Volunteer ushers help make the theater work.
By: Ann Stewart
"It’s the best volunteer experience I’ve ever had."
One or another variation on this enthusiastic theme was heard from every usher I talked to at McCarter Theatre and Princeton University’s Richardson Auditorium.
Of course, it’s always great to feel that one is being helpful, that one is making a difference. It’s even nicer when that feeling of satisfaction is coupled with the reward of seeing a play or hearing a concert for free. Sure, ushering isn’t all roses, but the demands are pretty simple when one considers the benefits.
Every two months McCarter sends out a schedule to its usher roster. An usher then marks the dates when he or she wishes to work and either mails or faxes it back to the theatre administration. The general rule is that one must sign up for two play dates to be eligible to sign up for a "special" (a concert or dance performance).
Then one shows up an hour and a quarter before showtime to stuff programs, receive assignments and get briefed on the evening’s performance. A white shirt or sweater is required. Trousers or skirt must be black. One must bring one’s own flashlight.
At Richardson Auditorium the system is similar. Coordinator Judy Satkowski sends out schedules each month. Again, one signs up for the nights one wishes to work. Assignments for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra are considered special plums, but the general roster of concerts and recitals is rich and varied. The dress code at Richardson is more relaxed all they ask is that one be dressed neatly and appropriately.
"Most of our ushers treat the job like professionals," said Jim Bennett, the house manager. "I can only recall one problem when an usher turned up in a sun-dress and sandals looking like she was going to the beach."
The great thing about Richardson is that one can always get a seat. McCarter restricts ushers to the last five rows. For some of the "specials," this means ushers often have to stand for the evening.
Just who are these ushers? A quick glance indicated that there are more women than men. They range in age from high school students doing community service to senior citizens helping out. There are teachers, retired nurses, even a newspaper reporter.
The reasons for volunteering are as various as their ages. All were enthusiastic about the experience. "I love coming to Richardson," said Elsie Jones of Monroe Township. "The people are friendly and the atmosphere is so pleasant."
"I like being around the students," added her friend, Marion Brugnola. "They seem so young and energetic. They’re there to cheer for their friends, and it’s just a very positive experience."
Over at McCarter, the ushers were equally enthusiastic about their young audiences.
"It’s great to see the looks on (the children’s) faces during the run of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ The enjoyment is contagious, and I go home feeling energized," said Gloria, a McCarter usher for 16 years.
"I like the little girls who come to the ballet," added a colleague. "They’re all dressed up in their party dresses and it’s a treat to look at them."
Several ushers had stories to tell of patrons who suddenly realized they were in the wrong theatre or had come on the wrong night. Others told of distraught patrons looking for missing umbrellas, and how one patron went "over the top" when she lost her dentures. After much searching, from Row Q all the way down to Row A, the dentures were found to be in the woman’s pocket.
Ushers do have a few pet peeves.
"The hardest part of the job is picking up programs afterwards," said Harriet Fulk. "If only patrons would take their programs home with them, our job would be a lot easier," said another.
Parking was another problem cited by the ushers. Truth be told, they have an easier time of it than the patrons who arrive later, when many parking spaces have been filled. Bill Duncan, McCarter’s house manager, wonders why more patrons didn’t take advantage of the new parking garage over by the Dinky station (Princeton rail shuttle).
Volunteering is always a worthwhile experience, but when it comes with a payoff, it’s a win-win situation. Not to mention the frisson of excitement when Bill Duncan calls out, "Ladies and gentlemen, the house is open!"
McCarter Theatre and Richardson Auditorium are always seeking to add to their usher rosters. Interested parties can call Bill Duncan at McCarter, (609) 258-6520, or Judy Satkowski at Richardson, (609) 275-1379.
A volunteer usher, Ann Stewart resides in Monroe Township.

