Assembling in the theatre lobby about 45 minutes before show time are volunteers crucial to Market House Theatre: our ushers! Taking tickets, passing out programs, showing patrons to their seats, or pouring soda at the concession table, MHT ushers provide a valuable service to the Theatre without having to make a large time commitment. There’s a bonus as well: ushers get to watch the show at no charge!

Entire families come to usher, as well as couples and parent-child teams. Our single friends and groups of friends join the ranks, as well as parents of children on stage. Some usher the same show each production, while others take a “put me where you need me” approach. Many have been ushering for years, while first-timers join us for nearly every production. As the learning curve is, well, REALLY small, anyone can ease right in!

Long-time theatre friend and volunteer Betty Wise enjoys welcoming patrons to the theatre. “I love to let them know that we’re glad they are there and to make them feel comfortable. I want them to enjoy themselves from the minute they hit the door.” Ron DeVillez was hooked after his first visit to the theatre to see Beauty and the Beast. He has come to usher for nearly every production since then, usually for one of the matinees. “I enjoy seeing the amazing talent we have in Paducah. I have worked with various people in the community on committees, never knowing what talent they had until I saw them on stage.”

MHT Business Manager Marsha Cash coordinates the ushers for each show. For the past few productions, Marsha has added a little whimsy to the ushering job, offering costumes for those that are willing. For the spy thriller The 39 Steps, ushers donned trenchcoats to inspect tickets, while those helping with Escanaba in da Moonlight sported hunting gear and deer antlers.

As the theatre needs 4-6 ushers for up to 13 performances of each production, we welcome newcomers! Anyone interested in ushering should contact Marsha Cash at (270) 444-6828 or mcash @mhtplay.com.

Look for more of our ushers in upcoming issues of Off Stage Noises!

 
Kris  & L.W. Shanks

Dvonne Miller, Betty Wise, Nolan Wise

Tim & Katrina Franklin

Ron DeVillez                        Bobbie Allen

 Kathy McHaney