“I don’t usher for financial reasons but I do it because I like to volunteer,” she said. She follows rules she learned long ago that include no sitting in an empty seat in front of a patron, next to a patron or in an empty box. She also ushers at the Opera House and spent years doing the same at Detroit’s Gem Theatre. “People pass these coveted usher positions down to their family,” said Dalla Vecchia.

She got into it by subbing for her brother-in-law or sister-in-law, who were regulars there.

One of those regular volunteers is Violet Dalla Vecchia, 77, of Allen Park, who has been a Fisher usher since the early 1970s. The Fisher needs about 80 ushers per show, so staff draws from a pool of 1,700 volunteers and sometimes recruits from local high schools for certain shows. The Fisher Theatre, home to Broadway in Detroit, has a long waiting list for those wanting to be ushers. “That being said, we often need additional ushers, and those interested are welcome to apply.” “The usher calendar is broken into two six-month periods, where they are asked to select a minimum of six performances in that period, based on suggested guidelines - a variety of evening and matinees, one or two of the more popular shows, and at least one theater rental,” Hobbs said.

Volunteers must be 18 and older and provide their own uniform, a black blazer and bottom, white shirt and black bow tie, said Erica Hobbs, communications manager for t Michigan Opera Theatre. To help at Michigan Opera Theatre at the Detroit Opera House, ushers donate $10-$25 annually to join the Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteer Association.

Detroit opera house box office