OHUG announcements from 2014 through 2015 are archived here.

JANUARY SPECIAL EVENTS & BALLET SEASON 2016 - posted December 8, 2015

On December 14, invitations to signup for San Francisco Ballet Repertory 2016 and January special events will be sent. These messages will tell ushers when they may begin scheduling. The dates are staggered, the earliest being December 18. Starting dates reflect a volunteer's schedule (frequency and reliability) and ushering quality (excellence in a variety of assignments). Scheduling depends on ushers fulfilling their commitments. Volunteers who cancel a Nutcracker performance without adding another (even if they still usher for four) will have their Ballet signups reviewed.

NEW: Ushers who wish to have the same scheduling starting dates as each other may now record this in their PRESTO Registration form.

LIFE LESSONS LEARNED AT THE OPERA - posted December 1, 2015

Holly Steil has blogged about her experience going to a performance at the Opera House and presenting her hospitality seminar to us. You might enjoy reading her POST, with her thoughts on the guidelines we follow. "Quite a tough balancing act . . ."

ERIC COLBY'S FAREWELL - posted November 16, 2015

Thank you.

A new friend recently reminded me it is something you cannot say or hear enough. So faced with a paralyzing case of writer’s block, I’m going to take ​the easy way out for now and just go with this. Be relieved I chose this route, otherwise a simple note would become unimaginably lengthy.

"Thank you for what?” might be my response, so in case it is yours, please indulge me a few minutes of your time to articulate. I promise to be brief. I know you’re busy.

Thank you for all you have taught me - intentionally or not. Thank you for your good humor. Thank you for your smiles and that twinkle in your eye. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to craft, even when you were sick and tired of it. Thank you for your support whenever I felt sick and tired. Thank you for your patience while I figured it out as I went along. Thank you for putting up with my occasional crankiness. Thank you for taking care of our patrons, performers, and staff. Thank you for letting me help. Thank you for letting me do this for the last ten years. Thank you for listening. And thank you for everything else, (remember I promised to be brief).

Most importantly, thank you for being my friend.

For those of you I had the pleasure of working with directly, I cannot begin to quantify what you have meant to me and I won’t try here - just know it’s more than you think. For those of you with whom I didn’t have the privilege, I hope I was at least polite, respectful, and nice​. It was always my intent. I have and always will be in awe of your professionalism. I don’t know if you knew that. Now you do.

I will carry my memories of working here for the past decade with me proudly as I step into the next chapter of my life, now far better equipped to manage than I was when I got here. For that I can only say . . . thank you.

Love,

Eric

<ecolby@me.com​>

415-963-1323

GEORGE WINDSTRUP - posted November 15, 2015

It is my privilege to inform you that George Windstrup has agreed to take on the role of Interim House Manager. He will be assisted by Sharon Lee, who will continue to offer administrative and technical support in addition to her other duties. For all scheduling matters please speak to Sharon and/or direct inquiries via email to <ushers@sfopera.com>. Please do as great a job for your new House Manager, as you have done for me. My hope is for as seamless a transition as is possible with a mid-season change like this. Your help in this effort is greatly appreciated. And it’s the last favor I’m going to ask. So you got that going for you.

Thanks,

Eric

Eric Colby

House Manager

War Memorial Opera House

FOR YOUR SAFETY - posted November 14, 2015

In light of recent events in Paris, and shortly before he left the Opera House, Eric strongly advised all volunteer ushers to view at least one of the following videos.

Surviving an Active Shooter

Run. Hide. Fight.

Both videos cover much of the same ground. The first is almost 10 minutes long, and contains scenes of a very violent nature; the second video is 6 minutes long.

AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ERIC - posted November 6, 2015

Dear Friends,

I am writing to let you know I am resigning from my job as House Manager, effective November 15, 2015.

Earlier this week I accepted an offer of employment from Stanford University which begins full time Monday, November 16. I will keep this brief for now, and will write more later. I just wanted to be sure you heard it here first. I will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to let me know what they are.​

Thank you for your support.

Stay tuned . . .

Eric

Eric Colby

House Manager

War Memorial Opera House

HOUSE OF USHER: THANK-YOU VOUCHERS - posted November 3, 2015

To thank volunteers for their help, the Opera is offering vouchers for the open dress rehearsal of The Fall of the House of Usher on Friday, December 4, 1:30pm. While supplies last, ushers may signup for one or two vouchers as soon as they are eligible to begin Nutcracker scheduling. PRESTO will allow some ushers, depending on the quality and quantity of their volunteering in the past year to signup for and/or request one or two additional vouchers. These requests will be processed on November 23, unless vouchers are gone earlier. Volunteer ushers should check PRESTO for the status of their request, and for voucher pick-up instructions, which will be posted on the sign-up form on November 23.

To attend the rehearsal using these vouchers, which are transferable, volunteers need not usher for a performance of The Fall of the House of Usher.

NUTCRACKER 2015 - posted October 29, 2015

On November 2, invitations to signup for Nutcracker performances will be sent. Invitations will notify ushers of the date on which they may begin scheduling. The dates will be staggered, the earliest being November 6 (for House-ushering only). Volunteers’ starting dates will be determined by their frequency and quality of ushering. Volunteers who signup for House-ushering must be able to late-seat in the dark on all levels and stay until the auditorium clears.

DAVID SEDARIS NIGHT IN NOVEMBER - posted October 25, 2015

Wondering how you are going to deal with the holidays and the Muni Metro 9:30pm shutdown? Scheduling is now open through PRESTO for David Sedaris' appearance at the Opera House on Monday, November 16. The author, humorist, and radio personality will regale the sold-out audience with observations and anecdotes that might be just the right antidote to all the bright-eyed joy associated with the beginning of shopping madness.

TICKETS FOR LUCIA AND THE MAGIC FLUTE - posted October 17, 2015

The Opera would like to thank volunteer ushers for participating in the Holly Stiel workshops this month as well as for volunteering throughout the year. Ushers with signup privileges may now signup for a pair of tickets to selected performances this month and next, performances which are listed on PRESTO. The deadline to signup for tickets for the October performances is October 25 noon, and for the November performance October 29 noon.

The supply is limited. Until October 22, 11pm , ushers are asked to signup for no more than their allotted number of performances; this number can be viewed by clicking on the "Registration Info (e.g. email)" link in PRESTO--the number is in the "Performance Allotment" field. PRESTO will not prevent ushers from exceeding their allotment. However, ushers who do so will lose some of their ticket signups, and will not be able to signup for any more tickets in October.

On October 23, ushers with signup privileges may signup for tickets for any remaining performances (still with a maximum of two tickets per performance). At this time, if tickets remain, request-only volunteers who attended a workshop may signup for one pair.

Pickup instructions will be posted on the signup form on October 25.

These tickets are transferable. Ushers are needed for all of their scheduled performances of Lucia di Lammermoor and The Magic Flute. Continued service is appreciated,

OCTOBER USHERING SEMINARS - posted September 19, 2015

Eric has sent out a message to thank ushers for responding to the survey and asking them to signup for at least one of three October seminars. Even though the material will be the same, ushers are welcome to attend more than one. Before requesting another copy of his message, volunteers should check their spam-mail folders.

SURVEY - posted August 21, 2015

To get to know the ushers better, Eric is inviting active volunteers to fill out a survey. Information is being sent today, Friday, August 21. Before requesting another copy of the letter, ushers should check their spam folders.

(posted through 10/21)

FALL OPERA SEASON, 2015 - posted June 30, 2015

Scheduling for the Fall Opera Season will open on Friday, July 10. On Monday, July 6, volunteers will be sent an e-mail message with the date on which they may begin scheduling. Starting dates are staggered, and reflected a volunteer's schedule (frequency and help during long runs) and ushering quality (excellence wherever assigned). Details can be found on the General Information page. Ushers who schedule before Monday, July 13 are expected to volunteer for at least two performances of The Magic Flute. Ushers who schedule later are asked to volunteer for at least one performance of this opera. Most volunteers who do not schedule any performances of The Magic Flute will still be able to signup for Nutcracker and request Ballet 2016 performances.

NO SMOKING ON THE LOGGIA - posted June 8, 2015

Smoking is no longer allowed on the loggia (the outside balcony, accessible from the Grand Tier level, over the Van Ness entrance).

"SE VOUL BALLARE" - JULY 3 - posted May 25, 2015

Sure, the Friday, July 3, performance of The Marriage of Figaro can be seen at the Ballpark for free. But it is SF Opera's own home base that could put into play more ushers. There is a different kind of electricity in the air at the Opera House when what is on stage is being simulcast, so please consider helping out if you can. As always, thank you for taking on a bit more: you'll be rewarded with a Mozart opera that rivals baseball in finesse and a sense of time suspended, not to mention intrigue and complexity.

SUMMER OPERA: THANK-YOU VOUCHERS - first posted May 8, 2015

San Francisco Opera would like to recognize ushers who have volunteered frequently, especially during long runs when more help is usually needed. So rehearsal vouchers for the Summer Opera Season were offered first to ushers who have

- volunteered for at least 36 performances in the year ending March 2015

- helped out extra during long runs, and

- graciously accepted any assignment.

The deadline to respond was Sunday, May 17. Ushers who requested vouchers may login to PRESTO to find out how many vouchers have been assigned to them. Any usher with PRESTO access, while supplies last, may signup for vouchers for Two Women. Ushers for whom Summer Opera scheduling began on or before April 6 may signup for vouchers for The Marriage of Figaro, while supplies last. Volunteers are encouraged to usher for Figaro performances and to give their vouchers to friends.

(revised 5/14, 5/18, 5/22; this is the Wagner-birthday version)

ADDED PERFORMANCE OF ROMEO & JULIET - posted March 30, 2015

San Francisco Ballet has added a matinée of Romeo & Juliet for Saturday, May 9. This has been included in the PRESTO listings for scheduling.

SPRING EVENTS AND THE SUMMER OPERA SEASON - posted March 26, 2015

Scheduling for the Summer Opera Season will open on April 3. On March 30, volunteers will be informed by e-mail of the date on which they may begin scheduling. Starting dates are staggered, and reflect a volunteer's schedule (frequency and help during long runs) and ushering quality (excellence wherever assigned). Details can be found on the General Information page.

Special Spring events include:

Easter Service: Reality SF

Sunday, April 5 - report time 9:00am

The Goldman Prize Ceremony

Monday, April 20 - report time 3:30pm

Children's Day: Presidio Dance Theatre

Monday, May 4 - report times 9:00am and 10:30am

MARCH EVENTS, WITH A DON QUIXOTE ADDED - posted February 27, 2015

Sensorium

Tuesday, March 10 - report time 6:30pm

Steve Jobs - The Movie

Monday, March 16 - report times 8:00am, 11:00am, and 2:30pm

Volunteers may signup for one to three shifts.

HBO Special Event

Monday, March 23 - report time 5:30pm

For this event, those signed up should enter the courtyard via Franklin Street and then go to the Stage Door for admittance to the Opera House.

Added Don Quixote

Saturday, March 28 - report time 12:30pm

Any usher in good standing may signup for March 16.

For March 10 and 23, ushers who were eligible to signup for the Ballet Season on December 12 (and ushered for at least four Nutcrackers) may signup; others may request. Because the Balcony is likely to be closed, fewer ushers are needed than for most performances. Requests will be approved as space allows.

ADDED NUTCRACKER, MONDAY, DECEMBER 29 - posted December 5, 2014

San Francisco Ballet is adding to the compliments of the Season and offering another performance of Nutcracker at the end of the run, Monday, December 29 (report time 2:30pm). The performance can be scheduled through PRESTO.

BALLET SEASON AND SHEN YUN 2015 - posted December 4, 2014

On December 7, invitations to signup for San Francisco Ballet and Shen Yun performances will be sent. These messages will tell ushers when they may begin scheduling. The dates are staggered, the earliest being December 12. Starting dates reflect a volunteer's schedule (frequency and help during long runs) and ushering quality (excellence in a variety of assignments). Scheduling depends on ushers fulfilling their commitments. Volunteers who cancel a Nutcracker performance without adding another (even if they still usher for four) will have their Ballet signups reviewed.

PHOTO SHOOT, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 - posted November 24, 2014

San Francisco Opera will be launching a new website in the Spring and the theme is "The People’s Opera." As part of the design, photographs are needed. So the Opera is inviting volunteer ushers to participate in a photo shoot at the Opera House on Thursday, December 4.

To participate, R.S.V.P. to Kristen O. Jones, Director of Audience Engagement <kjones@sfopera.com> by Tuesday, November 25. Please include any preference for the first shoot, 2:00–4:30pm, or the second, 4:30–7:00pm.

On December 4, use the North Carriage entrance and dress as an Opera-goer (not an usher). This means cocktail attire, business casual, jeans--whatever best reflects who you are.

Pictures will be taken throughout the Opera House, in a fun and festive atmosphere. A hair-and-makeup team will help participants look their best. Standing will be required. Breaks can be taken in the Littlefield Intermezzo Lounge, with drinks and light refreshments provided.

By participating in the photo shoot, volunteers give their approval to San Francisco Opera for the use of their image in these photos on the website and in promotional material.

SF GIANTS: YES! YES! YES! - posted October 19, 2014

Just in from Eric: for all performances until the World Series is over, ushers may wear an orange item to show their team-pride while still observing the dress code.

TICKETS FOR PARTENOPE, FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 - posted October 19, 2014

The Opera is thanking volunteer ushers with some tickets for this performance (on the fourth day of the World Series). Any usher with PRESTO access may signup for 1 or 2 tickets. Those who stepped up for the long run of last season's Barber of Seville by volunteering for at least three performances may signup for additional tickets (also through PRESTO). [Something to think about when deciding how many Bohèmes to volunteer for this season?]

Signups will close on Wednesday, October 22, at 8pm.

The tickets are transferable. Volunteers are asked to fulfill their ushering commitments for Partenope.

From 6:30pm to 7:30pm, tickets will held under the volunteer's name at the usher door on the Carriage (north) side. This is the door that is closest to Van Ness. Guests should look for the blue and white striped awnings above the doors. After the performance begins, the tickets will be at the Carriage Door, the third door west of Van Ness. The tickets will not be at Will Call; guests should be advised to go to the Carriage side only.

TOSCA DRESS REHEARSAL ON FRIDAY - posted October 14, 2014

The dress rehearsal for Tosca has been opened to a limited audience and a few volunteer ushers are needed. If interested, please consult PRESTO Group and Event Manager. The rehearsal is listed with the Fall Opera Season 2014 events, and may appear among the Short Notice postings later in the week.

NUTCRACKER 2014 - posted October 13, 2014

On October 27, invitations to signup for Nutcracker performances will be sent. Invitations will notify ushers of the date on which they may begin scheduling. The dates will be staggered, the earliest being October 31 (for House ushering only). Volunteers’ starting dates will be determined by their frequency and quality of ushering as well as whether they met the La Bohème expectation.

TICKETS FOR A MASKED BALL, MONDAY OCTOBER 13 - posted October 5, 2014

The Opera is thanking volunteer ushers with some tickets for Monday, October 13, at 7:30pm . Any usher with PRESTO access may signup for 1 or 2 tickets. Those who stepped up for the long run of last season's Barber of Seville by volunteering for at least three performances may signup for additional tickets (also through PRESTO). Signups will close at noon on Friday, October 10.

The tickets are transferable. Volunteers are asked to fulfill their ushering commitments for A Masked Ball.

From 6:30pm to 7:30pm, tickets will held under the volunteer's name at the usher door on the Carriage (north) side. This is the door that is closest to Van Ness. Guests should look for the blue and white striped awnings above the doors. After the performance begins, the tickets will be at the Carriage Door, the third door west of Van Ness. The tickets will not be at Will Call; guests should be advised to go to the Carriage side only.

SUSANNAH : THANK-YOU VOUCHERS - posted August 2, 2014

To thank volunteers for their help, the Opera is offering vouchers for the open dress rehearsal of Susannah on Wednesday, September 3, 6:00pm. Interested ushers should use PRESTO to request vouchers. These requests will be processed on a rolling basis until August 31, or the supply is exhausted. To attend the rehearsal using these vouchers, volunteers need not usher for a performance of Susannah. Ushers are asked to remember that extra help is needed for La Bohème.

FALL OPERA SEASON, 2014 - posted July 9, 2014

Scheduling for the Fall Opera Season will open on Friday, July 18. On Sunday, July 13, volunteers will be sent an e-mail message with the date on which they may begin scheduling. Ushers who schedule before Thursday, July 24 are expected to volunteer for at least two performances of La Bohème (or "La Bohème for Families"). Ushers who schedule later are asked to volunteer for at least one performance of this opera. Most volunteers who do not schedule any performances of La Bohème will still be able to signup for Nutcracker and request Ballet 2015 performances. (first posted 7/9; updated 7/16, 7/23, 8/2)

SHOW BOAT REHEARSAL - WEDNESDAY, MAY 28 - posted May 27, 2014

Just in from San Francisco Opera: as the company prepares to set sail with Show Boat on Sunday afternoon, we would like to extend an exclusive opportunity for a sneak preview of the show tomorrow, Wednesday, May 28, at 6pm. San Francisco Opera ushers are cordially invited to a pre-final-dress rehearsal, replete with orchestra, costumes and lighting. The Opera plans to run the whole show in order, but please note that it is a working rehearsal and that the rehearsal may stop and start if necessary.

If you are interested in attending, no RSVP is necessary. The invitation is for you plus one guest. Please be at the North Carriage entrance located on the north side of the War Memorial Opera House (adjacent to the courtyard) between 5:30pm and 5:50pm for entrance. Seating will be general, in sections designated by the Opera.

Please note that this is an exclusive invitation and we ask that you do not forward this to others. (first posted 5/27; updated 5/28)

MADAME BUTTERFLY : THANK-YOU VOUCHERS - posted May 25, 2014

To thank volunteers for their help, the Opera is offering volunteers vouchers for the open dress rehearsal of Madame Butterfly on Thursday, June 12, 6:00pm. The scheduling team especially appreciates ushers who volunteered multiple times for the long run of The Barber of Seville this Fall, those who provided information at the Open House, and those who are signed up for July 5, an especially busy date (see below). Ushers may use PRESTO to request vouchers. These requests will be processed on a rolling basis until June 8, or until vouchers are exhausted. Because volunteers are still needed for the dress rehearsal, they are asked to still usher and not use a voucher in lieu of ushering. THANKS!

LOVE AND DEATH, BASEBALL AND MUSIC - JULY 5 - posted May 11, 2014

The Saturday, July 5, performance of La Traviata at the Opera House still could use more ushers. There is a certain electricity in the house for performances simulcast elsewhere (on this day, to AT&T Park): please consider helping out if you can. PRESTO is open to signups and requests for this evening with Ailyn Pérez reprising her SF Opera debut triumph in 2009. (Or you can request to help at the Ballpark.) As always, thanks for taking on a bit more.

ADDED BALLET PERFORMANCE ON MAY 11 - posted April 26, 2014

May 11 will be the final performance with SF Ballet for Rubén Martín Cintas and Damian Smith, whose artistry will be showcased in five works: excerpts from Helgi Tomasson’s The Fifth Season, Hans Van Manen’s Variations for Two Couples, "The Man I Love" from George Balanchine’s Who Cares?, the pas de deux from Christopher Wheeldon’s After the Rain, and Jerome Robbins’ In the Night. Between the last pieces will be two short film screenings honoring the dancers.

Report time is 5:30pm.

On Monday, April 28, volunteers who were eligible to schedule Summer Opera first may signup for this event, and those eligible to schedule Summer Opera second may request. On Thursday May 1, the performance will be closed so that requests may be processed. On Friday, volunteers may check their schedules to see if their request was approved, and any available slots will be offered for any usher to request.

PRESTO notes: The performance can be found as part of the Ballet Season. An usher's Registration Info displays the usher's scheduling group for Summer Opera. A "1" or "2" allows the usher to signup for, or request, the Farewell beginning on April 28. Others may request it on Friday, May 2, if space remains.

SPRING EVENTS AND THE SUMMER OPERA SEASON - posted March 22, 2014

Scheduling the Summer Opera Season will open on April 4. On March 28, volunteers were informed by e-mail of the date on which they gain PRESTO access for this. These are the special Spring events that become available at the same time:

Easter Service: Reality SF

Sunday, April 20 - report time 9:00am

The Goldman Prize Ceremony

Monday, April 28 - report time 3:00pm

Children's Day: Presidio Dance Theatre

Monday, May 5 - report times 9:00am and 10:30am