Ushering
The most popular volunteer opportunity is ushering at film showings. If you see a shift you would like on the schedule of available usher shifts, just email us and let us know. We'll schedule and then confirm you. The numeral in each cell is the number of people we need. If you have had Lead Usher training, let us know. If not, we need plenty of help anyway, so don't be shy!
What is ushering?
As an usher, you help make the festival happen. Ushers are the people that the theatergoers see and deal with most. You give the public their first impression of the festival. Therefore, it is very important that ushers be polite and kind, and remain at their posts. You must smile and answer questions clearly. You must know where the theater facilities (restrooms, fire exits, etc.) are. All ushers should know the names of the films playing and how long they will run.Yeah, but specifically, what is ushering?
There are many exciting tasks to perform when you are on duty as an usher at one of our festival venues. Ushering jobs include, but are not limited to, running the will-call station, ripping tickets, checking passes, seating patrons, helping with ballot and ticket counting, administering surveys to people waiting in line, helping to neaten the theater between screenings, working at the merchandise table. You will be assigned a job when you arrive at the beginning of your shift.Last year we started an "Usher On Call" list for each evening. If you sign up for an "On Call" shift, we ask that you call in at the beginning of the shift/s -- check in and see if we need you. If we do, you'll get credit for the hours that you work. If we don't, you get one (1) hour of credit for being available.
A Lead Usher is an experienced SIFF volunteer who organizes and oversees a team of ushers. Please do not sign up for Lead Usher shifts unless you have been specifically invited by the SIFF Volunteer Coordinator to do so.
Email address for scheduling Usher shifts: siffusher@yahoo.com
Thank you for getting involved with the 30th annual Seattle International Film Festival!