I worked two years after school and had to sign and live with these instructions. Reading it know, it is really something, but it had to be written after sixty years. Plus I took the photo and it was one of the theaters. Enjoy!!!!
In the 1950’s I had the opportunity of being a part time usher, known as the Loew-Poli Theater. There where two on Main Street in Hartford Connecticut. In order to get the job, every usher had to meet the following. I worked two years after school and had to sign and live with these instructions. Reading it know, it is really something, but it had to be written after sixty years. Plus I took the photo and it was one of the theaters. Enjoy!!!!!
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USHERS
LOEW’S POLI THEATER
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT
An usher in a Loew-Poli theater has the responsibility of seeing that all patrons with whom they come in contact are properly directed and seated.
You have a daily working schedule listing the time that you are expected to report for duty and when you are off. Check again this daily. Remember that you should be ready to go on the floor five minutes before time to enable you to get dressed and be on the floor on time. If you arrive late, it means some usher who is scheduled to go off duty must remain on duty waiting for you. It’s not fair to him.
1.- Watch your conduct in the theater and help to keep your dressing room neat and tidy, as well as your uniform.
2.- Don’t be loud and boisterous.
3.- you will receive a uniform which you are expected to take good care of. When not in use, your uniform coat and pants must be neatly hung on a hanger in your locker. Don’t carry unnecessary items in uniform pockets.
4.- Personal valuables such as money, watches, etc. should never be left in your quarters.
5.- Eating or chewing gum when on the floor does not look good and is therefore not permitted.
6.- Study each day’s time schedule so that you can give correct information to patrons relative to feature times, etc.
7.- In your contact with our patrons be careful not to lay a hand on any person. If it should become necessary to eject any drunk or disorderly patrons get the officer if he is on duty, otherwise call the assistant manger.
8.- In your contacts with our patrons do not carry on conversations with them or with friends while on duty. If someone persists in talking with you . . . politely inform him or her that you are busy.
9.- Do not flirt with girls while on duty.
10.- If you leave the theater during your relief and have only a short time, you may wear your uniforms pants but wear your own coat. When gone for an hour and more, should change your own suit.
11.- If for any reason you find you cannot be at work call the assistant manager in ample time in advance, so he can find time to get a relief usher.
12.- If for any reason you must leave your post be sure to let the person on spot know where you are going. Always get permission from the person in charge.
13.- If you wish to buy candy just buy your candy and leave. Under no circumstances carry on a conversation with the candy girls at the candy stand of in the theater.
14.- When assigned an aisle you should immediately patrol it and check (count) your empty seats so that you know to direct patrons and can bring them down at once. Also see that your aisles are kept clean. Don’t wait for the porter to get around to it. Pick up any boxes, cups or paper and put them under the last seat in the last row.
15.- Always stand erect and do not lean against walls or doors.
16.- When talking to patrons your voice should be kept low so that patrons seating nearby will not be disturbed.
17.- Use the term, How many please? Yes, sir . . . No, thank you, m’am . . when talking to patrons.
18.- When patrolling your aisles listen for loud talkers or people creating a disturbance. Also see that patrons do not have their feet on the seat in front.
19.- Report all complaints by patrons to your assistant or manager. Any accident, no matter how trivial should be reported to the manger. If a patron falls or trips, check the spot at once, see if the lights are on or if it was the fault of a patron who had his feet stuck out. If patrons are injured or appears to be, notify your superior at once. Do not make any comments in regards to an accident to anyone except the assistant or Manager.
20.- If a baby starts to cry and doesn’t stop within a reasonable time ask the mother to please take the baby into the ladies room or outer lobby till it stops crying.
21.- When answering phones if a patron asks you a question that you cannot answer, don’t say, I don’t know. Instead say just a minute and I’ll try to find out for you. Then ask the manager or assistant manager to take the call.
22.- Do not watch the show while on duty. When not working you can find time to see the show.
New Haven, Connecticut
I hereby certify that I have read the above and understand it’s meaning. And I also understand that any violation of the above instructions will mean instant dismissal.
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Instructions for Ushers © 2015 Joe Vojt
