New Usher Signup
Renewals for 2012/13 will begin sometime in May 2012. Please check back at that time.
Volunteers Needed!
We will begin accepting new applications for 2012/13 in May 2012. Please check back at that time.
The dictionary definition of “volunteer” is “the practice of people working on behalf of others or a particular cause without recompense of any kind for their time and services.” This barely begins to describe the true nature and worth of a volunteer. Arena Stage would not be able to function without your willingness to donate your valuable time to assist us. We are nonprofit; therefore, your service is vital to help us keep our costs down. You are very special to us, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you do.
Arena Stage is looking for people who would like to support the arts by donating their time. Here are two ways you can help us immediately.
(1) USHERS: We need ushers to seat patrons attending our shows. This is not an easy task and requires several hours of standing and walking up and down stairs. Because of this, it can be physically demanding. We need people willing and able to take on this challenge and represent Arena Stage in a positive and warm light. The rewards are many, such as knowing you are responsible for placing importance on the arts in D.C. by contributing your time, helping others to know about the intrinsic value of live performing arts, giving enjoyment to those who may have never experienced Arena Stage or live theater, and finally the self-satisfaction of being able to attend performances. Ushers must agree to work at least one performance of each production in the appropriate uniform required. If there are seats available, we will do our best to allow you to sit and watch the production; however, this is not guaranteed. If the show is sold out, you might be standing throughout the performance or not able to attend the performance at all, depending on space availability. We will always try to get you into the show you are working, but you should be aware it is not required compensation for ushering but merely an added bonus if available.
(2) VISITORS’ SERVICES DESK: We need volunteers to operate the Visitors Services Desk for daytime and evening shifts. We have shifts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day. You might want to pick just one shift and work it weekly, such as every Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for example. This position would operate the desk in the lobby, greet all public coming into Arena Stage, hand out information or contact people in the organization to assist the customer, and in all other ways be an ambassador of Arena Stage to any public walking in our door. You would also be doing tasks for various departments, such as stuffing envelopes and light paperwork. If you work the evening shift, you might also be assisting with coat check and assisted-listening devices or answering questions of those attending that evening’s performance. As a volunteer at the Visitors Services Desk, you would also be allowed to see our performances on a space-available basis.
HOW TO APPLY
If you would like to join us as an usher, please complete the New Usher Signup Form. You will also need to attend one of our usher orientations listed on the form. Please choose both the date of the orientation you wish to attend as well as your series and then submit the form. If you wish to volunteer for the Visitor Services Desk, fill out the New Usher Signup Form but disregard the dates for orientation and skip to the comments section. Let us know you are only interested in working the Visitors Services Desk and what shift you would prefer. See the above for a description of duties and shifts available.
