Usher

Tasks & duties

Ushers may do some or all of the following:

• check the temperature in the theatre
• check all exits
• sell programmes and other promotional merchandise
• check people's tickets and show them to their seats
• identify and accept complimentary tickets (comps) 
• help the elderly or people with special needs to their seats
• ensure people are seated in the correct seats and deal with any ticketing problems such as double bookings
• advise people who are late for theatre performances that they will have to wait for the intermission to be admitted, or arrange for new tickets to another performance
• ensure people are re-seated after intermissions
• make sure that people behave properly during the show and ask people to leave if necessary
• liaise with promoters, stage managers or ticket sellers
• assist backstage with any entertainer's requests
• let people out at the end of an event
• turn the seats up at the end of an event
• check that no property is left behind at the end of an event
• assist with any medical or security emergencies
• help people to vacate the building in emergencies
• clean the theatre between shows
• complete general cleaning duties

Many ushers also do other work as part of their role including working in candy bars, cafes or bars.

Specialisations

Ushers may specialise in one of the following areas:

Cinema Usher

Cinema ushers may be responsible for ticket selling or collecting, serving in candy bars or general cleaning duties.

Theatre Usher

Theatre ushers show people to their seats before performances and after intermission. A number of live theatres have strict rules for latecomers, and ushers are responsible for enforcing and explaining these rules. They can also be responsible for providing backstage assistance to entertainers.

Skills & knowledge

Ushers need to have:

• knowledge of safety, emergency and evacuation procedures
• knowledge of the layout and rules of the theatre, cinema, hall or sports venue
• knowledge of the playing times, intermissions and details of the event they are ushering for
• good communication and people skills
• good teamwork skills
• organisational skills
• basic first aid skills

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become an usher. However, some employers may require ushers to be 16 years of age or older. Previous experience in a customer service role may be an advantage.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Some employers provide in-house customer service training for ushers. Some employers also use external training providers to assist staff with customer service skills. The focus of training is shifting to an emphasis on teamwork and providing a high quality experience for customers.

Useful experience

Useful experience includes work involving contact with people, customer service such as retail experience, or experience working in a theatre.

For more information, please refer to Career Services.