March 28, 2007

Tracy Cultural Arts Issues Call For Grand Theatre Ushers, Docents

Tracy, Calif. - The City of Tracy Cultural Arts Division is now accepting applications for volunteer ushers and docents for the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, which will open in downtown Tracy this fall. Approximately 75-100 ushers and 10-20 docents are needed.

"We are looking for volunteers who are friendly and enjoy supporting the arts in their community," says Grand Theatre House Manager Rosemary Goderre. "This is a great opportunity for persons who would like to join fellow arts enthusiasts on the inside world of the arts while working in a collaborative, creative environment."

Ushers' duties will include greeting and seating theatergoers, taking tickets and issuing programs at the 500 plus seat renovated Grand Theatre, as well as at the Center's 120-seat Studio Theatre. Ushers must be at least 16 years of age with good verbal communication skills and the ability to stand for at least two hours. The time commitment is approximately eight hours per month.

Docents act as tour guides and gallery assistants, leading school and public tours and educating visitors about the Center's history and programs as well as future events. They, too, must be at least 16 years of age and able to stand for at least one and one half hours and climb stairs. Applicants should possess excellent speaking skills, as well as the ability to learn history and facts about the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts. Tour guides will be asked to commit to one daytime tour per month. Gallery assistants will work three- to four-hour shifts, typically on weekends.

Training sessions for ushers and docents will take place in August and early September and will cover safety, policies and customer service.

Deadline for applicants to participate in the 2007 - 2008 Season is July 1, 2007. The application form is available on the City of Tracy website at www.ci.tracy.ca.us . For information, contact Rosemary Goderre at 209-831-4118 or rosemary.goderre@ci.tracy.ca.us.

The 37,000 square foot Grand Theatre Center for the Arts will be an interdisciplinary arts facility containing two theaters, a fine arts gallery and nine studio classrooms. Its full-time Arts Education Program will provide private and group classes in dance, drama, music and the visual arts. Short-term programs such as seminars, demonstrations and workshops will be offered as well.