Volunteer Usher Details

APT’s volunteer ushers are an integral part of the front-of-house staff work with the house staff for the welcoming, guidance, safety and comfort of all patrons. At APT, we strive to ensure that each and every patron has an extraordinary experience, and our ushers are key to that effort. A positive attitude is essential!

The house manager will provide a brief orientation before each performance, answer any questions and assign usher posts for the event. He or she will be available to answer questions throughout the event. Don’t feel that you have to answer every question a patron asks, or solve every problem. Familiarity with seating is essential for most positions. Individual training will be provided as needed. Ushers are asked to clean the seats before and after the show and may be asked to volunteer at intermission in the concessions stand. As an usher you are expected to arrive at the Theatre one hour prior to the show time to sign in. Promptness is essential.

Ticket usher

Greet patrons, tear tickets and direct patrons to appropriate aisle.

Aisle usher

Greet patrons, deliver programs and direct patrons to appropriate aisle and seat.

Assisted listening devices usher

Greet and orient patrons interested in checking out Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs). Some prior knowledge of—or interest in—accessibility for the hearing-impaired preferred.

We require all volunteer ushers to wear a smock and nametag during the performance to be easily identifiable to both our patrons and our staff. Beyond the smock we ask that you dress comfortably for the weather if you are ushering at our outdoor theater. We do not provide rain gear or jackets, so please come prepared. This is a good opportunity to stress that we will seat and play in a light rain and ushers will be asked to pass out paper towels in addition to playbills. We recommend shoes that cover and protect your toes. Also, remember to wear shoes that you can stand in for extended periods of time and do a lot of walking up and down the aisles. Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances as some of our patrons may be sensitive.

Are you a new volunteer interested in becoming an usher at APT? We’re happy you found us! Please read our usher guidebook and contact our House Manager with any further questions and/or to sign up.

Frequently asked questions from new ushers

Q: Do you have a dress code?
A: No, but we do have guidelines and all volunteer ushers will be asked to wear a smock and nametag which will be provided. Read our dress guidelines below.

Q: Is there a shuttle available for ushers?
A: Yes. However, we do request that you inform the house manager prior to your show date. You will also need to arrive at the shuttle stop one hour and 15 minutes before the show starts to allow ample time to the theater for orientation.

Q: Is it necessary to arrive 1 hour prior to show time?
A: Yes! We refresh our ushers with our policies and procedures before every show in addition to any important show information or impending weather. We also use this time to clean up the theater and train ushers in our concessions stand if needed.

Q: What is the usher guidebook and what do I do with it?
A: This guidebook, which is updated each season, is an essential reference for you. In order to begin your work as an usher, you are required to read it thoroughly and sign a document indicating that you agree to the conditions set forth by the Theatre. When you sign up to be an usher, you are committing to an entire season; very often, details are forgotten after a couple of months. You will find it desirable to refer to this guidebook from time to time to refresh your memory.

Q: After the curtain goes up, is my job for the night done?
A: No. All ushers have jobs before the show, at intermission and after the show is over. If you need to leave early, you must get the house manager’s approval.