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Sangamon Auditorium Volunteer Association (SAVA)
Current Volunteer Information:
Information for New/Prospective Volunteers
Summary:
Sangamon Auditorium depends on a dedicated, trained corps of several hundred volunteer ushers to greet, direct, assist and ensure the safety and comfort of patrons attending performances and other events in Sangamon Auditorium and the Studio Theatre. All trained ushers/managers are members of the Sangamon Auditorium Volunteer Association (SAVA).
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Greet patrons, answer questions, and provide directions and information regarding the Auditorium.
- Take and tear tickets or use clickable counters to record attendance.
- Prevent food and drinks from being taken into the Auditorium. Bottled water is the only exception.
- Monitor access into the seating areas based upon credentials or tickets.
- Stuff and distribute programs and other printed materials to guests as they enter.
- Direct patrons to their proper assigned seats and immediately report any ticket issues to a manager.
- Perform a light clean-up after the show and report any items needing a more thorough cleaning or repair.
- Respond to all patron comments and/or complaints in a prompt and friendly manner.
- Be alert for any disturbance or emergency; remain calm and direct patrons to appropriate exits in the event of an emergency.
- Perform other duties as assigned including monitoring Auditorium access points such as the stage door, acting as roaming space monitors, and assisting with performer movement from the house to backstage.
Expectations:
- Adhere to and enforce all Auditorium policies.
- Ensure that patrons follow theatre safety policies and that all fire codes are enforced.
- Set examples of good theatre etiquette.
- Provide excellent customer service.
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn all aspects of your position.
- Follow instructions from managers and the Staff on Duty.
- Be attired properly which includes a nametag, red usher jacket, a white shirt, and black or navy pants or skirt. Shoes should be solid black and closed-toe style. (The Auditorium provides the nametags and the red usher jackets).
- Please remember that you are here to serve the patrons’ needs. When you are volunteering, your duties may prevent you from watching all or part ofany performance. If you want to watch a particular event, it is recommended that you buy a ticket to ensure you have the opportunity to enjoy the entire performance.
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Possess excellent customer service skills; must be friendly and personable.
- Must be a team player who is able to work well with others in a sometimes stressful environment.
- Posses the ability to work and communicate effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Must be responsible and reliable.
Commitment:
- A minimum of three events (approximately 18 hours) per semester.
- Attendance at an annual training (approximately 2 hours) covering Auditorium policies, patron services, usher roles and positions and emergency procedures.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of an usher or manager, the volunteer is regularly required to:
- Sit, stand, walk, climb stairs and balance.
- Stand for extended periods of time.
- Stoop, kneel, crouch or bend to pick items up off the floor or place door stops.
- Work on all levels (including the mezzanine and balcony) as well as on the main floor.
- Use hands to finger, handle, direct, feel objects, tools, or controls, and turn handles.
- Reach with hands and arms.
- Talk, easily be understood by others, hear and easily understand others.
- Be in good physical and mental health.
- Occasionally lift, move or carry up to 15 pounds.
- Possess specific vision abilities: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
Work Environment:
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but is occasionally loud. Volunteer ushers are occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The type and content of some shows may be off-color and contain mature content and/or language.
Evaluation:
All volunteers undergo ongoing evaluation by the SAVA Board and the Volunteer Coordinator. House Managers and the Staff on Duty have the ability to release an usher or manager from duty at any time. Volunteers who are unable to fulfill the qualifications, duties and/or expectations required for serving as an usher or manager will be released.
Contact:
To become a volunteer, or for any questions about this information, please contact Mindy McCaffrey at 217.206.8288 or via email at audfohga@uis.edu
New volunteers are required to attend an initial training session covering policies and procedures, how to sign-up for events, and a tour of the facilities. Training usually occurs annually in August to prepare for the upcoming fall show season. Upon receipt of your inquiry, your contact info will be placed on file and you will be notified of the dates of the next new volunteer training sessions.
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