Fresno Grand Opera Needs You to Join Our Volunteer Usher Corps!

Please note: No volunteer ushers will be used for the Wicked performances.

Download an application here

Do you love music and theater? Are you curious about opera? Never attended an opera? Well, here’s your chance! Opera is the grandest form of music and theater, and ushering is a great way to learn about opera . . . for free!

What’s it all about? Fresno has a first-class opera company that performs at Saroyan Theater located at the Fresno Convention Center. And we want YOU to join our volunteer usher corps! It’s fun. It’s easy. And there’s never been a more thrilling way to give back to your community!

What do ushers do? Volunteer ushers take tickets at the door, greet our patrons, hand out programs, direct the audience to their seats, and make sure everyone is seated by curtain time and the audience gets back into the theater after intermissions. You will be given an informational booklet about your assignment, and arrive one hour before the doors open for an orientation and specific instructions on how to perform your job.

What do ushers wear? Volunteer ushers are asked to wear a black shirt, black slacks or a skirt, and black shoes. There’s no need to buy any special clothing. You will be given a Fresno Grand Opera identification tag to wear over your clothes.

What kind of people volunteer to be an usher? Fresno Grand Opera is dedicated to reaching out to people from all parts of our diverse community. Anyone can volunteer, regardless of whether you have ever attended an opera or any type of theatrical performance before.

What are the benefits of being an usher? Volunteer ushers are invited to the opera’s private dress rehearsal. You will not be asked to work that night and you can enjoy the entire show as an audience member. Volunteer ushers may have an opportunity to watch the show during their assigned performance by standing at the back of the theater. You may also receive community service credit for schools or other organizations. And you get to meet some great people who also love music and theater!

When does this all happen? Johnny Mathis Holiday Concert – Sat, Dec. 4, 2010 at 7:30PM at Warnors Theatre; The Pirates of Penzance – Fri, Jan. 28, 2011 at 8:00PM; Sun, Jan. 30, 2011 at 2:00PM at William Saroyan Theatre; Juan Diego Florez in concert – Mon, Feb. 14, 2011 at 7:30PM at William Saroyan Theatre (We typically ask that ushers arrive two hours prior to performance time for orientation and set-up.)

How do I sign up for the Volunteer Usher Corps? Download the PDF flyer below, or call Anne Betancourt at 559-299-4607 to get more information and sign up for the program. We will contact you and confirm your attendance and assign performance. Please note: Volunteers who are minors must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult.

Download an application here
(you will receive information materials approximately two weeks before your assigned performance)

For More Information:

By Mail: Fill out the PDF application and send it to:

Friends of Fresno Grand Opera
c/o Anne Betancourt
6750 N. Woodrow
Fresno, CA 93710

By Phone: 559-299-4607

This program is sponsored by Friends of Fresno Grand Opera.