Heading out to the theatre is a wonderful experience, and Broadway Theatre League has been presenting touring Broadway shows and special once-in-a-lifetime performances in Huntsville for 53 years now! From BTL’s early days as a Business & Professional Women’s Club effort with shows touching down at Huntsville High School, to the big weekend blockbusters we now know at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall,one thing has remained constant since day one – it takes volunteers to make it happen
Those red-vested ushers that tear your ticket, hold the door, show you to your seat, hand you a playbill and make sure everyone is set to have that wonderful experience? Volunteers, each and every one!
For the love of theatre
Broadway Theatre League has 450 total volunteer ushers.
It takes 44 ushers to work a single show performance. For every 5-show weekend, that’s 220 usher positions to fill.
What does it take to be a volunteer usher and why do so many in our community do it?
I’ll skip the obvious answer for now. Signing up to become a volunteer usher is very easy. It’s as simple as attending a mandatory training class once a year (details below). Prior to each show, an email is sent out asking for volunteers. Some ushers work multiple times for the same show, while others may only work once or twice during the whole season. That’s the great thing about being a volunteer!
I asked BTL’s Front of House Manager and head usher, Enitza Gillespie, what would be the most important thing to say to would-be ushers. She said:
“Remember, it is a job with responsibilities.”
And it does take the commitment of your time (about four total hours, including the show) and you willingness to do all that the usher position requires. There are uniform requirements, tools to bring and VBC and house rules to follow. But it also is something you do because you love theatre. When I asked Enitza why she thought people volunteered to usher (besides the obvious answer), she said, “Because they are advocates of theatre.”
The Obvious Answer
Yes, the answer is yes. If you volunteer to usher a show, you get to see that show for free. That’s why 450 members of this community give such a commitment of their time to volunteer. If you love theatre, it’s the perfect answer.
I spoke to Jim Zielinski recently, someone well-known in Huntsville for his involvement in the performing arts, and I asked him why he is a volunteer usher for BTL.
Jim told me “I volunteer in so many aspects of local theatre. It’s what I do. Seeing the shows is valuable.”
In fact, many of BTL’s ushers are involved in local theatre in one way or another, and this is a way to further that involvement in the performing arts. “Advocates of theatre” do exist and they want to see as many shows as possible. This is a great way to do that.
The Extras
The mandatory training class is not just for Broadway Theatre League. Those who attend can also sign up to volunteer for:
BONUS – There are times when the VBC needs additional ushers for big events in the Concert Hall and Arena, so you never know what opportunities will be presented!
Final Notes:
- You must be 15 years old by September 30 to be an usher
- It’s a fun way for couples and families to volunteer together
- Ushering is a great way to network (especially for local theatre folks)
Usher Training Information
Training Dates: Thursday, September 20 at 6:00 pm or Sunday, September 30 at 6:00 pm (pick one)
Location: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, please arrive 15 min. early
RSVP: Send an email specifying which training date you will attend to enitza@broadwaytheatreleague.org
Amy Jones has been a marketing professional in Huntsville for 20 years, with experience in all aspects of marketing, pr, media relations, event management, digital content, and design. Amy is the proud and busy momma of two boys, who keep things loud and fun. For fun she skateboards, rides her scooter, and kayaks (though sadly not at the same time!).
