing my emotion.

I am so very grateful for the time we’ve spent. Joy, fellowship, pride, affection, and fun have been mere byproducts of a job that never felt like work. I can honestly say I am a better person now than I was when we started this journey together. That is as strong a testament to your influence as I can muster at the moment. I will forever remain proud of our accomplishments together and look back fondly at so many shared experiences.

In my professional career I have been blessed with having had some extraordinary opportunities, and while they were all very cool, nothing I had ever done before could begin to compare with this. Getting to know you, learn from you, and work alongside you for the past eight years has been rewarding to me in ways I never would have thought possible when I first walked through the door to this special place. Your support and hard work provided me the daily satisfaction that can only come from being part of a team like this. Thank you for accepting me as I was, tolerating my stumbles along the way, and allowing me to grow into this role. I couldn't have done it without you.

It has indeed been an honor and a privilege to serve as your House Manager. My respect and admiration for all of you is endless, my gratitude boundless.

Aloha. Mahalo.

Yours truly,

Eric

PARKING METERS OPERATIVE ON SUNDAYS - first posted December 31, 2012

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has announced that, as of January 6, 2013, all metered parking will be enforced on Sundays from noon to 6pm. This will affect parking in the Civic Center area, including around the Opera House. For more information, click HERE.

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION 2013 - first posted December 10, 2012

Two penguins were standing on an ice floe. Suddenly several members of the Professional Organization of English Majors scrambled on board, and one of them said: "Mind if we come with you? Muni's broke again, and we've got to see Garrison Keillor's face on the radio."

"Huh?" replied one of the penguins.

"We're heading for the Opera House. You two dress like ushers. We naturally thought . . . " quipped the English Major.

Yes, there are going to be two Saturday APHC radio broadcasts from San Francisco in January.

Saturday, January 5 - A Prairie Home Companion - report time 1:15pm

Saturday, January 12 - A Prairie Home Companion - report time 1:15pm

Volunteers who were eligible to signup for the Ballet Season during Phase 1 may signup for one or both airings. Volunteers qualified for Phase 2 may request one or both. PRESTO Group & Event Manager is configured to accept, through noon on December 20, signups and requests from those eligible. Starting December 22, volunteers may learn the status of their request(s) by logging into PRESTO.

This message is approved by the Ketchup Advisory Board. Ketchup contains natural mellowing agents that help you confront Nutcrackers and the post-holiday blues. Its festive red color truly brightens up almost any dish, or life. "These are the good years." (first posted 12/10; revised 12/22)

MESSAGE FROM ERIC ABOUT THE DEATH OF SUSAN WEISS - first posted December 6, 2012

Dear Friends,

It is my sad duty today to report to you the passing of Susan Weiss. After a long battle with a variety of health problems, Susan left this world Tuesday morning surrounded by family and loved ones. As her son Steve told me, “She must have wanted to wait until the end of Opera season.”

Susan was a strong presence here at the front door of the Opera House for many years, and she will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. This is no easier for me to type than it is for you to read. I learned a lot from Susan and I will always keep a place in my heart for her. I trust you will do the same.

Sincerely,

Eric

The San Francisco Chronicle / SFGate obituary is HERE.

BALLET SEASON 2013 - first posted November 29, 2012

Scheduling for the 2013 Ballet Season will open with Phase 1 on Friday, December 7. Rehearsals will be available on PRESTO later. Volunteers for any rehearsal are expected to commit to a performance of the same program.

Phase 1 (House signups only) opens Friday, December 7.

Phase 2 (House and regular signups) opens Monday, December 10.

Phase 3 (House and regular requests) opens Thursday, December 13.

On Tuesday, December 4, volunteers who have completed the revised Area-Preferences section of the PRESTO registration form will be sent an e-mail message notifying them of their phase-eligibility as of Monday, December 3. For selected ushers the phase-eligibility message will include an invitation to volunteer for Opening Night.

To find out how an usher's scheduling phase is determined, see "NEW FOR NUTCRACKER" below. More information about scheduling is available on the General Information page. (first posted 11/29; updated 12/4, 12/7, 12/10, 12/13, 12/14, 1/5, 2/10, 3/22, 5/5)

NUTCRACKER 2012 - first posted November 22, 2012

Scheduling began November 2. A Nutcracker message was sent to active ushers on Monday, October 22. Ushers who need a copy of this message should contact the scheduling team <ushers@sfopera.com>.

On October 28, ushers who completed the revised Area Preferences section of the PRESTO registration form on or before October 27 were sent an e-mail message notifying them of their phase-eligibility, which is affected by their area preferences. Ushers who entered their preference by the deadline but did not receive the message, should look for their scheduling phase on their registration form (in PRESTO) or contact the scheduling team. Ushers who entered their preference after the deadline should allow 72 hours for their form to be processed. (first posted 10/22; revised 10/28, 11/26 - this is the revised version of 11/28/2012)

NEW FOR NUTCRACKER - posted November 22, 2012

Starting with signups for Nutcracker 2012, volunteers will have more options in three aspects of scheduling. This increased flexibility is designed to help ushers provide the best possible experience to our patrons.

Scheduling The primary factors in determining an usher’s phase eligibility are quality of ushering in every position, frequency of House ushering, and frequency of ushering.

House Ushering When scheduling a performance, any usher may volunteer for a House ushering assignment, which requires monitoring an aisle during the performance and staying until the auditorium clears. Signing up as House is a request for, not a guarantee of, a House ushering assignment.

Area Preferences Area preferences apply to pre-performance and intermission(s). House ushers may be asked to monitor an aisle on another level during the performance. Preferences recorded in PRESTO Group & Event Manager have been cleared. Please complete the revised Area Preferences section of the PRESTO registration form.

The number of ushers preferring a given area varies greatly from performance to performance. Ushers choosing "Wherever most needed" have more chance of a House ushering assignment. Since there are no performance duties in the Lobby or Boxes, ushers indicating that preference have less chance of a House ushering assignment.

SF OPERA COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE - posted November 2

On Saturday, November 10, 10:30am–2:30pm, the opera company is having an Open House. This will include technical and musical demonstrations, appearances by singers and other musicians, and two screenings of Carmen for Families.

Read more about the event HERE. Ushers are invited to request to volunteer for the open house through PRESTO Group & Event Manager. Requests should be submitted by noon Tuesday, November 6 so that they can be processed on Wednesday. As usual, ushers may check their schedules in PRESTO to find out the status of their request.

Volunteering for this event will require standing for most of the shift. Ushers selected will receive a pair of complimentary tickets for the Summer Season opera of their choice.

This announcement will be updated as details become available. (posted 11/2; revised 11/4)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9: CENTENARY OF 'ABDU'L-BAHÁ'S VISIT TO CALIFORNIA - posted August 8, 2012

A Centenary Commemoration of the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ (the eldest son of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith) to California is to be held at the Opera House on Sunday, September 9. Registered attendance for the commemoration has already reached the capacity of the War Memorial and a waiting list has been established.

Ushers are invited to volunteer for this free event. Report time is 12:30pm. Any active volunteer may use PRESTO Group & Event Manager to signup. The commemoration begins at 2pm and is expected to last two hours. (Note that this is the day of "Opera in the Park".)

More information about this event is available HERE. (posted 8/8)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15: RIGOLETTO AT TWO VENUES - posted August 5, 2012

Extra volunteers, both at the Opera House and AT&T Park, are needed for the performance of Rigoletto on Saturday evening, September 15. Most volunteers who have ushered at AT&T Park for a simulcast have thoroughly enjoyed the unique experience. It does require some special abilities: speaking loudly and frequently, standing for up to two hours on a hard surface, and possibly braving the elements. Ushers with Simulcast experience are especially welcome again this year.

If you would like to help out, login to PRESTO Group & Event Manager and signup for Opera House ushering (request if not Nutcracker qualified), or request consideration for the Ballpark simulcast of that Rigoletto performance. (posted 8/5)

FALL OPERA SEASON 2012 - posted July 8, 2012

Scheduling begins this week. Nutcracker qualification determines when an usher can start. On July 9, active volunteers will be sent an e-mail message notifying them of their phase-eligibility. Those who do not receive the message and are unsure of their phase should contact the scheduling team at <ushers@sfopera.com>.

Phase 1 (starting July 11): Ushers with three or more House Nutcrackers (at least four total) may signup for House ushering

Phase 2 (starting July 16): Ushers with four or more Nutcrackers may begin to signup

Phase 3 (added July 21): Ushers not qualified to signup may begin to request available performances; this applies to all volunteers who started ushering this year

Notes for Phase 1:

- Signups are confirmed automatically. Before Phase 2 opens, however, signups will be changed to regular for rehearsals, and some signups for performances with extra House ushers will also be changed to regular. Volunteers may check their schedules on July 16 to see whether they are scheduled for any regular ushering. A volunteer assigned to regular ushering may cancel that performance and signup as House for any performance that still needs House, or keep that performance as a regular usher.
- At most, 25 House ushers are needed for a performance. To enable House-qualified volunteers to schedule any performance, no limit is in place for the first three days of Phase 1. At the end of day 3, limits will placed on all performances. On days 4 and 5, a volunteer who wants to usher for a performance that has no House openings may use "House (request)" to schedule as a regular usher.

All ushering for rehearsals is regular, and volunteers for rehearsals are expected to commit to a performance of the same opera. More information about scheduling is available here, on the pages for Ushering Rewards & Requirements and Scheduling & Cancelling. (posted 7/8; revised 8/5)

WELCOME-BACK FREE TICKET OFFER FROM THE OPERA - posted May 28

On May 28 volunteers in good standing were invited by e-mail to signup for tickets for Maestro Nicola Luisotti and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra at a concert in Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley campus, Sunday, June 3rd, at 3:00 pm. The program offers music by Prokofiev, Haydn, and Cherubini.

About the Concert

San Francisco Opera and Cal Performances are pleased to present Music Director Nicola Luisotti and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra in concert with cellist Amit Peled, in a delightful program that spans three centuries.

The afternoon starts with Sergei Prokofiev's Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25, usually known by the nickname "Classical." This lighthearted work, completed in 1917 during a summer holiday, was heavily influenced by the delightful symphonies of Joseph Haydn, who created the model and set the standard for the symphonic form in the Classic Period. Next, to highlight Haydn's influences even further, the orchestra travels back to the late 1700s to perform his Cello Concerto in C major, with cellist Amit Peled. Professor of cello at the Peabody Conservatory of Music at Johns Hopkins University and frequent soloist with orchestras worldwide, Amit Peled is a sought-after guest artist at music festivals and is admired for his "simply gorgeous sound." (Baltimore Sun).

The final composition on the program is Luigi Cherubini's Symphony in D major, offering audiences a very special opportunity to hear this rarely heard symphonic masterwork. Considered by Beethoven his greatest contemporary, Cherubini is best known for his operas and sacred works, producing only one symphony in his prolific career. He writes expressively and captures the dramatic flair that fits so naturally to his operatic writing.

Behold "the brilliance of Luisotti's orchestral conducting" and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra's "thrillingly great playing" (San Francisco Chronicle) in an afternoon of glorious music.

"Under his baton, the San Francisco Opera Orchestra sparkles, shimmers, storms, and, most importantly, sings the music." (San Francisco Examiner)

GUEST VOUCHERS FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 5 - posted May 14

Extra help for operas and ballets with longer runs and many non-subscribers is appreciated. As a thank-you, the Opera is offering guest vouchers for the Nixon in China rehearsal, Tuesday, June 5, at 2:00pm. Because a full volunteer ushering staff is needed for the performances, volunteers are asked to share their vouchers with others and not to use them to attend the rehearsal themselves.

On May 14, volunteers who ushered most frequently were invited to signup for up to four vouchers. Volunteers who served as House ushers or did extra performances of Turandot or Carmen were invited to signup for one or two vouchers. Any usher in good standing may request one or two vouchers. Approval is not guaranteed. Requests entered by May 21 will be processed on May 22.

Signups close on May 21. As long as vouchers are still available, requests will remain open until June 1. These requests will be processed within 24 hours.

Volunteers expecting tickets should login to PRESTO to confirm that their signup or request was recorded. Information about picking up tickets is available through the "edit form" link.

BENEFIT DANCE PERFORMANCE AT HERBST THEATRE - posted May 8, 2012

Garen Scribner and James Sofranko, soloists with the San Francisco Ballet, have partnered with the Cancer Prevention Institute of California to Get In Front of cancer by producing this one-night-only benefit dance performance showcasing ballet and contemporary works from some of the world’s most renowned choreographers. This event will take place in the Herbst Theatre, not the Opera House, on Wednesday, June 6, curtain time 7pm.

For more information on Get in Front, click HERE.

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

On May 8, Opera House ushers who volunteered for at least six Nutcrackers and completed all of their signups were sent an email message inviting them to consider ushering for this event. Because the Herbst is much smaller than the Opera House, fewer ushers are needed; more ushers may want to volunteer than can be scheduled. If the requests exceed the slots, ushers will be selected based on their no-show history and on the number of Don Quixotes for which they ushered.

REMINDER ABOUT CANCELLATIONS - posted April 26, 2012

Volunteers are asked to review the guidelines about Scheduling and Cancelling. A substitute shift is expected in exchange for a cancellation. Over-committing early in the season risks too few ushers at some performances and is unfair to willing volunteers who cannot signup for a performance that needs ushers.

Some cancellations are unavoidable. A volunteer may cancel any shift at any time. Adding a short-staffed performance (check any open to requests) in its place is particularly helpful. Ushers who chronically trim their schedules will have restricted access to future performances.

The scheduling team appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all volunteer ushers. (posted 4/26)

FOUND: USHERING NECKLACE - posted April 25, 2012

Several months ago a necklace with an ushering badge was found, in a baggie with some other items. Anyone missing a necklace may claim it by a message to <ushers@sfopera.com>; describe the necklace and the other contents of the baggie and it's yours.

SF BALLET ANNOUNCES THE 2013 SEASON - first posted April 9, 2012

San Francisco Ballet has published information about its 2013 season. It starts, as always, with Nutcracker in December of this year, with 31 performances between December 7 and 28. Following the Opening Night Gala, on Thursday, January 24, 2013, the season will consist of eight programs presented from January 29 to May 12. Perhaps the most unusual event will be Program 2: from February 13 to 19, the Hamburg Ballet will dance John Neumeier's Nijinsky at the Opera House; in a quasi "company-exchange", San Francisco Ballet will dance Neumeier's Little Mermaid in Hamburg this summer!

The season will end with the U.S. premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella, from May 3 to 12. For more details, click HERE. (first posted 4/9; revised 5/5)

A CHANGE IN PROGRAM - posted April 1, 2012

San Francisco Ballet will announce today, April 1, a change in program for the end of Ballet Season, April 27 - May 6, 2012.

In place of Don Quixote, the Ballet will be performing a major new work. While it has been an open secret that preparation for a surprise has been underway (one member of your Scheduling Team was hoping for a revival of that 1996 hit at the Opera House: Le Poisson d'Avril) no one expected the world premiere of an entirely new ballet, with music by Jake Helgi! "Increasing Throughput in IP Networks with ESP-Based Forwarding" will be Helgi's first dance-piece for full orchestra and chorus.

Networks/ESP will feature the long-anticipated North American debut of Sizdah Bedar, the persecuted Persian poet, folklorist, and choreographer, known for her work on the Farsi version of SNL. Even if Homeland Security doesn't provide her with final clearances, this four-hour ballet (with three intermissions) is going to rock the dance world, since the Music Director of a Major Local Orchestra has agreed to make his choreographic debut at the Opera House if Bedar can't come to San Francisco.

Casting has yet to be determined, but the blog Odette's Ordeal will soon report that at least two ballerinas are sparring for the important role of Carrier-class Synchronization, and Garcia Gonzalo may return as a Guest Artist to dance the doppelganger parts of IP Backhaul and Bandwidth. It is also rumored that Miraculous Maffre will undertake training seven ondes Martenot players to roller-skate on stage with their instruments in Act 2, as part of the router scene. (We've been asked to inquire whether any volunteer knows an ondes Martenot player, even an Ondéa player?)

No ushers will be needed for the last performance of the season, an added Networks/ESP on Sunday evening, May 7. Instead, as a personal thank-you from the Company, the Corps de Ballet will serve as volunteer ushers during the non-subscription evening, and a local private agency, Murphies Law, will assist with security.

This season-closer will be billed as "Volunteer Usher Appreciation Night at the Opera House", in recognition of stellar ushing by volunteers this season. The entire Grand Tier will become the OHUG seating area. PRESTO will open for ticket requests at 2:01am on Easter Sunday morning. Qualifications for tickets (all of which are non-transferrable) have not yet been determined, but it is known that the Dress Code will be relaxed a little: the requirement to have a working pen or pencil is waived for the evening, and anyone may wear grey socks.

SUMMER OPERA SEASON 2012 - first posted March 26, 2012

Scheduling for the 2012 Summer Opera Season begins in early April. Nutcracker qualification determines when an usher can start. On March 28, active volunteers were sent an e-mail message notifying them of their phase-eligibility. Those who did not receive the message and are unsure of their phase should contact the scheduling team at .

Phase 1 (starting April 4): Ushers with three or more House Nutcrackers (at least four total) may signup for House ushering

Phase 2 (added April 9): Ushers with four or more Nutcrackers may begin to signup

Phase 3 (added April 14): Ushers not qualified to signup may begin to request available performances; this applies to all volunteers who started ushering this year

Notes for Phase 1:

- Signups are confirmed automatically. Before Phase 2 opens, however, signups will be changed to regular for rehearsals, and some signups for performances with extra House ushers will also be changed to regular. Volunteers may check their schedules on April 9 to see whether they are scheduled for any regular ushering. A volunteer assigned to regular ushering may cancel that performance and signup as House for any performance that still needs House, or keep that performance as a regular usher.
- At most, 25 House ushers are needed for a performance. To enable House-qualified volunteers to schedule any performance, no limit is in place for the first three days of Phase 1. At the end of day 3, limits will placed on all performances. On days 4 and 5, a volunteer who wants to usher for a performance that has no House openings may use "House (request)" to schedule as a regular usher.

PRESTO PROBLEMS - first posted March 23, 2012

PRESTO operations were erratic and then unavailable for volunteer ushers most of Friday, March 23. The problem was resolved by early Saturday morning (about 1:15am), due to an intense level of support by the developer of PRESTO Group & Event Manager, Seth Cohen, during what was already a busy time for him. A BIG "Thank-You!" to Seth.

All data was restored from a "snapshot" of the data base taken on Thursday night, March 22. The scheduling team strongly advises all volunteers to check their schedules now, especially if they think they made any updates (new signups/requests or any cancellations) after 9:00pm on Thursday night and before Saturday morning. Apologies all around for any inconvenience this outage may have caused. (information first posted in parts 3/23; revised 3/24)

TICKETS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 - first posted March 23, 2012

The Ballet is again thanking volunteer ushers with some tickets for Program 6. Unfortunately, the ushers outnumber the tickets. So the thank-you was first offered to some House ushers who had volunteered above and beyond the norm during the past year. Two tickets have been set aside for every volunteer who requested through PRESTO before noon on Sunday, March 25.

Through an email invitation on March 25, the remaining tickets were offered (while they last) to volunteers who frequently ushered as House in 2011.

Volunteers expecting tickets should login to PRESTO to confirm that their request was recorded. Information about picking up tickets is available through the "edit form" link. The tickets are transferrable.

The scheduling team appreciates all extra help for operas and ballets with longer runs and many non-subscribers, especially when they're sold out; we wish that there were more tickets to distribute. (first posted 3/23; revised 3/26, 3/27)

TWO SPECIAL EVENTS ON MONDAYS IN APRIL - posted March 1, 2012

Nutcracker-qualified volunteers are invited to signup through PRESTO Group & Event Manager for two events in April.

The Goldman Environmental Prize ceremony takes place on Monday, April 16. Report time is 3:30pm. Ushering is open to Opera House ushers only; please do not request to bring a guest.

Returning to the Opera House this year, Presidio Performing Arts Foundation presents Dancing Across Cultures in two shows for school-children on Monday, April 30. Report times are 8:45am and 10:30am, and each performance lasts about an hour. This program provides an opportunity for ushers to see a variety of dance styles with a very enthusiastic audience and support DANCE OUT! in its mission to bring the performing arts to students.

These events were opened to all active, registered volunteers on March 15.

TICKETS FOR PROGRAM 3, FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24 - posted February 22, 2012

The Ballet has offered some tickets for Friday, February 24, at 8pm. Because the number is very limited, tickets are being offered as a thank-you to those volunteers who stepped forward and helped out for multiple performances of hard-to-staff performances over the past year.

Those ushers in good standing who ushered a total of at least

- four performances of Giselle/Little Mermaid in 2011

- four performances of Carmen/Turandot in 2011

- seven performances of Nutcracker/Shen Yun in 2011/2012

have been sent a-mail inviting them to request tickets--up to two--through PRESTO Group & Event Manager.

The tickets are transferable. If requests exceed the supply of tickets, they will be honored in order of the number ushered of the performances listed above. After noon on Thursday, volunteers requesting tickets should check PRESTO to find out how many tickets they are allotted.

Tickets will be at the Carriage Entrance, which is on the side that volunteer ushers use. Of the five doors on that side--with blue and white striped awnings above them--the center door has a sign that reads "Ticket Holders Enter Here" (third door in either direction). The ticket-taker there will have tickets under the volunteer's name; the tickets will not be at Will Call or at the volunteer-usher entrance.

THANK YOU, JANOS! - posted December 14, 2011

The music and dance critic Janos Gereben, in his December 13 column in San Francisco Classical Voice, has some very nice things to say about the volunteer ushers at the Opera House, in an item he calls "Nutcracker Statistics and Applause for the Ushers":

There is an essential component of the Nutcracker run that’s never mentioned. Unless you witness the twice-daily confluence of 3,200 people, you have no idea of the enormous task before the ushers, most of them volunteers. Children are the least of it — “at least, when they throw up, they feel better,” says a veteran usher who has seen it all.

More challenging are adults new to the Opera House, unaware that the performance starts on time, that there is no seating after the curtain goes up, that the booster cushions are for children only, that food and drink are not permitted, and similar inconveniences. Who deals with all that? Yes, it’s about time to take an usher to lunch.

Someone noticed!

BALLET SEASON 2012- first posted November 15, 2011

Scheduling for the 2012 Ballet Season is now fully engaged and all volunteers with PRESTO Group and Event Manager access may either schedule themselves (if they have ushered four or more Nutcracker / Shen Yun performances) or request to be scheduled for some performances.

Phase 1 (started December 7): Ushers with at least three House Nutcrackers (but still at least four total) may signup for House ushering

Phase 2 (added December 12): Ushers with four or more Nutcrackers may begin to signup and two rehearsals become available

Phase 3 (added December 17): Ushers not qualified to signup may begin to request available performances

Volunteers for any rehearsal are expected to commit to a performance of the same program.

For Phase 1: About half of Ballet repertory performances had more House signups than were needed, and the other half had fewer. In order to provide even staffing across the run, many more House signups had to be changed to regular than had been anticipated. Volunteers should check their schedules in PRESTO. While House-eligible ushers may volunteer as they wish, how frequently they usher as House can impact future scheduling opportunities.

On December 6, invitations to signup for Opening Night were sent to selected volunteers; the primary consideration was 2010 Nutcracker / Shen Yun volunteering and frequency of House ushering during 2011, excluding Wagner's Ring Cycle.

More information about scheduling is available through OHUG at the recently updated Ushering Rewards & Requirements page and at the Scheduling & Cancelling page.

More information about scheduling is available through OHUG at the updated Ushering Rewards & Requirements page and at the Scheduling & Cancelling page. (first posted 11/15; revised 11/28, 12/7, 12/11, 12/12, 12/13, 12/17, 1/10, 1/21, 2/7 - this is the revised version of 1/10/2012)

DON GIOVANNI AT 40% OFF? - posted October 25, 2011

In case you want to assure yourself of a seat for Don Giovanni, or want to pass the information on to family and friends, we're letting you know that San Francisco Opera is offering a 40% discount on tickets to the last four performances.

Saturday, October 29, 8:00pm

Wednesday, November 2, 7:30pm

Saturday, November 5, 2:00pm

Thursday, November 10, 7:30pm

Go HERE and enter the Code xxxxxx.

Your scheduling team

2nd ANNIVERSARY OF OUR USE OF PRESTO - first posted October 19, 2011

PRESTO Group & Event Manager was first adopted for Nutcracker scheduling in 2009. From Day One the transition was smooth, thanks to both PRESTO itself and volunteers willing to try scheduling in a new way. During the two years of use, PRESTO has become more versatile and comprehensive while continuing to provide both easy and instant scheduling and on-line access.

Thirteen OHUG volunteers provided specific feedback about their use of PRESTO and/or let us know that they are recommending it to other organizations for which they volunteer. (Access to PRESTO is free for most groups.) A big THANK-YOU to those of you who took the time to do this. The comments have been passed on to the architect of the PRESTO software, Seth Cohen, and he has asked that we also post them through the PRESTO forum.

Your scheduling team (revised version of 12/8)

NUTCRACKER 2011 - first posted October 11, 2011

Scheduling for the 2011 Nutcracker season opens on Wednesday, October 26, for House signups and on Halloween, Monday, October 31, for regular signups.

Volunteers who ushered for at least one Fall opera will be sent an e-mail message with the date they may begin scheduling. Volunteers who do not receive such a message should contact the scheduling team at <ushers@sfopera.com> once notice is posted here that all e-mail messages have been sent.

For signup privileges through PRESTO Group & Event Manager for 2012, volunteers need to schedule themselves (and usher) for a minimum of four performances of Nutcracker in December or Shen Yun in January. Ushers who do not usher as scheduled for four Nutcrackers / Shen Yuns (please note that this does not include walk-in appearances) will have "request-only" status for 2012 (until Nutcracker-2012 sign-ups).

Scheduling depends on ushers fulfilling their commitments. Sometimes a cancellation is unavoidable, especially at this time of year; volunteers who cancel without adding will have their ushering status reviewed. So that volunteers have more time to fill vacated slots, ushers may use PRESTO to change their Nutcracker / Shen Yun schedule up to 12 hours before report time.* For volunteers wanting to signup for performances, help is particularly appreciated for those with more openings; these additions keep staffing at even levels.

* Call the usher hotline--(415) 551-6247--and leave a brief message if canceling less than 12 hours before report time. (first posted 10/11; revised 10/21, 10/26, 10/31, 11/15, 12/7)

SATURDAY MATINÉE / MONDAY EVENING - posted September 20, 2011

Two reminders:

1 - This Saturday's performance of Heart of a Soldier is a matinée, so the report time is 12:30pm.

2 - This coming Monday has a performance! Lucrezia Borgia begins at 7:30pm; report time is 6pm.

DRESS REHEARSAL REPORT-TIME CHANGE - first posted September 5, 2011

San Francisco Opera made some changes to the rehearsal schedule that your Scheduling Team didn't see until now. Please note these revisions.

Turandot - report time is now 1:30pm (was 2:00pm)

Lucrezia Borgia - report time is now 2:00pm (was 5:00pm)

Volunteers who have signed up for a rehearsal and can no longer usher should use PRESTO Group & Event Manager to cancel as soon as possible so that other volunteers may signup. (Less than 24 hours before report time it is necessary to send e-mail.) Changes in report time may re-open dress rehearsals previously closed. Volunteers for any rehearsal are expected to commit to a performance of the same opera. (first posted 9/5, revised 9/6)

FROM SAN FRANCISCO OPERA - first posted May 30, 2011; this is the June 6 version

The San Francisco Opera would like to thank the ushers for their volunteer efforts. Using PRESTO, volunteers may now get on the guest list for the Final Dress Rehearsal of Die Walküre, Saturday, June 11, 6:00pm. Seating will be in the Balcony/Balcony Circle.

From 5:45pm until curtain, the designated entrance will be the usher door. After curtain, it will be the Carriage door. Ushers should not request to use any other door or to be admitted earlier. Seating in the Balcony/Balcony Circle is plentiful, but it is important that the volunteer's name be on the guest list for admission.

Volunteers already signed up to usher for this rehearsal have been sent a message about their options. Anyone who needs a copy of this message should email <ushers@sfopera.com>.

All Nutcracker-qualified volunteers may signup themselves directly onto the guest list; others may place a request to be added.

Nutcracker-qualified volunteers may also request to host up to two guests. For more information on this, click HERE.

At noon on Friday, June 10, the guest list for the Die Walküre rehearsal will be closed.

The scheduling team would like to thank you for visiting your OHUG website.

FALL OPERA SEASON 2011 - first posted April 25, 2011

Scheduling for some events in July, the Merola Grand Finale concert in August, and the Fall Opera season is about to begin.

Phase 1: Starting April 27, those who volunteered as House ushers for four or more Nutcrackers may signup as House ushers

Phase 2: Starting May 2, all volunteers who ushered for four or more Nutcrackers may signup

Phase 3: On May 7, signups continue and volunteers without the Nutcracker qualification may begin to request available performances

Each active usher will be sent an email message about when they may begin scheduling through PRESTO. Volunteers may also check on their phase by using PRESTO’s “Update your registration” link to view their PRESTO category. The number after the hyphen indicates the phase.

During Phase 1, if too many House-usher slots for a performance get requested, some House ushers will be notified that they cannot be scheduled and may either signup for another performance of that opera or try to signup for that performance as a regular usher during Phase 2.

Scheduling for the Fall Opera Season includes dress rehearsals with the information we have at this time (so subject to change). Volunteers are reminded that along with the privilege of ushering for a dress rehearsal comes the responsibility of ushering for a regular performance of that same opera.

OHUG volunteers are reminded that there is a statement about scheduling, and other information about ushering, posted HERE. (first posted 4/25; revised 4/26, 4/27, 5/2, 5/7, 5/21)

JULY EVENTS - posted April 25, 2011

These July events are open for scheduling to volunteers in good-standing:

Thursday, July 14: From NPR and WBEZ-Chicago . . . it's Wait Wait . . . Don't Tell Me.

Friday and Sunday, July 22 and 24: Universal Ballet of Korea presents Shim Chung - The Blindman's Daughter.

Saturday, July 23: Youth Speaks presents Brave New Voices: International Youth Poetry Grand Slam.

FREE, DEDICATED iOHUGS TO HELP YOU SCHEDULE - posted April 1, 2011

We know that some volunteer ushers have issues with the way online scheduling works (or doesn't) and the complexity of getting information from OHUG. So we've got something to tell you . . . Click HERE.

APRIL 11: GOLDMAN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE CEREMONY - posted March 5, 2011

This year's Goldman Environmental Prize ceremony will take place on Monday, April 11 at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House. Continuing volunteers who meet the Nutcracker qualification have been able to signup to help since March 5. Volunteers without the Nutcracker qualification may now request available spots through PRESTO. Report time is 3:30pm.

BADGE LANYARDS AVAILABLE - posted February 12, 2011

A small number of black cord lanyards are available for the white volunteer usher badges. If you would like one for your badge, email <ushers@sfopera.com> and one will be set aside for you (while supplies last) for pick up and sizing at your next performance. (Extra badge holders are welcome. Thank you to those of you who have brought some in already.)

RING SCHEDULING - first posted February 9, 2011

Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung is the special offering of San Francisco Opera's Spring/Summer Season. Volunteer-usher scheduling is now in Phase 3. Any volunteer in good-standing may request one performance or rehearsal at a time (not a cycle), waiting until that request is approved or canceled before submitting another. For Ring rehearsals, the standard requirement that a volunteer also usher for at least one regular performance of that opera is waived. Click HERE for information. As it says there, signup privileges may be affected for ushers who fail to meet their commitments (and that includes dropping a Ring performance for which another usher could have volunteered). (This was the last posting from 6/3; earlier versions 2/9, 2/14, 2/18, 2/22, 3/14, 5/1, 5/4, 5/10, 5/17, 5/31, 6/3)

TWO ADDED EVENTS IN MID-FEBRUARY - posted January 27, 2011

San Francisco Ballet is responding to the demand for Giselle with another performance at the end of the run, though this is not yet formally announced:

Sunday, February 13 - Giselle - report time 6:00pm

The next day, the Opera House is the site for Papillon X, featuring Roberta Flack and Jeff Chang. This is being billed as a celebration of Valentine's Day and the Lunar New Year.

Monday, February 14 - Papillon X with Roberta Flack - report time 6:30pm

Volunteer ushers are needed for both performances. These are now included in PRESTO: Giselle added to the Ballet Season and Papillon X as a separate event. Volunteers who have met the Nutcracker qualification may signup; those who did not complete their Nutcracker or Shen Yun performances in December may register their requests.

BALLET DRESS REHEARSALS - posted January 14, 2011

The Ballet has added two dress rehearsals for donors and volunteer ushers can help for each:

Saturday, January 29 - Dress Rehearsal for Giselle - report time 12 Noon

Thursday, February 24 - Dress Rehearsal for Program 3 - report time 12 Noon

Both are expected to end around 4:00 PM. These are now posted through PRESTO Group and Event Manager (as part of the regular season schedule) for signups by volunteers who met the Nutcracker qualification in December. As usual, it is expected that any volunteer who wants to usher at a Dress Rehearsal will also commit to a regular performance. No e-mail has been sent to volunteers; this is a first-come first-signed-up bonus for volunteers who frequently check the website.

GEORGE'S NUTCRACKER 2010 NOTES - posted December 11, 2010

Thanks for using PRESTO Group and Event Manager. Scheduling should be easier than ever for everyone.

Regarding cancellations: Be sure to review the cancellation procedures on this site. Remember that too many short-notice cancellations can pose real problems and jeopardize your scheduling privileges. If you do need to schedule, please think about substituting another performance from those currently available.

For House ushers: House ushers are expected to stay until the auditorium clears. For Nutcracker only, you may choose one performance when you may leave after intermission. Please let me know at the door when you report if you will be leaving early for that performance.

Sometimes we need to move ushers around to provide proper service. This also improves the quality of our ushering. When more ushers request House-ushering in a certain area than can be accommodated, you may be asked to House-usher elsewhere or to serve as a regular usher for that performance. Thank you for cooperating and understanding. Your assistance enables us to provide the very best crew for every performance.

Want to be a House usher? Review the responsibilities and benefits on this site. If you are interested, let me know at the door and we will discuss arranging a try-out on each level.

George

BALLET SEASON 2011 - first posted November 22, 2010

Scheduling for the Ballet Season begins in early December.

Nutcracker and Shen Yun signups as of November 30, 11:30pm, will determine when an usher can start scheduling. On November 22, ushers volunteering for Nutcracker or Shen Yun performances were sent an email message confirming their phase-eligibility as of the end of November 21.

Phase 1 (starting December 1): Ushers with four or more House Nutcrackers may signup for House ushering

Phase 2 (added December 6): Ushers with four or more Nutcrackers may begin to signup

Phase 3 (added December 11): Ushers not qualified to signup may begin to request available performances

All Ballet Season signups are contingent on completion of scheduled Nutcracker and Shen Yun performances. New volunteers may request performances starting with Phase 3 until they have ushered for four scheduled Nutcracker or Shen Yun performances.

Signups during Phase 1 are confirmed immediately. Some House usher assignments may be changed to regular for very popular performances. House ushers may check their schedules on December 8 to see whether they are scheduled for any regular ushering.

More information about scheduling is available here at the Kinds of Ushering page.

NUTCRACKER 2010 - first posted in October 2010

Nutcracker season is here, and with that preparation for the year ahead. There is new information about ushering at the Opera House (as of October 2010) and some notes from George about this year's Nutcracker were posted on December 11 (see above). Every usher should review these documents carefully.

All continuing volunteer ushers can now use PRESTO Group and Event Manager to signup for the Nutcracker, after five days of House-usher only scheduling. Volunteers are cautioned to signup for only as many performances as they expect to do; the status of ushers who cancel performances without replacing them will be reviewed.

As in 2009, the expectation is a minimum of four (4) scheduled Nutcracker (December 9-27) or Shen Yun (December 2830) performances. Ushers who cannot volunteer for four Nutcrackers/Shen Yuns (this does NOT include walk-in appearances) will have "request-only" status for the 2011 calendar year. Ushers with this status will be able to use PRESTO to request available repertory performances only after Nutcracker-qualified volunteers have had a chance to signup. Invitations to some events will be limited to volunteers who have met the Nutcracker requirement.

NOTE: To find out whether they are eligible to signup for House usher assignments for Nutcracker, volunteer ushers can check their status by looking at "PRESTO category" on their PRESTO Registration form. (This form is also used for designating the usher's email address and for setting up automated schedule reminders.) To check their signup type (House or Regular), ushers may use the "edit form" link next to any of their scheduled Nutcracker or Shen Yun performances.

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