PIPtionary
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Partners In Performance, the volunteer organization of Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts! By volunteering your time to Partners in Performance, you become part of the performing arts family. You have the opportunity to be part of the fun, excitement, and magic of the theatrical event. Partners in performance volunteers offer some of themselves to the community and can take pride in being a great asset to the Hall.
Being a Partner at the Hall should be taken seriously because the staff members and the other Partners depend on you to honor you commitment. Our commitment to you is to make sure you are well trained and comfortable with the different tasks you will be assigned. In return, we need to know we can count on you. To remain on the active list you must be a working Partner. If your working status changes let us know so we can schedule training for those on the waiting list.
We want to establish and maintain a pleasant and enjoyable environment for out patrons. Make your best effort-the first impression must be a good one! Always wear a smile, and patrons will remember how you treat them.
Statistic: It takes 8 good experiences to override one bad one!
Here are some of the benefits you receive from volunteering at the Hall.
· Having the satisfaction of being an active part of the community
· Making new friends
· Seeing many performances for free
· Free tickets to one show during the season
· Volunteer appreciation parties
· A free beverage during a performance
ENTRANCES
Volunteers should use the
PARKING
Free parking is available in the multilevel parking garage immediately west of Hammons Hall when there is a performance. When you work a weekday daytime event a one day parking pass will be mailed to you. You must have this prominently displayed in your front window to park in the parking garage.
TIME COMMITMENT FOR THE SEASON
Sign-up sheets for events at the Hall will be mailed to your home and should be returned to the volunteer coordinator as soon as possible. Be sure to write the dates you signed up to work on your personal calendar. You are responsible for knowing when to report for duty. If you have questions about your commitment, you can call the volunteer hotline (836-6005) and leave a message for the volunteer coordinator, or check the blue schedule notebook on the
TIME COMMITMENT FOR A PERFORMANCE
Volunteers should arrive 1-1/2 hours before curtain time (example: 6:30 p.m. for an 8:00 p.m. show) and sign in at the Information center counter in the Interlude Lobby (level 1) with the House Manager if you are ushering, or with the Concessions Manager if you are working concessions. Find your nametag in the box on the counter and put it on. If you are working concessions, put on an apron.
Coats and other personal items should be kept in the “cage” to the right of the information center. Precautions are taken for their safety; however, the Hall cannot be held responsible for anything lost or stolen. We ask you to arrive early for a good reason. The first 30 minutes of this time is used by the House Manager to review your assignment and give instructions and information you will need for that performance (such as seating holds and length of the intermission). You need to be at your assigned area an hour before curtain because the outer doors to the Hall open to the public at that time.
Go to your assigned area as soon as the House Manager instructs you t do so. Do not stay in the Interlude Lobby to visit. You need to be at your assigned area when the outer doors to the building are opened.
CANCELLATION POLICY
When you make a commitment to work a performance, we are counting on you to be there. It is very difficult to cover all assignments when even one or two volunteers are absent.
If you have to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. We would appreciate at least one day’s notice if you can. Leave a message on the volunteer hotline (836-6005). The hotline is usually answered by voicemail, and messages are checked frequently throughout the day and shortly before a performance. If at all possible, try to get another volunteer to take your place and leave their name on the hotline.
Three “no shows” without calling to cancel means your name will be taken off the active list.
DRESS CODE
The dress code is very important. It provides a uniform look throughout the group so that you are very identifiable to patrons, especially during and emergency. It can also ensure that we project a professional image.
MEN
- Black pant, white shirt
- Black shoes (no tennis shoes), dark socks
- Tie (optional, but must be conservative)
- In cooler weather black or white cardigan or black suit jacket (optional)
WOMEN
- Black skirt or slacks, white shirt (no trims, patterns, or piping of other colors)
- Black shoes (no tennis shoes)
- Black or white suite jacket or cardigan sweater (optional)
WHEN YOUR DUTY ENDS
You may go into see the show or go home when you are released by a House Manager. Refer to the section in the Appendix for specific guidelines.
HOUSE MANAGERS
House Managers are MSU student employees. They are responsible for all front of house operations before, during, and after performances. They are your supervisors when you are working at the Hall.
House Managers are assigned to a specific level. They are available to answer questions about performances, Hall policies, your job duties, etc. They are also available to help you handle any problems that may arise during a performance, such as questions about ticketing, seating conflicts, special patron needs, seating holds, and emergencies.
When you are working concessions, the House Manager assigned to be Concessions Manager for the performance will be available to solve concessions problems or questions.
- Locating a House Manager/ Concessions Manager
During the pre-performance briefing, the lead House Manager will introduce the other House Managers and tell you which levels they are assigned to supervise. The Concessions Manager will also be introduced.
- During the Intermission
Each of the House Managers will be on their assigned level.
TICKET TAKERS
Ticket Takers
Ticket Taking Positions
- South Doors (by Box Office,
- Day Lobby (house left, at the bottom of the stairs, in front of the double doors that lead to the small lobby an backstage)
- East Doors (facing
- Northeast Doors (facing
- Northwest Doors (also facing
General Information
Some ticket stations have a box for stubs; others do not. If there is no box, keep the stubs in your pocket—do not throw them away. Deposit the stubs in one of the ticket boxes after you are dismissed.
Take a moment to acclimate yourself. Be aware of where you are in relation to seating in the Hall so you can give concise, brief directions to patrons if necessary. It is the splitters’ responsibility to be more specific and direct patrons to the proper area of the Hall, so be brief.
Keep and eye out for:
- Cameras
- Video Cameras
- Recording devices
- Food/ Candy
- Drinks
With few exceptions, those items are not allowed in the theatre. Patrons may check them for no charge at the coat check counter.
Each patron must present a ticket for and event unless it’s a general admission event. The only patrons who do not need tickets are children two years and younger.
Unless patrons got to the Box Office first, you are the first contact they have with the Hall! Put a smile on your face and in your voice. Be relaxed. Have fun. Visit with patrons if time allows.
If patrons arrive early enough, here is a list of things you can suggest to them that they might like to know:
- The pre-performance lecture (don’t give directions)
- Artwork on display on various levels
Make eye contact and say hello while you take a patron’s ticket. (If a child is handing you the ticket, you might lean or squat down a little to greet them).
When to Give Directions
If it is early in the evening and no one is waiting behind a patron who asks where to go, it may seem rude not to answer. Use good judgment and do not hold up the ticket line. Giving specific directions is the responsibility of the Splitters. With a smile, simply say something like, “The usher in the red vest at the top of the stairs will help you.” This phrase works if you are at the south or east doors.
If you are on the Northeast or Northwest doors, sent the patron in the right direction-quickly and simply- by saying something like, “Go through the double doors and to the other side of the Hall. There are ushers in red vests there to help you.” Remember that the term splitter won’t mean anything to a patron. Use the term “usher”.
Types of Tickets
- Regular tickets issued by the Hall(including Symphony performances)
- Seat Location Passes issued by the Hall (handwritten tickets)
- Springfield Symphony tickets (issued bye the Symphony)
*Ticket examples can be found in the Appendix.
You may also see VIP passes, special student ticket slips, or passes issued by the event sponsors. Any patron showing you anything other than an approved ticket should go to the box office to exchange the “voucher” for a normal ticket.
Sometimes patrons mistakenly come to the Hall for events held in other locations (Craig Hall, Landers Theatre,
Check each ticket for the correct date and time, even if they are handed to you in a batch. This is especially important when a show has several performances- sometimes more than one on the same day. If patrons arrive for the wrong event or on the wrong day or wrong time, politely call it to their attention. If they want to change their tickets, direct them to the box office. Hall staff will do what they can to accommodate patrons. If a patron is upset, find a House Manager.
Box Seats
Direct box seat ticket holders to the nearest Splitter for directions.
Lost Tickets
If patrons say they lost their tickets or left them at home, sent them to the box office. The box office staff can verify the ticket purchase on the computer and issue a handwritten seat location pass. Be sure to look carefully at the seat number(s) written on the pass to know how many patrons can enter on the pass.
If you are working at the Northeast or Northwest door and a patron needs to go to the box office, direct them to the nearest Splitter who will take them. Only take the patron to the box office yourself if in you best judgment the situation warrants it or if there is no Splitter available.
Miscellaneous Information
Sometimes a patron wants to be seated but has tickets for his/her entire group. Do not offer to hold the remaining tickets. Send the patron to the box office to leave the tickets in Will Call with a person’s name. If a patron says his/her spouse of friend has his/her ticket and he/she doesn’t want to wait to be seated, send him/her to the box office. The box office will issue a seat location pass.
Sometimes patrons will give you a string of tickets that have not been torn apart. Be sure to separate them and face them all the same ways so you can bend and tear off the small stubs easily. If a large group arrives and one person hands you the tickets for the entire group, be sure to explain, as you are separating and tearing the tickets, that every person must have a ticket in had before entering the theatre for seating. The seating ushers will love you forever if you take care of this now.
ELEVATOR ATTENDANT
ELEVATOR ATTENDANT
Your primary position is on level 2 (Grand Foyer) by the box office, but be flexible. Rarely will you need to leave that position, but if you do, ask one of the ticket takers at the south stair to watch the elevator until you return.
Check patrons’ tickets before they enter the elevator. You may tear off the stubs. Tell patrons which level they need to go to for their seats, and assist them into the elevator. Tell them specifically which number to push in the elevator and instruct them to turn to their right when they exit the elevator. Tell them an usher in a red vest will help them get to the proper side of the Hall.
- Orchestra and Loge Box Left Level 3
- Mezzanine Rows A-J and Loge Box Right Level 4
- Mezzanine Rows K-Q and Petite Box Right Level 5
- Petite Balcony Seats 1-30 and Petite Box Right Level 5
-
Petite Balcony Seats 31 & up and Petite Box Left Level 6
Review instructions and tips shown for ticket takers.
WHEELCHAIR LIFT OPERATOR
WHEELCHAIR LIFT OPERATOR
The House Manager will give you the lift key.
The lift will transport patrons from street level (level 2) to level 3 (orchestra). Stand on the upper level side of the lift (nearest the northeast doors) and operate it for any patron with special needs. Be sure to tell nearby seating ushers and ticket takers that you are on duty so they can let patrons know that the service is available.
Operating Tips
The lift will not operate if:
· The key is turned to the ON position in one of the three panels.
· One of the doors is not fully closed.
· One of the emergency stop buttons is pushed.
· The arrow button is not held down.
The doors will not open if:
· The lift car is not at floor level. Use arrow button to return the car to a floor level (level 2 or level 3).
All three panels are just alike, and any one of them allows you to operate the lift. Keep the key on your wrist until you need to run the lift, then insert the key and turn it to the ON position. It must remain in that position for the lift to operate.
Be sure you and the patrons use the handrails inside the car while riding.
To assist in opening the door, you may choose to ride along if only one or two patrons are inside the car. If you choose to ride along, use the operating panel inside the car.
Remind patrons to set wheelchair brakes when inside the car.
Tell patrons where the restrooms are and that they may ask the usher in their area for assistance.
SPLITTERS
SPLITTERS
You must be familiar with all levels of the Hall and be able to seat patrons in the box seats. If it has been awhile since you were a Splitter, take a few minutes to review the box seats on your level before patrons arrive. (Laminated cards are available at the
Splitters are required to stay until after intermission. It is vital that splitters provide help to patrons during intermission. Go back to your assigned area during intermission.
Splitters are responsible for keep the stairs clear in their area. Politely ask patrons to move away from the stairs if they start to gather there. We need to maintain an open path up the stairs AND by the handrails at all times. If a patron refuses to move, get a House Manger for assistance.
Provide detailed instructions for patrons to find their seats by directing them to the correct side of the hall and the correct level. Give directions from the patrons’ perspective. For example, say “to your left,” or “to the other side of the Hall.” Remember that patrons won’t understand some of “our” terms, like house right or north doors. It is always helpful to tell them where they are before you tell them where to go. For example: “You’re not on level 3. You need to go to level 4 in the first balcony.” It is not your responsibility to take a patron to his seat. It is important that you remain at you station so you can direct as many patrons as possible. However, use your best judgment and always do what is best for the patron’s comfort and safety. You will need to make this judgment call on a case-by-case basis.
Levels
Orchestra All Rows Level 3
Mezzanine Rows A-J Level 4
Mezzanine Rows K-Q Level 5
Petite All Rows Level 6
Generally, seat number 30 is the center of a row, but be flexible (for example, center is 23 on front row of Orchestra). If patrons have low seat numbers, they will be on house right; high seat numbers will be house left.
Be sure to stand in the correct Splitter location, and be assertive: ask patrons if they need help-don’t wait for them to come to you.
Answer questions about location of concession stands, restrooms, water fountains, telephones, etc.
SEATING USHERS
SEATING USHERS
BRING YOUR FLASHLIGHT! No flashlights will be provided for you!
This is a very important assignment. Your primary responsibility is to help patrons find their seats, so be assertive and ask if they need help. Don’t wait for them to ask you.
Do not permit patrons to enter the theatre until you have received permission from a House Manager and the doors have been unlocked. This is extremely important. Generally, the house opens 30 minutes before curtain. In almost all cases the artist(s) has control of when the doors can be opened. That explanation can be used if patrons get restless.
Once the doors are unlocked, prop open all outer doors with the door stops provided.
As patrons enter the theatre greet them with a smile, hand out programs and ask if they need help finding their seats. If they do, show them the proper row and explain that seat numbers are on the front edge of seats. Use good judgment. Ask to see as many tickets as you can, and check to see if patrons are in the right place.
Generally, you should stand inside the theatre just inside the inner doors. Sometimes the House Manager is able to assign two ushers to a door. If so, one may stand outside and hand out programs and the other stands inside and helps with seating (take turns if you wish).
If you have a seating conflict:
· Be courteous and calm.
· Solve the problem if you can.
· First check the ticket to make sure they are at the right performance.
· Make sure they are on the right level.
· If it’s a duplicate ticket, allow the patrons already seated to remain there, and ask the other patrons to stand in the aisle. Then find a House Manager on your level to handle the problem.
Remember that the more tickets you check and the more patrons you seat, the fewer seating problems you’ll have.
Items Not Permitted Inside the Theatre:
· Food or drink
· Cameras
· Recording Devices
· Cellular phones (unless they are turned off).
Pagers that vibrate are acceptable. If you see a patron with anything listed above ask them to check it at the
Patrons with Special Needs
Patrons in wheelchairs: If you need to review where the wheelchair access seats are, ask on of the House Managers. (If they know ahead of time, House Managers will have already prepared the seating area for wheelchair access.)
If a patron asks for your help with hearing devices that isn’t working properly, you or the House Manager in your area should take the device to the Listening Device stand next to Fuldner Lounge for an exchange. The patron should not have to do this.
Once the Show Begins:
When the house lights dim and the performance begins, you may then close the inner doors. You must remain standing inside by the inner doors for the first 15 minutes of the performance to assist latecomers. If the outer doors must be shut for a particular performance and there are two ushers at the door, one should remain by the outer doors so they won’t make noise while shutting. (The inner doors are quiet, but the outer doors do slam shut sometimes.)
The only exception to standing inside the theatre at the beginning of a performance is if there is a structured seating hold. Then, you would stand outside the outer doors to make sure no patrons enter the theatre until a House Manger tells you the seating hold is over. You should assist patrons to their seats at that point, using good judgment about when to actually let them sit. If they have seats toward the end of a row, seat them right away. If they have seats toward the middle of a row, you might ask them to wait until a song or dance is completed before seating them.
You are on duty the entire show, including intermission. If you must leave briefly, be sure to ask another usher in your area to temporarily cover your position.
After the first 15 minutes of the performance, you may take an aisle seat if there is one available. (Most doors have additional chairs placed inside the inner doors.) Position your chair so you can see the majority of patrons in your area in case they need help leaving or reentering the theatre. Mezzanine and Petite balcony ushers may sit in an empty aisle seat if one is available. If not, you may sit on the stairs as long as you do not block access to the exits or cause a hazard to patrons leaving and reentering.
Other off duty ushers may not sit on the stairs. If they block access to exits, whether sitting or standing, you have permission to ask them to move.
During a performance your main responsibility is to be aware if a patron is leaving or reentering the theatre, not to watch the performance. Do not assume a patron will be okay without your help. If someone rises to leave, immediately get up and go to that row to assist them. If someone leaves the theatre, you should wait by the inner doors for them to return to avoid disturbing the other patrons.
Flashlight Tips
The flashlight beam is extremely bright and will shine nearly all the way across an aisle. Obviously, this will be very distracting to patrons unless done properly. Always keep the beam pointed toward the floor so the person leaving or reentering can see other patrons’ feet.
If you use your flashlight to check tickets for latecomers, turn away from the audience and point the beam down on the ticket, shielding the beam as much as possible with your hand.
Intermission
When the lights go up for intermission (and only then), prop open the doors. Opening them too soon can ruin the mood for the performance and can also distract patrons seated near the door.
During intermission, remain but the outer doors so you can remind patrons that food and drink are not allowed in the theatre. Patrons may also ask where restrooms and/or concessions are located.
When the performance resumes, close the inner doors and remain for a few minutes to assist patrons coming back late from the restroom or finishing a beverage. Then you may be seated again until the end of the performance.
After the Performance
When the house lights come up at the end of the performance, prop open all doors. Be sure not to open them too soon. Sometimes there are curtain calls and/or additional songs, etc. Don’t anticipate. Wait until the lights go up. If patrons begin leaving before then, be ready to assist them.
After patrons are gone, pick up any programs left in your area and take them to the
VOLUNTEER DISTRIBUTING HEARING DEVICES
- You are responsible for distributing hearing assist devices. There is no charge. Obtain a driver’s license or other identification card (not a credit card0 to hold in the coat check area to ensure that the device is returned.
- Place the license or other identification card in the empty slot fro which you removed the hearing assist device.
- If there is a problem with a device, exchange it for another one. Let the House Manager know about the defective device so it can be repaired.
COAT CHECK/
COAT CHECK/INFORMATION CENTER
In a nutshell, take messages and answer questions if the phone rings; check coats, umbrellas, cameras, and pagers. Smile! Use eye contact! Put a smile in your voice!
Check Coats
- Coat check and
- When you arrive, make sure you pre-tag at least one of the coast racks, keeping the claim numbers in order.
- Hang coats in numerical order when checking them in. This makes it much easier to find coats when the performance is over.
- A House Manager will provide you with a cash box.
- Collect the fee of $1.00 (hat, gloves, umbrella included in this price) when checking in the items. Any item that cannot be hung on a hanger should be put on a shelf under the counter with a numbered claim check taped to it.
- Be sure to give the patron the claim check stub(s).
Check Pagers or Cameras
- The Hall requires that patrons check pagers (those that vibrate may be taken into the theatre) and cameras. DO NOT charge the $1.00 fee for this.
- Tape a claim check tag to the item and give the patron the claim check stub.
- Patrons who check pagers may ask how they can receive their pages. Let them know that they can check their messages during the intermission. You are not responsible for taking messages from the pager. This is the patron’s responsibility.
- You must remain in the
- When the box office closes, they will forward all calls to
- Answer the phone by saying, “Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. This is (your name). How may I help you?”
- If a question relates to the box office, ask the caller to call back during box office hours (see General Information Page).
- If the call is an emergency, fill out an emergency message form (located in the Emergency Message Log Book). Tell the caller we will do everything we can to contact a patron so they can return the call as soon as possible. Immediately contact a House Manager by radio. They are responsible for locating the patron.
- If the call is not an emergency fill out a pink “Important Message” slip and get it to a House Manager who will try to locate the patron at intermission.
Lost and Found
- Seating ushers may turn in items they find after patrons have left the theatre. There is a box under the counter for those items.
- If a patron comes to the
CONCESSIONS
CONCESSIONAIRE
After you have arrived at the Hall, sign in, put on a concessions apron and your nametag. When the House Manager has finished with the briefing, the Concessions Manager will make specific stand assignments and give any additional information for that performance. Make sure to count back the money to the Concessions Manager to help avoid mistakes later. Go to your assigned stand when instructed.
One Hour Prior to the Performance
- Recount all candy, bottled beverages, and logo cups to make sure those numbers agree with the numbers in the “Beginning” column of the inventory sheet. If your count is different, recount once to double check, then make the appropriate change(s) on the inventory sheet.
- Remove candy from the bus tubs, display it in the rack provided, and prepare your stand for business. It’s a good idea to pre-pour some soft drinks so you can serve them quickly and efficiently if a large number of patrons wish to purchase drinks at the same time.
- Sales will be conducted from one hour prior to curtain until the performance begins and then again during intermission.
Helpful Tips
About five minutes before the performance begins, let the patrons know that they cannot take food or beverages into the theatre. A nice way to handle this is by saying something like, “The performance will be starting in about five minutes, and food and drink are not allowed in the theatre. Would you like to wait until intermission?” You may miss a sale at the time, but because of your thoughtfulness you may make a sale later, and the patrons will appreciate knowing ahead of time rather than when an usher tells them this as they are entering the theatre.
When Performance Begins
- Place all candy in the bus tubs and put it under your stand Do not put candy in the ice carts because it can get wet, which increases spoilage. Try to put everything out of sight.
- Take the money with you in your apron. Once your stand is ready and your money tray has been taken care of, you may go into the theatre to watch the performance.
When You Watch a Performance
Please follow these guidelines. If the performance is not sold out, choose an unoccupied seat that you can get to without disturbing the patrons around you. If there are no unoccupied seats, you may stand in the back of the orchestra level. Do not stand or sit in an area that will inhibit the ushers working around you. They must have access to the exits and stairs, space yourselves out; don’t sit in groups.
Prior To and During Intermission
Ten minutes prior to intermission return to your stand and prepare it for business by displaying candy, etc.
Some intermissions are quite short, so it’s a good idea to pre-pour soft drinks. Many times this will keep you from being overwhelmed by a large thirsty crowd. It’s always better to pre-pour too much than to not pour enough. When we throw away a cup of soda we lose $.04, but if we can’t serve all the patrons in line during intermission, we lose approximately $3.00 per person. Even if you have 10 sodas to throw away, it’s better at a cost of $.04 than if we lose even one patron’s business.
Make sales throughout the intermission, again reminding patrons, as it nears time for the performance to resume, that they cannot take food or drink into the theatre.
After Intermission
Count all remaining bottled beverages, candy, and other items. Record amounts in the “Ending” column of the inventory sheet. Count logo cups and record the number in the “Ending” column. Empty unsold sodas into the drainage bucket under the ice bin and remember to account for “spoilage” cups on the sheet.
Complete all columns on the inventory sheet. You must count money and reconcile the sheet. If your sheet does not balance the first time, recount your inventory and your money and check your figures. If you can’t balance after counting the second time, finish breaking down your stand and check out with the Concessions Manager. Wait until the Concessions Manager has counted back the money and dismissed you before leaving. Frequently the Concessions Manager will find the error when computing the sales figure. Do not continue recounting your cash after the second time. The House Managers and Concessions Manager are waiting to put away all concessions and must complete this before the show ends so they can lock up the building.
Empty any remaining ice from the portable cart into the gray ice cart.
Clean off the counters of your stand with the spray cleaner provided. Make sure you turn off the carbonation. Bring the gray ice cart, all candy and cups, and the money, cash tray, and inventory sheet to the concessions garage area and check out with the Concessions Manger or one of the House Managers.
Return you apron and name tag. You may then return to the theatre if you want to see the rest of the performance. Remember your seating guidelines.
Miscellaneous Concessions Information and Tips
- Say, “May I help you?” and “Thank you!” for every sale. Smile! Make eye contact.
- Be careful not to point the soft drink nozzle toward a patron. Sometimes it sputters and sprays. Always point it into the cup.
- Keep money out of sight. Before making change, be sure to take the extra few seconds to state the size of the bill(s) the patron gives you. And again when you are counting back the change. This will save embarrassment for you and the patron and should eliminate errors. For example: “That’s $3.00 out of $20.” Then; “$3.00, $4, $5, $10, and $20.” (As you count back). It’s hard to do this when you’re very busy, but it’s also when you’re busy that mistakes happen. Make the effort to take this precaution.
- House managers will be available on each level. If you have a problem at your stand, signal for the House Manager’s help, or have one stand worker find the House manager on your level. The Concessions Manager will also be roaming.
- Remember, there are cups designated for volunteer free drinks, and for patrons requesting a cup. These cups should remain separate from your sales cups and should not be counted in your inventory.
- Each volunteer is entitled to one free soda when they work at a performance.
CONCESSION STAND LOCATIONS
INTERLUDE In the Interlude lobby, level 1
STAND 2 In the lobby, level 2, to the right of Juanita K. Hammons’ photograph and the pillar.
STAND 3A On the Tier (Orchestra), level 3, directly to the right of the level 3 south stairs.
STAND 3B On the Tier (Orchestra), level 3, in front of the Symphonic Seasons painting, closer to the restrooms.
STAND 4 In the Loge lobby (lower mezzanine), level 4, between the first two pillars on house left.
STAND 5 In the upper Mezzanine lobby, level 5, between the first two pillars on house left.
SAFETY
INFORMATION
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Safety
Please report any accident or injury involving a patron or a volunteer, no matter how minor it may seem, to a House Manager.
If you notice something that may be a potential safety hazard, please attempt to fix the problem yourself or report it to a House Manager immediately.
Emergencies
Should we need to evacuate the theatre, please follow the guidelines listed for each job description.
Ticket Takers
In an emergency evacuation, lead patrons out of the building to assigned parking lots and wait for instructions from emergency personnel.
- South Doors: Lead patrons to the lot located nest to the
- East Doors: Lead patrons to the lot on the corner of
- Northeast and Northwest Doors: Lead patrons to the lot on
- Day Lobby: Lead patrons to the lot located next to the
Wheelchair Lift Operator
In an emergency evacuation, do not operate the lift. A House Manager will assist patrons needing help. Assist in leading patrons out of the building to assigned parking lots. Northeast and Northwest doors: lead patrons to the lot on
Splitters
In an emergency evacuation return to your original station to direct the flow of traffic to the nearest exit.
- Petite, Mezzanine, and Loge North: Direct patrons to north staircase.
-
Orchestra North: Direct patrons to the north doors.
-
Petite South: Direct patrons to stairway exit next to the elevator.
-
Mezzanine and Loge South: Direct patrons to the Grand Staircase.
-
Orchestra South: Direct patrons to the east and south doors.
Seating Ushers
In an emergency evacuation, do not take the time to prop open the inner or outer doors. Immediately direct patrons to the nearest exit. After the last patron leaves, make sure the inner and outer doors are closed.
- Petite, Mezzanine, and Orchestra North: Direct patrons to the south lobby.
- Petite and Mezzanine South: Direct patrons to the south lobby.
- Orchestra South Rows A-L: Direct patrons to day lobby exit.
-
Orchestra South Rows M-Y: Direct patrons to south corridor.
Coat Check and
In an emergency evacuation, lock the coat check door and immediately leave the building. Do not return personal items to patrons during and evacuation.
Severe Weather
In the event of severe weather, a House Manager or a Hammons Hall staff member will make and announcement over the intercom or form the theatre stage.
If the warning occurs before a performance or at intermission when patrons are in lobby areas, volunteers will direct patrons to the interior areas of the orchestra level only, to duck and cover behind any seat or along walls, taking care not to block entrances.
If the warning occurs during a performance, volunteers should direct patrons to remain at their seat location and duck and cover. During a tornado warning there will not be sufficient time to evacuate the Mezzanine or Petite balconies. Volunteers should advise patrons to stay in their seats. Explain to patrons that the interior of the theatre is the safest area, and they would be in much greater danger if they went tout into the glass-walled lobbies or drove in their automobiles.
The House Managers will assist patrons with disabilities.
APPENDIX
When You May Leave
Some assignments require you to stay for the length of the entire show, while others allow you to leave when the performance begins. Refer to each section below to see when it is appropriate for you to leave based o your assignment for the event.
Ticket Takers and Elevator Attendant
You may leave your position after a House Manager has released you. At that time you may go into the theatre to watch the performance or you may go home. Return your nametag to the box on the
Wheelchair Lift Operator
You may go into the theatre on house right to watch the performance when released by a House Manager. Be sure to turn the lift key to the OFF position and take it with you into the theatre. You must be back to your position just prior to intermission.
Tell the usher at the door where you plan to sit during the performance so you can easily be found if a patron needs your assistance during the performance. You should sit as close to the end of a row as possible so you won’t disturb patrons if you have to leave.
When the intermission is over, you may go back into the theatre. Just before the end of the performance, go back to your position until all patrons who need the lift have been helped. Then return the key to one of the House Managers before you leave. Return your nametag to the box on the Information center counter before leaving.
Splitters
You may leave your position when released by a House Manager to go into the theatre to watch the performance. Return you nametag to the box on the
Seating Ushers
You are required to stay at your position during the entire performance, including the intermission. You may leave when all Patrons have left your area of the theatre after a performance is over and you have returned your nametag.
Coat Check and
You are required to stay in the coat check area for the entire performance. You may leave after the performance is over, and all personal items have been returned to the patrons. When you are working this assignment alone, you will not be able to see any of the performance.