As I prepare to leave the Big Apple and embark on my next life’s adventure I reflect back on one of my favorite jobs I ever had living in New York City. This job was also, in effect my first job in New York City and it was by far the job I held the longest. Many people love the Broadway stages but think the only way to get inside is to pay upwards of $150 for a ticket. Having just come from college and still being very enamored with the Broadway scene I actually stumbled upon the Broadway Usher’s union. If you are new to New York City and would like to become a Broadway Usher there are a few things you can do to help make that a reality.
To start, you should know the facts. The facts are that a Broadway Usher gig if you’re a full-time Broadway Usher is what amounts to a part-time job. You do work six days a week and on matinee Wednesdays and Saturdays you have to come in during the daytime. This equates to a long day for many who don’t have anything to do in Midtown. While for many people with ordinary full-time jobs this is impossible, for many artists and other aspiring actors etc. being able to come in and work a matinee is not a problem. However the one big caveat with this job is that it is a part-time job and does not pay a sustainable living wage for most people. However if you have roommates or a shared rent or a benefactor are back home, being a Broadway Usher is a great way to make a few dollars.
If you’re still interested in becoming a Broadway Usher you should then reach out to the Broadway Usher’s union. IATSE Local 306 is the union and they have offices on W. 45th St. If you are just coming in for the first time to New York City from a faraway place, the idea of walking into a union to which you have no affiliation can be daunting. However, think of it like going to the DMV. We all have to go there to get licenses and license plates and our cars registered and things like that; to become a Broadway Usher is the same thing. You need to do it through the union, unless you’re like me.
I too had to go to the union offices eventually but the way I got the job was a little bit different. I accomplish this by walking right into the Broadway theater offices directly. I started out searching around at the stage doors and asking around in the theater district. Then I learned where the Nederlander offices were, and then went to them. They rejected me. I then learned where the Shubert offices were. I went in, and they rejected me. I then learned where the Jujamcyn offices were. Not too many people have heard of Jujamcyn before; unless you’re very familiar with the Broadway theater scene. However Jujamcyn is the third big player in theater ownership in Manhattan. They own five Broadway stages and when I walked into their offices they were somewhat taken aback. This is not very traditional to just walk into a strange office and announce yourself. But they eventually took to me like a lost wet puppy and offered me a job. Then they sent me to the union offices.
Actually, before you join the union, you can sub. If you’re interested in subbing and you don’t want to go directly to the union offices, you can call them that their phone number and ask about subbing directly. Don’t let them on that you don’t know anything, just ask if you can sub. They will take your information and call you back. The time to calling for sub hours is Monday morning between 10 a.m. and noon, I think. It has been awhile since I have called in for sub hours but if you call them between 10 a.m. and noon on Monday you can leave them your availability.
Then you show up. It’s black pants, white button up shirt, and a tie for men. Come with a black tie to start with and then if the theater has a specific tie they want to wear, they will give it to you when you get there. For women it’s black pants, black blouse and a scarf of the theater (which they provide). The only other thing you need is black shoes, pocket flashlight, and bring your smile! If they like you, and if you’re reliable, you will be an old Broadway dame before you know it! Then next thing you know eight years will have passed and you will be wondering where the time went!
Reference:
- www.newyorkav.com/
- 212-956-1306
