Usher

Job Description

Job Description

REPORTS TO: House Manager
STATUS :                      Part-time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal

Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings — and where Chicago comes alive.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera — voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story — to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings.

Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can. Lyric is also Chicago’s partner — in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities — through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city — and the world — why live performance still matters.

Lyric Opera of Chicago doesn’t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. It’s where Chicago comes to be moved — come inside.

We are searching for Ushers to be ambassadors for Lyric Opera by providing service as the first point of contact for our patrons who visit the theater. This Usher will provide professional customer service to guests by directing patrons to their correct seats, answering questions, and resolving patron issues. The Usher must be professional in appearance and demeanor and possess great communication skills. This is a high-level customer service-oriented position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide exceptional customer service at all times.
• Efficiently direct patrons to their ticketed seats, distribute programs and respond to general inquiries about Opera House facilities and/or productions.
• Effectively implement required safety procedures and assist patrons in emergencies, including (but not limited to): patron accidents, house evacuations, or related incidents that may occur.
• Ensure that security procedures are consistently followed, including monitoring assigned house exits and maintaining an awareness of crowd management issues to alert supervisory or security personnel of problems.
• As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyric’s leadership identifies the need at any time.

 
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Education: high school diploma or GED required.
• Effective customer service orientation, professional appearance, and “team player” qualities are essential.

 
WORK CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work afternoon, evening, and weekend functions, events, or performances.
• Required ability to work in a dark space such as a dark theater to seat guests.
• Required standing for long periods.
• Parts of a uniform will be supplied; the remaining parts must be worn in compliance.
• Ability to assist patrons in seating and emergencies.
• Usher jobs are union-contracted positions; employees are required to join the Service Employees International Union, Local 1. While no membership fees are applicable, a small fee (TBD) per performance is owed as dues to the union.

SCHEDULE: Ushers must work all evening/matinee performances during the opera season, postseason musical performances, and as-needed ballet season; staff must arrive 1.50 hours before curtain to prepare the work area.

COMPENSATION:

Job Classification: Part-time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal
Salary is $17.55/ hour with a 3 hour minimum
Application Deadline: Monday, July 27, 2026 (5:00pm CT)

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

 

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