Ushers in theaters and concert halls around the world see performances and plays for free, and never have to wait in line for tickets. What is it like to be an usher?
"People often think that being an usher is an easy job, but it isn't," says Peter Sullivan, an usher at the Palladium Theater. "It's difficult to stand so much! When I'm tired, I sit in an aisle seat during intermission, but my boss could fire me for that."
Ushers usually stand at the entrance to the auditorium. They give people programs, look at their tickets, and show them their seats. Ushers must keep the audience quiet, especially after the curtain goes up. It isn't always easy.
"Last night one man was talking in a loud voice while the orchestra was playing," says Xavier Marcos. "I told him to be quiet, but he didn't stop talking. Some people were very angry, but there was nothing I could do."
Actors and musicians sometimes work as ushers, too. Samantha Page studies acting and is also an usher. "I won't be an usher forever," she explains. "I'm going to be famous one day. But I'll always remember beginning my career as an usher!"