Inside the world of theatre ushers
The Puget Sound’s weekly roundup of arts, culture, and community | June 26 to July 2, 2026
They help you find your seats and hand you the show program, but the tasks of volunteer ushers encompasses much more than what you see. The roles are coveted and those that fill them are dedicated. Welcome to the world of ushers. — Ciara
Behind the Aisle
Pinging and glowing smartphones. Aisles crowded by feet and bags. Noisy mid-show audience chatter. Of all the issues for which Seattle Rep volunteer usher Kelly Kemmerling could have prepared, a broken drinking-water fountain was not on her bingo card.
But as ticketholders passed through Seattle Rep’s carpeted hallways toward the Leo K. Theater for a Saturday matinee performance of Mary Jane this spring, Kemmerling couldn’t ignore all the visitors who leaned into the wall-mounted fountain for a sip of water, only to come up confused and disappointed.
“Sorry,” she explained while pointing people toward the nearest restroom or checking their tickets. “The drinking fountain is broken.”
Welcome to the world of local theatre ushers, where Kemmerling and scores of others at area theatres handle everything from the routine (checking tickets, handing out programs, and seating audience members) to the unforeseen (mid-show medical emergencies, fire alarms, and, yes, broken drinking fountains) to help you enjoy the show.
On the Stage
The Play That Goes Wrong
Theatre | Seattle Rep
Now – June 28 | Tickets
Fueled by energetic physical comedy, this award-winning London and Broadway sensation will have the whole family rolling in the aisles.
More Events
- Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert | Seattle Symphony | Now – June 27 | View Print Program
- Frida...A Self-Portrait | Union Arts Center | Now – June 28 | View Print Program
- Wish You Were Here | ArtsWest | Now – July 5
- We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up | Village Theatre Everett | June 27 – July 19 | View Program
Next Line
- This evening, bring the family, friends, coworkers, any and everyone else to BeautyBoiz and Intiman Theatre’s World Stunt Block Party. Kick off Pride the right way.
- Forbidden in a theatre, but more than welcome outdoors, the name Macbeth has an aura around it. But Union Arts Center breaks down the mystery by announcing the cast and creative team for this summer’s production.
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