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Sangamon Auditorium Volunteer Association (SAVA)
Current Volunteer Information:
Information for New/Prospective Volunteers
Summary:
The Front of House staff depends on a dedicated, trained corps of over 280 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 ushers are members of the Sangamon Auditorium Volunteer Association (SAVA). Volunteers may also provide support in the administrative office as needed and assist with marketing, community outreach and the Auditorium’s educational and family programs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Greet patrons, answer questions, and provide directions and information regarding the Auditorium.
- Take and tear tickets, direct patrons to proper door and level of the auditorium.
- 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.
- Usher patrons to their proper assigned seats and immediately report any ticket issues to a manager.
- Direct patrons to restrooms, food and drink locations, telephones and exits.
- Perform a light clean up after the show and report any items needing a more thorough cleaning or repair to your manager.
- 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.
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.
- Enjoy the benefits of teamwork.
- Take the extra step to provide excellent customer service.
- Assist as needed with special events.
- 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 flashlight, nametag and red usher jacket, a white shirt and black pants or skirt. All shirts and blouses should be tucked in. Shoes should be solid black and have no open front or back.
- Remember, you are here to serve our patrons’ needs first and foremost. When you are volunteering, your duties may prevent you from watching all or part ofany performance. If you want to watch a particular performance, it is recommended that you buy a ticket to ensure you have the opportunity to enjoy the entire performance and don’t have to work.
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be willing to make a commitment to work at least three events (approximately 18 hours per season).
- Possess excellent customer service skills and be dedicated to patron services.
- Must be friendly and personable.
- Must be a team player who is able to work well with others in a sometimes stressful environment.
- Has the ability to work and communicate effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Responsible and reliable
Commitment:
SAVA ushers represent Sangamon Auditorium to our patrons. Our volunteer ushers’ polite and courteous service will provide our patrons with an enjoyable experience while attending events. In order to maintain our professionalism, we ask that volunteers keep their commitment.
- A minimum of three events (approximately 18 hours) per season.
- Attendance at an annual ½ day training covering Auditorium policies, patron services, usher roles and positions and emergency procedures.
- Each volunteer is required to complete an orientation session and to shadow senior ushers during at least two performances prior to ushering.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of usher, the volunteer is regularly required to:
- Sit, stand, walk, climb stairs and balance.
- Stand for extended periods of time (up to 4 hours).
- Stoop, kneel, crouch or bend to pick items up off the floor or place door stops.
- Work on all levels (in 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 including 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:
The first two seasons for new ushers will be considered a training and apprentice period during which time the usher’s skills will be evaluated as well as their fit with the outlined duties and expectations of the position. All ushers will undergo a yearly evaluation by the SAVA Board and well as ongoing assessment by their managers. Those who are unable to fulfill the qualifications, duties and/or expectations required for serving as an usher will be released.
Contact:
To become a volunteer, or for any questions about this information, please contact Mindy McCaffery
at
217.206.8288
or via email at
audfohga@uis.edu
Additional information and an application will be sent upon the receipt of your inquiry.
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