Interested in becoming an usher at the East County Performing Arts Center?  By volunteering for Art Beat Management, you are helping the staff and community by providing a service that helps the East County Performing Arts Center remain a showcase in the entertainment industry and the community.  Our staff recognizes the importance of our ushers and value the input and services you provide.

To obtain information regarding becoming an usher please call our house management line at 619-441-5541.  Please leave your name and number and one of our house managers will get back to you on their next working day.

USHER POLICY 2007

Ushers have the right to be fully prepared to perform their volunteer duties as assigned.

All Ushers will be required to fill out, sign and return release form and be screened by the House Manager. 

Usher Sign-Up Sheets will also be mailed out to you.  Please review the list of upcoming events and fill out which shows you would like to usher.  You will then be mailed your show assignments.  If for some reason you are unable to attend a show, please call at least 24 hours in advance as to allow enough time to find a replacement.

“ Volunteers are individuals who reach out beyond the confines of paid employment and normal responsibilities to contribute time and service to a non-profit cause in the belief that their activity is beneficial to others as well as satisfying to themselves.”  (American Red Cross, Volunteer 2000)

The Center was built in 1977 as part of the ‘super block’ of buildings that include City Hall and the County building.  A group of community volunteers, the Curtain Raisers, raised funds to purchase curtains and seats for the Performing Arts Center.  The Center had been called ‘Theatre East’ in the past and has been managed by various organizations including the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College District, Christian Community Theatre, the Arts Center Foundation and most recently Art Beat Management a business unit of Christian Community Theater.

The East County Performing Arts Center is known for its amazing acoustics and professional staff.  With 1142 seats, the furthest being only 100 feet from the stage, the Center is unique in its presentation of artists in an intimate setting.

The Center strives to connect with the community.  Local dance, music and theater groups, schools and businesses rent the facility throughout the year for their programs.  Area merchants, restaurants, and service organizations work in tandem with these groups to promote the performances.  Performing groups reciprocate by promoting the goods and services in numerous ways at the Center.

Volunteers are instrumental in making every performance highly professional.  The ushers volunteer at all the events helping patrons have the most enjoyable experience possible at the Center.  Taking tickets, directing patrons to seats, handing out programs, assisting with locations of concessions and restrooms, and answering questions from patrons are just a few of the essential duties of the ushers.

Ushers provide the highest quality service to every patron and are the “face” of ECPAC.  Ushers have many assignments that allow the performances to run smoothly for patrons, renters, staff and the community. 

All volunteers report to either hourly or full-time staff.

The Director of Operations and Technical Director and their part time staff is located in the East County Performing Arts Center.  Other Art Beat staff members can be found at 1545 Pioneer way in El Cajon.  These include the Marketing Director, Finance, Managing Director and Executive Director.

Patrons to the East County Performing Arts Center come from all over the county for events.    

Patrons hear about our programs through radio, magazine and newspaper advertisements, word of mouth, internet and mailings.

ECPAC will have the sign in sheet available at the information table.  It is important to sign in and out so staff can keep track of your hours.  Your accumulated hours help with financial accounting and with incentives for your hard work!

At ECPAC:  Please remain calm and proceed to the nearest exit if the fire alarm sounds.

During an earthquake, move to the nearest doorway within the building.  DO NOT stand in the doorway of any of the outer doors as these are glass.  When tables are set up, duck for cover underneath.

Fire extinguishers are located in the lobby of ECPAC as well as first aid kits.

During an emergency if the lights to the theater do go out, we ask the door ushers with flashlights to point their flashlight to the opposite wall above all heads to enable more light in the theater.

At times, volunteers will be asked to work with letters, forms or other materials that are considered confidential.  All information- verbal, written, or computerized- concerning Art Beat Management and/or East County Performing Arts Center should be held in the strictest confidence. 

Art Beat Management is committed to diversity in all areas of its work.  We believe we have much to learn and profit from diverse cultures and perspectives, and that diversity will make our theater more effective in meeting the needs of the community.  We are committed to developing and maintaining a theater in which differing ideas, abilities, backgrounds and needs are fostered and valued, and where those with diverse backgrounds and experiences are able to participate and contribute.

All employees and volunteers need to disclose any business, commercial, political or financial interest where such interest might be construed as being in real, potential or apparent conflict with their official duties of the theater.

Volunteers will not represent themselves as other than a volunteer with the theater.

If you should hurt yourself while volunteering please fill out an accident report.  These are available from staff.

Should you have a complaint, we ask that you talk directly with the person with which you have a grievance.  If the situation is not resolved to your satisfaction, please report to the staff person in charge.  If the grievance concerns the staff person, please consult either the House Manager or Director of Operations.

Volunteers are considered an integral part of the team.  They are expected to offer input, regarding their assignments to their supervisor.

Volunteers have the right to expect supportive and constructive criticism; clear details regarding inappropriate or unsatisfactory performance/behavior; suggestions regarding what and how to improve; time and opportunity to demonstrate improvement; and a written record of unsatisfactory performance.

Volunteers may be discharged without warning for just cause.  Art Beat Management has the right to request a volunteer to leave immediately.  Grounds for immediate dismissal may include, but are not limited to gross misconduct or insubordination; being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while performing assignments; theft of property or misuse of agency funds, equipment or materials; lies or falsification of records; illegal, violent or unsafe acts; abuse or mistreatment of any persons; failure to abide theater policy and procedures; failure to meet physical or mental standards of performance; unwillingness or inability to support or further the mission of Art Beat Management and/or the objectives of the program.

Volunteer records are kept in a secure location by the House Manager and are considered confidential.  Inactive files will be maintained for a minimum of two years, after which time they will be destroyed in a responsible manner.  Upon reasonable notice, and while accompanied by the House Manager, volunteers may examine the contents of their own file.

Volunteer records may include application form, record of interview(s), agreements, training record, job descriptions, letters of reference, performance reviews, written warnings, record of volunteer time.

The volunteer program will be evaluated on an annual/regular basis by the House Manager.  Input into the evaluation will be sought from volunteers and staff.

Ushers are asked to wear a white long sleeved dress shirt or blouse with a collar for a bow tie or scarf. Bow ties and scarves do not have to be worn for dance shows. Black dress slacks or black medium-length skirt.  Please, no mini or floor length for safety reasons.  Black dress shoes are appropriate.  Bow ties/scarves may be borrowed from ECPAC.  White dinner jackets are mandatory for all STAR shows.  Jewelry and make-up should be appropriate.  For those shows that have a theme such as western, Christmas etc. we ask that your uniform remain the same, however,  a little flare for that specific performance is fine when it comes to accessories.

The success of all events is dependent upon the ushers.  Ushers are expected to arrive on time (1 ½ hours prior to shows) and stay for the duration of the show.  If you are going to be late, please call the House Manager as a courtesy. 

If you have a schedule conflict after the schedule is made, please notify the House Manager as soon as possible, preferably 48 hours prior to Call time.  If you have signed up to usher and you should become ill and cannot attend, is important for you to call and let us know.  Staff may need to call another usher, and as much time as possible should be allowed in order for this to be done.  The House Manager’s number is 619-441-5541 or 441-5558.

If you do not show or call in, your name will be dropped to the bottom of the list to be called for STAR show sign ups.  Only in emergencies will an exception be allowed.

At Call time, the House Manager will let ushers in at the side door.  There will be a sign in sheet for ushers at the usher table.  Bow ties, scarves, badges, and other items will be located at this table including flashlights, gloves and trash bags.  It is important to sign in and out so staff can keep track of your hours.  Your accumulated hours help with financial accounting and with incentives for your hard work! 

There is not a lot of space to store personal items, so please bring as little as possible with you from home.  Items can be stored in the House Manager’s office during volunteer time.

The Usher meeting will begin fifteen minutes after Call time to update ushers on the event.  Feel free to ask questions during this time.  After the meeting, please go to your area and prepare for doors to open. 

Programs are located under or next to the information/marketing table.  If you start to run low, please find a time when there are few patrons entering to re-supply what you can hold.  If it is busy, a staff person will be willing to assist you.

All ushers are allowed one beverage item of their choice from concessions.  If enough cookies are leftover after intermission for every usher to have one, then ushers will be allowed a cookie.  Refreshments are provided to ushers only after intermission and after the second half has started or with prior permission.  At least one usher should be at the theater doors and can get their refreshment when another usher has returned from concessions.  Those ushers who are not assigned to doors may get their refreshment after the lobby has cleared of all patrons and concessions is set up for ushers.  If there is no intermission, House Manager will relieve you or inform you of procedure at the usher meeting.  Please remember that all paying customers must be helped first so wait until the line is clear before coming up for your free drink.

Refer people who wish to enter the theater without a ticket to the Box Office window or designated table.  Each person entering the facility must have a ticket unless staff instructs otherwise.  They may purchase tickets at the Box Office or their tickets may be held in Will Call.  Anyone trying to enter without a ticket or who starts to argue with you should be reported to the House Manager or another staff person immediately.  Some tickets may already have the stub removed.  As long as they have the remainder of the ticket, they can be allowed in.

If someone comes to you and has lost their ticket, please refer them to the Box Office.  In most cases, the Box Office can reissue the tickets.

Sometimes two people appear to have the same seat number.  Look at both sets of tickets.  At most times, one person is accidentally in the wrong row or seat and is easily corrected.  Always check the performance date.  If this is not the situation, please contact the House Manager immediately.  One common problem is that Row O and Row D look similar when printed on the ticket.  Also look to see if the ticket has DUP or DUPLICATE printed on it.  If this is the case, the DUPLICATE tickets are correct and have the other party see House Manager.

Normally, food and drink purchased from concessions is allowed in the theater. This policy changes from show to show and will be announced at each usher meeting. Outside food and drink is never allowed.  If someone is breaking this rule, please ask to dispose of the refreshment in the trash receptacles.  If they refuse or give you a problem, contact the House Manager. 

Cameras, video taping and/or audio taping are normally not allowed.  Status will be given at each usher meeting.  Contact the House Manager if a patron refuses to follow policy.

People waiting outside the theater sometimes ask to come in the theater prior to doors being opened.  No one is admitted early unless permission is given by the House Manager or staff person.  Exceptions are usually made for patrons with special needs, some elderly or some emergency restroom use. 

There are no public phones in the theater.  The closest public phone is at 7-11. Patrons should use this phone or borrow someone’s cell phone.  Ushers may use the House Manager’s phone in emergency with House Manager permission.

ECPAC is ADA accessible.  There are ramps from the parking areas to the theater.  Wheelchair seating is available in Row F (house left and right) and row X (house left).  The lift in the lobby is located on the left side of the lobby for those special needs patrons needing assistance to upper rows. 

Wireless assisted listening devices are available for people who have difficulty hearing.  Guide dogs are allowed in the theater.  Some end seats are equipped with arms that rise to accommodate wheelchairs.

In case of injury or illness, even when not life-threatening, send another person to immediately find the House Manager or nearest staff person.  First aid kits are located in the House Manager office and at each fire extinguisher station.  Do not administer first aid unless you have a current Red Cross First Aid certification and/or CPR card. 

The patron should fill out accident reports as soon as possible.  Accident reports are available from the House Manager.

If the person is seriously ill or injured, stay with that person and send another person to call 911!  Make the person as comfortable as possible either seated or laying down until a staff person or House Manager can assist, or someone else certified in First Aid/CPR volunteers to help. 

If you are the person calling 911, please stay on the line with the operator until they tell you it is ok to hang up.

Any item found during clean up or during the show should be given to the House Manager.  Items should be marked with show name and date.  Any person reporting a lost item should be directed to the House Manager.  If no item is found, get the patron’s name and phone number and description of the item.  Give them the Director of Operations phone number to call later in the week.  If the item is found, the Director of Operations will call the patron.

The majority of the patrons to ECPAC are orderly, polite and cooperative.  Occasionally there may be situations where a patron is dissatisfied and becomes loud, uncooperative or even violent.  Stay calm and in control of the situation.  Do not raise your voice or become defensive.  Listen to what the patron is saying and acknowledge their concern.  “I understand that you are upset” is a good phrase.  Be courteous and if their problem is easily solvable, calmly tell them what you will do to remedy the problem. 

If the patron is disturbing other patrons or becomes violent, immediately send someone to get the House Manager, security, or other staff members.  Never touch a patron, even if they touch you. 

If there is question that a patron has and you don’t have the answer, please escort that person to the House Manager or other staff member.   The philosophy of ECPAC is to treat the patron like an individual and this type of treatment will go a long way in the patrons’ impressions.

If you notice anything unusual during an event, any repairs that should be made, lights that are out, suggestions or ideas from yourself or patrons, please tell the House Manager at the end of the event.  Your feedback is vital to the treatment of our patrons and volunteers alike!  Your professionalism and dedication to ECPAC is a source of pride for everyone in the community.  Please feel free to talk to or call any of the staff at anytime with your questions, concerns or ideas.