USHERS: Sign-up NOW for the 2013-14 opera season

By now you should have received your sign-up packet via regular post or by email.  If you have not received your packet and you were an usher last year or the year before, please contact Scott Guinn to make sure your contact information is up to date.  You may download the packets here as well.  Simply click the link below and a PDF of the documents you need will pop up.

2013-14 Usher Sign-up Packet

Thank you for all that you do for Sarasota Opera. We are so appreciative of your time and energy in performing this very important job. Because we value your contribution so highly, we want to make sure that your experience is positive and enjoyable.

In an effort to simplify the scheduling process, beginning this season we will be using a system based on ushering teams.  Our hope is that this will be more efficient, allow us to give you more advanced notice of when you’ll be working, and cut down on the number of no-shows.

The sign-up packet has three documents:

•         Information about the new team system, and what you can expect from it.
•         A list of the usher teams and which performances each team will work.
•         A new, simpler sign-up form which allows you to indicate your “team” preference.

The new handbook, which includes some changes, can be found on the Volunteer Blog at after September 1. A hard copy can be picked up at the box office. The new information includes a clear statement of the seating policy, a new no-show policy, and an end-of-season review policy.

It is important that everyone who ushers at Sarasota Opera should be able to work all posts as assigned by the House Managers.  As stated in the job description for Ushers:

“Physically, ushers must have the ability to move quickly, climb stairs, tolerate heights, read in low light conditions, lift/move/carry 10 lbs., walk aisles at an incline, stand and walk for extended periods.”

While we try to accommodate those who have difficulty with some of the tasks listed above, we do need to make sure that we are able to staff all positions.  In addition to providing assistance to our patrons, ushers serve an essential safety function.  For both of those reasons, we need flexibility from the ushering corps in filling these coverage needs.

We cannot do what we do without your help and appreciate all that you do for Sarasota Opera. We are looking forward to seeing you again and to another great season of opera!  If you have any questions about anything in this packet, please don’t hesitate to call or email.