Responsibilities as a QP Usher:

• For Friday & Saturday performances arrive at the theatre by 7 PM or 2 PM for Sunday Matinees.
• Report your arrival to the Stage Manager and check with Stage Manager to see if your presence will be required to guard the set during Intermission
• Locate, fold and assemble enough programs as necessary for the performance.
• Note location of fire extinguishers and read instructions for use. There are fire extinguishers in the front & back lobbies, the stage area, the booth and downstairs in the kitchen area, workroom, green room and dressing room.
• Note all exits. They should be lighted and unlocked. Please see Stage Manager if there is any issue.
• Dimmed lights must be left on for safety in the front lobby in case a patron has to leave during a performance. The light switches are labeled and you should be familiar with where they are located.
• You need to be in the front lobby by the double doors to the theater at 7:25PM (2:25 PM on Sunday) as the house opens at 7:30 PM (2:30PM) at the direction of the Stage Manager.
• Check for the correct color of tickets, and refer patrons with different colored tickets to the Box Office if they have not been physically checked as transferred from another performance by the Box Office.
• Each evening is color-coded. Collect all tickets and return them to Box Office.
• Identify and keep a count of available seats in the house to expedite the seating of patrons, which includes last minute and late audience members. House seating should not exceed 165.
• When a wheelchair or handicapped access patron is known to be attending a performance, you will be shown where the reserved seats are located for them. Please direct them. If a patron needs access but we were not made aware, please ask the Stage Manager or an available BOD member for assistance to provide an appropriate seat.
• The production Stage Manager is in charge of the safety and the running of the house during the performance. Any emergencies or issues should be directed to the Stage Manager. Common sense should prevail under all circumstances. Safety first is the goal.
• Ushers must sit in the theater during the performance. You can reserve a seat before the performance. One usher should sit on each side of the theater with a working flashlight to assist patrons who may have to leave during the performance or come in late.
• At intermission, follow the Stage Manager’s instructions. Guard the set, take applications or help as required. The most important goal is make sure folks in the theater are safe.
• After the show please pick up debris (water bottles, programs and anything else that patrons have left behind. Leave all but the first row chairs in an upright position if they will stay.

If you have any problem fulfilling your commitment, please let the Volunteer Coordinator know as far in advance as possible. It is very hard to replace you, especially at the last minute! But please call the theater at 781-942-2212 if there is an unexpected problem the day of your commitment and let the Stage Manager know.

Thanks for your support!

Volunteer Coordinator
Quannapowitt Players, Inc.
55 Hopkins Street
Reading MA 01867
781-942-2212