With the decline in the economy, it is getting harder to live in Chicago with the costs of housing and transportation totaling in thousands of dollars a month. Living expenses are costing people the opportunity the chance to experience the cultural world.
Ushering is an economical way in which aficionados can experience a show for no cost and fit it into their budget. Ushers assist patrons by handing out programs and guiding them to their seat all for the opportunity to get a chance to see a show.
Blue Man's Group, which performs at the Briar Street Theater located on 3133 N. Halsted, is a venue that offers an ushering program.
According to their website, “Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. “ However, the ticket price is high: $65 dollars for the main floor, $54 dollars for the main floor with the possibility of an obstructed view, or $49 for the balcony.
The chance to usher proves to be an experience if given the chance. Over a phone interview, Molly*, a Briar Street ticket seller, answered questions about the ushering program.
“Ushers are required to show up an hour early and wear the standard clothing that is required of an usher which is a white top and black bottom. We ask that they dress casually because of the clean-up that is required,” Molly says.
Ushers are seated together and depending on the availability are seated near the front on the main floor or in the back of the main floor depending on the show.
Due to growing popularity of the show and the fact that four ushers are allowed per show means a prospective usher must call in early to get their slot since the evening shows fill up fast.
“Ushers need to sign up early because of the popularity. Matinees are better because of better seating but can conflict with scheduling. I mostly see college age kids but there tends to be a wide variety as well. It all depends on scheduling,” Molly says.
The Chicago Shakespeare Company, which is in the center of Navy Pier, is another venue that offers a chance for more ushers. Chicago Shakespeare has been in putting plays since 1986. Currently, they are performing Othello until April 6, 2008, Short Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet until April 5 and on Saturdays at 11:00 am, and The Comedy of Errors starting April 27and running until June 29,2008.
According to their site, the goal of CST is to offer “a broad spectrum of theatrical experiences year-round, engaging and entertaining audiences from all walks of life and from around the world. The plays of William Shakespeare are the core of our company's work.”
Attracting 225,000 audience members, CST performs it main production, Othello, through the week excluding Monday. Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Saturdays offer the opportunity for a matinée show. Depending on the show you choose, your ticket can be anywhere from $10 to $54.
However, because of the multiple shows CST performs, CST can choose 11-12 ushers; either Saints or non-Saints. Through e-mail, Sarah O”Connor, the House Manager of CST, was able to answer questions.
O'Connor says, “The Saints' is a local organization of volunteer ushers who assist theaters throughout the Chicagoland area. They also raise funds for scholarships for students in the arts. There are coordinators within the organization that are responsible for signing up ushers for our shows (as well as other theaters). We do take non-Saints' and student ushers for our shows and usually we sign them up as needed.”
CST ushers must first attend an orientation learning the ropes of becoming an usher. On the evening of a performance, ushers are required to show up an hour early and wear the accepted clothing for an usher.
Ushering lets individuals enjoy the world of art through a method that is affordable and convenient to them. However, O’Conner defines what an usher really is.
“To me, I see an usher as someone who cares about and enjoys theater and also cares about the audience. They are not just there for the free show.” O'Conner says.
*Molly did not want to share her last name.
