Ford’s Theatre is calling for volunteers, an opportunity for people who want to be part of the living history of the nation’s capital. Managers at the 144-year-old theater are hosting a new-usher orientation on Tuesday evening.
Allison Alonzy, the visitors service manager for four years, says, “Ushering at Ford’s is a way to see high-quality theater for free in a tough economy.”
Judy Henderson, a federal government retiree who lives in Forestville, has ushered at Ford’s since Ms. Alonzy’s arrival. Before joining Ford’s Theatre, Ms. Henderson ushered at the Warner Theatre for 13 years. She left when the Warner switched from volunteer ushers to paid staff.
“It’s a privilege to be involved with Ford’s, because it is D.C.’s most unique venue. Being a national historical site and a working theater makes Ford’s a wonderful place to serve in the city. It blends a patriotic atmosphere with a love of the arts perfectly,” Ms. Henderson said. “As a native Washingtonian, it brings a great feeling to see guests to the city eager to visit Ford’s Theatre to share in its history and culture.”
Ford’s Theatre began using volunteer ushers in 2004. Ms. Alonzy inherited a core group of 75 volunteers that is now 500 strong.
In August 2007, Ford’s closed for renovations, and the volunteer-usher program was suspended. The Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site, which includes the theater and Petersen House, where Abraham Lincoln died after being carried across 10th Street, reopened in February, and some of the volunteer ushers returned. The museum reopened to the public in July, and the National Park Service is also seeking site volunteers to work side by side with rangers.
The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Campaign’s goal to raise $50 million aided in improving the infrastructure and audience amenities, including a new lobby, a renovated theater, a redesigned museum and the creation of a new Center for Education and Leadership slated to open in 2011. The historic structure’s 6,800 square feet of renovated space provides for an enhanced experience for visitors.
As Ford’s Theatre continues its expansion, Ms. Alonzy said more volunteers are needed.
“Volunteers are the face of the theater. They are our eyes and ears. Sometimes they’re the sole entity that patrons see. We rely on our volunteers to be welcoming and enjoy their experience,” Ms. Alonzy said.
Word-of-mouth is the main recruitment method, she continued. Calls for volunteers are restricted to occasional posts on Ford’s Web site (www.fords.org) but no advertising dollars have been spent on recruitment.
“People flock here. They hear from a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor about what a good time they had volunteering with us,” Ms. Alonzy said.
Volunteer ushers help with the season’s four major productions plus special events and occasionally assist with administrative work within the theater’s development or education arms.
Volunteer ushers range from Lincoln buffs to local college students to “couples who want to make it a night out and don’t want to break the bank,” Ms. Alonzy said. “Ushering allows you to experience the theater in a way you might not in any other capacity.”
Since her retirement, Ms. Henderson has volunteered on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., assisting theater personnel and the National Park Service with daily tours.
She has met people from Australia and Scotland while volunteering and has expanded her “cultural awareness,” she said. She also has met people on the Metro who have approached her because of her Ford’s Theatre volunteer T-shirt. They express feelings about their Ford’s Theatre experience after seeing the renovated museum.
Ms. Alonzy said, “Ford’s had been the same for many years, and people stopped coming here.”
Since the February reopening, she said, “We have been busy straight all the way up to kids going back to school. We now have more to offer. We are more engaging. All the reinvigorated enthusiasm around Lincoln’s legacy and life is enhanced by the enthusiasm and service of our volunteers.”
The new lobby doors will open at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, and the one-hour orientation will begin promptly at 6:30 in the main theater, located at 511 10th St. NW. The orientation is for new volunteers, but returning volunteers are welcome. There will be a review of policies and procedures, a walk-through of the museum, theater and new lobby, and time for a question-and-answer period.
Those wishing to attend can register by e-mailing volunteeratfords.org or calling 202-434-9522.
c John Muller is a writer living in Montgomery County.
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