What Does an Usher Do?
Find out what an usher does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as an usher.
Ushers are the people who keep order in a theater or other venue during a performance. They ensure that everyone has a seat and that no one is blocking an aisle, door, or emergency exit. Ushers also help patrons find their seats before the show begins, answer any questions they may have about the theater’s amenities, and assist with any emergencies that might arise during the performance.
Usher Job Duties
Ushers typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Communicate with other staff members regarding event details such as special needs or allergies
- Collecting tickets from patrons and verifying seat location to ensure that all attendees have appropriate seating for the event
- Provide security for the event with a focus on patron safety and ensuring that all emergency exits are accessible at all times
- Cleaning up debris from spilled food or drink to maintain a neat appearance for the venue
- Supervise event attendees by monitoring their behavior to ensure they are safe and complying with venue rules
- Overseeing the setup of equipment at the event site and making sure that equipment is working properly before the event begins
- Provide customer service to attendees by answering questions about venue rules and policies or assisting with problems that may arise during the event
- Provide customer service to attendees by answering questions about the event or providing them with information about other events at the venue that may interest them
- Coordinating with event staff, security personnel, and ushers working under them in order to ensure that all tasks are completed on time
Usher Salary & Outlook
Ushers’ salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of tips.
- Median Annual Salary: $23,000 ($11.06/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $87,500 ($42.07/hour)
The employment of ushers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.
The need to provide customer service in a variety of settings will help sustain demand and employment growth for ushers. In addition, the continued popularity of movies, concerts, and other entertainment venues should lead to increased demand for ushers.
Usher Job Requirements
Ushers typically need to have the following qualifications:
Education: Ushers are not required to have a high school diploma or GED certificate. However, some employers may prefer candidates who have completed high school or have a GED.
Training & Experience: Most of an usher’s training will take place on the job. They will learn the layout of the venue, the schedule of events and the protocol for each event. They will also learn how to interact with guests and how to handle any issues that may arise.
Ushers can also receive training in customer service and event management. They may learn how to interact with guests and how to handle any issues that may arise.
Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not usually a requirement to work as an usher. However, you can gain certifications to gain more practical knowledge of your responsibilities as an usher, test your skills and advance your career.
Usher Skills
Ushers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to others. As an usher, you may need to communicate with customers, security guards or other staff members. You can use your communication skills to answer questions, direct customers to the right location and resolve conflicts.
Customer service: Customer service skills can help you interact with your fans and patrons in a friendly and helpful manner. As an usher, you may be the first person a guest sees when they enter the venue, so it’s important to be friendly and welcoming. You can also use customer service skills to answer questions about the venue, help guests find their seats and answer questions about the venue’s policies.
Organization: As an usher, you may be responsible for managing a large crowd of people. Having organizational skills can help you keep track of the audience and ensure everyone has a seat. You can also use organization skills to keep track of the tickets you collect and ensure everyone has a ticket.
Leadership: As an usher, you may be in charge of a group of other ushers. You can use your leadership skills to direct your team to their stations, help them with tasks and motivate them to do their best. Leadership skills can also help you to be a role model for other employees and customers.
Teamwork: As an usher, you work with other ushers to ensure a smooth and safe experience for patrons. You can use teamwork skills to collaborate with other ushers to ensure that everyone is in the right place at the right time. You can also use teamwork skills to help other ushers if they need assistance.
Usher Work Environment
Ushers typically work in movie theaters, concert halls, and other entertainment venues. They may also work in educational institutions, such as colleges and universities, or in religious organizations, such as churches and synagogues. Most ushers work part time, and their hours vary depending on the hours of operation of the venue in which they work. Many ushers work evenings and weekends. Some ushers may work more than 40 hours per week, particularly those who work in large venues that host multiple events. Ushers typically stand for long periods of time and may do a lot of walking. They also must be able to climb stairs.
Usher Trends
Here are three trends influencing how ushers work. Ushers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Growth of the Senior Population
The senior population is growing at a rapid rate, which is having a significant impact on the workforce. This is especially true for the ushers industry, as seniors are becoming an increasingly important customer base.
Ushers can capitalize on this trend by developing skills that appeal to seniors, such as patience and understanding. They can also focus on providing excellent customer service that meets the needs of seniors.
More Focus on Customer Experience
As businesses continue to focus on customer experience, ushers will need to develop new skills in order to provide exceptional service.
This means that ushers will need to be able to understand what customers want and how to meet their needs. They will also need to be able to handle difficult situations and be comfortable with change. In addition, they will need to be able to communicate effectively with customers in order to get feedback about their experience.
Greater Use of Technology
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the workplace, and this is especially true for ushers. As technology becomes more prevalent, ushers will need to learn how to use it to their advantage.
For example, ushers can use technology to improve their efficiency by using apps to check in guests or track attendance. They can also use technology to connect with guests before they arrive, which can help to build trust and create a positive first impression.
How to Become an Usher
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. As an usher, you can work in a variety of settings, including theaters, concert halls, sports arenas, and museums. You could also work for a company that provides event-staffing services.
No matter where you work, it’s important to be friendly and helpful. You should also be able to follow directions and stay on schedule. And since you’ll often be working with other staff members, it’s important to get along well with others.
Advancement Prospects
There are many opportunities for advancement in the field of ushers. Some ushers move up to become managers or assistant managers of their theaters. Others may find opportunities with larger companies that manage several theaters. Some ushers may eventually open their own businesses.
The best way to advance in this field is to get more experience. Many ushers start out working part-time while they are in high school or college. As they gain experience, they may be able to find full-time work. Those who are able to find full-time work may eventually be promoted to management positions.
Usher Job Description Example
At [CompanyX], we provide our guests with an unforgettable experience by delivering top-tier entertainment. We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team of ushers and provide world-class customer service. As an usher, you will be responsible for greeting guests, scanning tickets, directing guests to their seats, and assisting with any other needs they may have. The ideal candidate will be outgoing, friendly, and able to handle large crowds. He or she will also be able to think on their feet and problem-solve quickly.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Greet guests and answer any questions they may have in a professional and courteous manner
- Assist with seating guests in assigned sections, according to the event’s ticketing system
- Help maintain the cleanliness of the venue by picking up trash and debris throughout the event
- Be aware of emergency exits and evacuation procedures in case of an emergency
- Notify security or management of any suspicious activity or persons
- Keep an eye out for guests who may need assistance and escort them to the nearest exit if necessary
- Help guests find their way to their seats or to the nearest restroom
- Distribute programs or other promotional materials to guests
- Collect tickets at the entrance of the event and tear or scan them as guests enter
- Stand at the entrance of the venue to help control the flow of traffic
- Answer guest questions about the event or venue
- Direct lost guests to the nearest information booth
Required Skills and Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to follow instructions and take direction well
- Ability to work well under pressure
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Some college coursework or degree
- Previous experience working in customer service
- Previous experience working in the entertainment industry
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays
- Bilingual
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