Policies

VOLUNTEER USHER POLICIES

This is what is expected of volunteer ushers.

Scheduling:

All ushers now sign up as ‘usher’ and are expected to stay for an entire shift. If you do need to leave earlier, check with your supervisor. She or he will release you when able to do so. (This is the end of the tiered sign up system.)

Briefing:

Be prepared to attend a House Manager briefing at report time unless told otherwise. After this briefing, report immediately to your supervisor in your assigned position. These briefings are not optional. Please be prompt.

Seating:

When using usher seating please keep your badge on. If a patron offers you a ticket remove your badge when you sit in that seat. Never should you ask a patron if they have an extra ticket or ask if you can have their extra ticket, they must offer it willingly. Please do not seat yourself in any unauthorized sections. Crossing over a patron to take a seat is strictly forbidden. When it comes time to get seated, line up along the wall aisle you want to go down, allow patrons easy access to hurry down to their seats last minute. The door or aisle usher will signal when you may go down the aisle.

Seating by Section:

Orchestra - Seating down both wall aisles and in Row ZZ

Boxes - not allowed

Grand Tier - not allowed

Dress Circle - Seating down the north wall aisle or in Row L if available; sitting on stairs not allowed.

Balcony Circle/Balcony - Seating down both wall aisles; sitting on stairs not allowed.

Alcohol:

Consuming alcohol is forbidden from the moment you check into the Opera House for your shift to the moment you exit the Opera House. Even if you are released from duty, you are not to consume alcohol on the premises. If you come to the Opera House on a comp or patron ticket, and not as a volunteer, enjoy your libations, but please remember that you are still associated with the Opera House so please drink responsibly.

(posted 4/7/2016)