Why Spend $15 to $45 or More for a Ticket to the Theatre... When You Can See a Play for Free... Just by Ushering!

There are many theatres who count heavily on volunteers for every aspect of their existence. No aspect of volunteering is so easy to do or so instantly rewarding as being a volunteer usher.

Many theatres actively advertise on their websites for volunteer ushers. To locate a theatre website, go to Google and search on the name of the theatre(s) in your area and see if they have a link to "volunteers". If not, just phone the theatre, ask for the House Manager, and ask that person if they use volunteer ushers.

Most theatres will require that you show up in advance at the box office in order to reserve your spot there as an usher. They will also tell you what to wear. Once you have made a commitment, be sure to show up. Not doing so will leave them short-handed and keep someone else from seeing the show.

Tip: Don't wait until the last minute. If you live in a large metropolitan area with many theatres, apply to more than one theatre and apply well in advance.

Articles on Ushering

The "Best" Off Broadway Theatres

Here are some examples of theatres around the country whose websites actively solicit volunteer ushers:

California

San Francisco

San Francisco Performances presents performances in a variety of theatres including Davies Symphony Hall, Florence Gould Theater, Legion of Honor, Herbst Theatre, Hotel Rex, Kanbar Hall, St. John's Presbyterian Church, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

San Francisco Symphony

SFBG.com's List of Volunteer Ushering Opps

Georgia

Atlanta

7 Stages Theatre

Actor's Express Theatre

Alliance Theatre Usher Hotline 404.733.4761

Ferst Center for the Arts Take a look at the schedule of world class entertainment in every genre... and see why ushering at Ferst can be so rewarding!

Fox Theatre

Push Push Theatre Also offers a "Push Pass" which entitles you to up to 14 performances for $99.

Rialto Center for the Performing Arts

Shakespeare Tavern "... our volunteers get to see the show for free and receive various discounts, they get to meet and mingle with the actors (some of them even become actors), and they get a good sense of themselves as they help out a fun organization..."

Stage Door Players Call 770-396-1726 x 9 or email stagedoorplayers@mindspring.com

The Henry Players

Illinois

Chicago

League of Chicago Theatres
has a list of member theaters.  You can contact these theaters and inquire about ushering jobs.

Some examples:

Beverly Arts Center of Chicago
"Usher and see the performance! Come one hour before the performance and stay for light housekeeping after the performance. Your theater admittance is complimentary."

Blind Faith Theatre
Numerous opportunities to "be involved".

Goodman Theatre
"Through our ushering program individuals are offered the opportunity to see Goodman productions for free. Usher duties include stuffing and handing out programs, taking tickets at the door and seating patrons. All ushering requests must be made by phone to the ushering voice-mail system at 312.443.3808. You will be asked to leave your name, phone number, the dates you are available to usher, and how many people in your party (maximum of four)."

Lakeshore Theater
3175 N Broadway, just south of Belmont. sarah@lakeshoretheater.com 

University of Chicago Presents 
"once a student has ushered for six concerts, he or she will be eligible to attend a concert with other dedicated ushers to see a Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert downtown in the spring. It is our way of rewarding hard-working ushers." This online "ushering manual" is a great overview of what's expected of ushers, how to dress, etc.

More examples of getting to see a play for free by ushering:

New York

New York City

Blue Man Group lists a number of interesting sounding jobs. Phone 212-254-4370 to inquire about volunteer ushering.

Cherry Lane Theatre "... Ushers need to arrive one hour before show time; dress in dark conservative clothes (no jeans, sneakers); will be expected to stuff programs; aid patrons with seating; and assist in simple cleanup. If a performance is sold out, a seat for the usher cannot be guaranteed, but standing room exists. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance."

Danspace Project "...needs ushers. Volunteer for us and see performances for free! For more information, contact Abby Harris at ushers@danspaceproject.org or (212) 674-8112."

Japan Society "... If you are interested in volunteering at Performing Arts events, please contact Mikiko Takeuchi at mtakeuchi@japansociety.org. If you are interested in volunteering at Film events, please contact Film Department at film@japansociety.org. Volunteers assist in ushering, ticket handling, and other event-related tasks..."

Jean Cocteau Theatre email boxoffice@jeancocteaurep.org

Lucille Lortel Theatre "... Those who wish to see a production at the Lortel can arrange an appointment to usher by telephoning 212-924-2817 x207. Please give at least two possible dates (in case one is not available) and a contact telephone number so that the date can be confirmed. Ushers are required to report one hour before showtime and all black attire is requested. Blue jeans and/or sneakers are not acceptable. For further details or questions, you can contact the House Manager, Richard Ponce, at the above number."

New York Theatre Workshop "... Want to see a show for free? NYTW uses 5 volunteer ushers for each performance. To volunteer usher, call 212-780-9037, Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 6:00pm."

Pearl Theatre "... If you would like to usher for any of our performances, call the box office at 212-598-9802 to reserve your dates. Volunteer ushers assist the house manager before, during, and after the show, in exchange for seeing the play for free. Call in advance, as we only have 4 available usher slots for each performance!" Other volunteer positions available.

Performance Space 122 "... One of the best ways to get involved with Performance Space 122 is to volunteer. We are always looking for ushers, data entry and administrative help and much, much more. If you would like to usher, please email our House Manager at housemanager@ps122.org. If you would like to volunteer in other capacities, please contact the box office at (212) 477-5288 and they will direct you to the appropriate person. Or fax us a cover letter and copy of your resume for consideration. Our fax number is (212) 353-1315."

Playwrights Horizons ".... Playwrights Horizons enlists the services of volunteer ushers for its productions. You may be added to our ushering list by sending a note to usher@playwrightshorizons.org with "ADD TO LIST" as the subject header; provide your full name, a contact phone number, and mailing address (optional). You will then receive a confirmation e-mail with our ushering policy as well as a schedule of performances that are still open. If you don't have e-mail, you may call us at (212) 564-1235 to inquire regarding current opportunities. "

Roundabout Theatre Company "... is currently looking for... Individuals to work as House Staff/Ushers. Wednesday matinee a must. Other shifts available include Tuesday through Sunday evenings/matinees. Individuals must be customer service oriented. Neat appearance with good communication skills required."

Second Stage Theatre "... As a not-for-profit theatre, we're always in search of volunteer ushers. To join our staff for one evening and see the show for free, please contact House Manager Joshua Schleifer via e-mail at JSchleifer@SecondStageTheatre.com (include your phone number and available dates). If you do not have e-mail, call (212) 787-8302 x216... "

Signature Theatre Company "... Usher positions are available for all productions at Signature's Peter Norton Space. For more information or to reserve your spot, please call Signature's Box Office at (212) 244-7529 during box office hours (messages regarding usher inquiries will not be returned). Ushers for Signature productions are booked beginning approximately one month before the first preview.... "

Symphony Space "... Ushers... Must be very dependable, neat, interested in interacting with the general public, willing to work a changing schedule. Training is provided. Uniform to be worn on the job is theatres tee shirt which is provided at no cost; dark pants and dark shoes. Weekly schedule of 5 to 20 hours generally available, daytime and/or evening. We are particularly interested in persons available to work either Wednesday or Saturday evenings. Preference given to people interested in the performing arts. Starting wage: $6.75/hour. Interested persons should contact ADRIAN ADKINS, House Manager, at Adrian.Adkins@symphonyspace.org or call him at 212 864 1414 ext 280."

Vineyard Theatre "... Volunteer ushers Must contact us by email.  Please send requests to housemanager@vineyardtheatre.org.

Women's Project "... Interact with audience members and help to insure that their experience at the Women’s Project is the best it can be. See productions for free. Must have strong social skills and a passion for the theater. Send email to info@womensproject.org for further information."

York Theatre Company

North Carolina

Asheville

Asheville Community Theatre "best local theatre group"... is looking for all types of volunteers. From scenic painting and prop gathering to box office workers and ushers. Get involved, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow theatre buffs ... and getting to see some great shows for free.

Diana Wortham Theatre features national, regional and local artists, musicians, dancers and entertainers. "... If you have an interest in hospitality, arts-in-education, special events, marketing, public relations, ushering, or arts administration, we have volunteer opportunities for you." Due to the variety of entertainment featured, this could be one of the more interesting volunteer opportunities.

Highland Repertory Theatre (performs at Diana Wortham Theatre) is seeking volunteers to usher, sell concessions, work at special events, help with sets an costuers an distribute posters and promotional materials... in exchange for a lot of fun and free tickets.

North Carolina Stage Company "Paint. Usher. Work in the Box Office. Sell concessions. Help with sets and costumes. Or tell us how you'd like to help."

Stoneleaf Theatre Festival Phone or email them to inquire about volunteering.

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