From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Usher (occupation)
Usher (occupation)
Usher statue Mr. Screen by Vincent Browne
Ushers assist visitors by formally showing the way in a Other jobs also come under the name ’Usher’, such
large building or to their appropriate seats. This may co- as baseball field personnel. A field usher coordinates not
incide with a security role. The word comes from the only the baseball diamond grounds but also the stadium
French huissier, with the same meaning (Latin - ostiariu), itself.
ushers were servants or courtiers who showed or ush- Ushers are also expected to help with security and to
ered visitors in and out of meetings in large houses or ensure that only people with proper authority have ac-
palaces. In England, a variety of titles for courtiers in the cess to backstage areas. Ushers also monitor the crowds
Royal Household include the word ’usher’, and it is a now and can summon security when needed.[2]
obsolete name for a schoolmaster, especially at a private In cinemas, it was common for ushers to check tickets
school. At weddings, friends of the groom and bride may and show people to their seats to watch the film being
be recruited to direct guests at the ceremony, and gener- shown. If actually during the film, when lights were
ally be available for assistance. dimmed, the usher would shine a torch to light the row of
Ushers help those in attendance at entertainment seating in question. In Britain these female ushers were
and sporting events in theatres and stadiums. Duties in- accordingly titled "usherettes".
clude checking tickets, directing people to their assigned
seats, distributing programmes, answering questions and
assisting people in finding restrooms and refreshments. See also
According to the United States Department of Labor, ush- • Church usher
ers, lobby attendants and ticket takers earn an average • Court usher
wage of $8.41 an hour and $17,500 a year. Approximately • White House Chief Usher
102,000 are employed in this line of work. Most of these
workers are employed by the Motion picture and Video
industries, secondly they work in the performing arts
and sporting events venues.[1]
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Usher (occupation)
Notes and references [2] "Careers: Ushers and Ticket Takers".
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes393031.htm.
[1] "Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2006". Retrieved 2008-02-06.
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes393031.htm.
Retrieved 2008-02-06.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Usher_(occupation)&oldid=459613647"
Categories:
• Entertainment occupations
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