Ushers seat patrons safely and without confusion in theaters, ball parks, and other places of public entertainment.

JOB DUTIES

General duties of Ushers may include:

Locate seats for patrons by referring to their ticket stubs

Light the way for patrons in darkened theaters with flashlights

Help patrons find lost articles

Assist children in finding their parents

Page persons wanted at the box office

Check and record thermostat readings in theaters

Settle disputes about seating

Direct patrons to telephones, restrooms, concession stands, and drinking fountains

Keep order and direct patrons to exits in emergencies

Take tickets and distribute programs

Ushers in small theaters might also change display signs and posters

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

• Flashlights

• Tickets and programs

Some theater ticket takers use computerized equipment which shows exact change customer should receive.

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Ushers may specialize in these areas:

344.677-014 USHERS seat patrons safely and without confusion in theaters, ball parks, and other places of public entertainment.

344.677-010 PRESS-BOX CUSTODIANS verify the credentials of patrons entering the press box and permit only authorized persons to enter. They also run errands for press-box patrons, performing such duties as obtaining refreshments, carrying news releases, and placing wagers.

344.667-010 TICKET TAKERS collect admission tickets from patrons at various entertainment events. They examine tickets to verify authenticity, refuse admittance to patrons with unacceptable tickets and/or attire, and may assist patrons in locating their seats.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Ushers generally work with other Ushers and have frequent contact with the public. They may be supervised by head Ushers, managers, or theater owners.

Ushers generally work under pleasant conditions. The only exception is an Usher at open-air entertainment during bad weather. Most Ushers work in motion picture theaters that are well heated, well ventilated, and air conditioned.

Ticket takers, doorkeepers, and Ushers may work from 36 to 45 hours per week. Most are required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Many work part-time and frequently are college or high school students who work after school hours. Schedules of Ushers employed in theaters with stage productions or in stadiums and arenas vary with the scheduling of shows or events. Theaters providing stage and screen entertainment offer the most steady employment for Ushers. Ushers working in other places, such as stadiums, arenas, and municipal auditoriums, are employed on a seasonal, weekly, or hourly basis.

Employers generally furnish uniforms or uniform allowances.

Ushers may belong to The Service Employees International Union of The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Machine Operators. Ushers who belong to unions must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Work involving business contact with the public

• Work that is routine and organized

You Should Be Able To:

• Maintain a neat appearance

• Follow instructions

• Remain calm during emergencies or disputes

• Perform the same work continuously

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If there are 20 rows of seats and each row can hold 25 people, what is the capacity of the theater?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Theater will be cleaned with a solution of 2 parts cleaner to one part water at the end of every evening. A disinfectant solution (16 parts cleaner to one part water) should be sprayed throughout the theater after every show.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a letter of apology to any customer that may be upset.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to handle different conflicts that might occur in the theater.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2500 PERFORMING ARTS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Opportunities for exploring this occupation include ushering at summer sporting events, working part-time as an Usher, and voluntary ushering at church and school functions.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Usher employer

internships

volunteer work with a Usher employer

community service work with an agency

To find a job as an Usher, individuals usually apply directly to employers. Assistance in locating a job may be available from unions that represent Ushers or from local offices of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Careers, Colleges, Jobs & Training service

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

Michigan Works!

You should also enter your electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Hourly rates for Ushers vary from job to job. Total earnings depend on the number of hours worked and, in some cases, on the length of time the Usher has worked for the employer. Weekly earnings vary widely because most Ushers work only part-time.

Tips may supplement the earnings of Ushers working at sporting events. When a sporting event is canceled, Ushers may receive full or partial pay.

Fringe benefits vary depending on the employer and whether the Usher is employed full or part time. Full-time Ushers may receive paid vacations, sick leave, and health insurance, paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Advancement opportunities for Ushers are very limited. Generally, ushering is looked upon as an occupation to supplement a family income or to provide spending money for students. However, the greatest opportunities for advancement are in motion picture theaters where the usual step upward for an Usher is to assistant manager. In large establishments, there may be an intermediate position of head Usher. Advancement of ushers generally depends on the individual's ability, desire to succeed, enthusiasm for the work, and willingness to learn.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 48,200 Ushers, lobby attendants, and Ticket Takers were employed in 1994. Employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.

Employment may be limited because of the trend towards multi-cinema theaters where several movies are shown at once. Ushers may be used for several movies during an evening since each movie usually starts and ends at a slightly different time. Also, the increasing availability and use of pay television and the growing sales of home video cassette recorders may somewhat reduce the number of theater goers.

There are about 1,150 Ushers employed in Michigan. Almost all were employed in movie houses and theaters. A few Ushers worked for local governments. About 86% of all Ushers worked in urban areas. The distribution of Ushers employed within the services industry was:

Little or no change is expected in the employment of Ushers in Michigan through the year 2005. An average of less than 10 openings is expected annually. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

The reduced need for Ushers is partly due to the trend toward construction of more compact multi-cinema theaters. Smaller theaters have fewer seats and require a smaller staff of ushers. However, high turnover rates will continue to create replacement openings.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.