Volunteers

Ushering in the Arts is a volunteer program that began in 1984 with a core group of a dozen volunteers at the Anchorage Arts Council. Four years later, responsibility and oversight for the program was transferred to the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts upon the opening of the building. This successful program, now in its 22nd year, includes 300 volunteer ushers, 100 of whom have been with the program for ten years or more.

Each year, these committed volunteers serve over 250,000 patrons and over 60 performing arts organizations. All in all, our usher corps provides a total of over 25,000 hours of free ushering services each season.

Ushering in the Arts is made possible by generous contributions from ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc., and First National Bank Alaska, as well as gifts from many individuals and the ushers themselves.

Program Purpose

Ushers are a vital part of the experience that patrons have when they first enter the Center or any other facilities served by UITA. The service elements that the ushering staff provides to our audience members ensure a favorable first impression and guarantee their comfort and safety when attending events.

The primary purpose of UITA volunteers is to provide the link between the performing organizations and their patrons. The usher job description includes functions such as greeting and directing patrons, ticket tearing and scanning, directing patrons to their seats, assisting patrons with special needs, monitoring the audience during performances to assure an undisturbed atmosphere for both artist and patron, and assisting patrons in the event of an emergency.

How to Participate

Ushering in the Arts invites all interested individuals to apply. Currently, there is a waiting list for participation in this program. . Each year, we replenish the usher corps to make up for a decrease in numbers due to retiring ushers or those who leave the program for various reasons, and to meet the demands of our ever-growing event list. You must be 18 years of age and be available to assist at least three times a month September through May.

If you would like more information on the program, or would like to apply, please follow the UITA Job Description and UITA Application links posted below; or contact Programs Assistant, Lacey Ruskin (907) 263-2923.

UITA Job Description

UITA Application