Volunteers at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio

When you walk into the Majestic Theatre in downtown San Antonio, Texas, the first thing you may notice is the beautiful designs adorning the walls and the ornate details that make it unique. The other thing you will notice is the volunteers wearing their white shirts and bowties greeting you at the door. One of the first people you will see is Justine who has been volunteering at the Majestic for over 20 years. The volunteer program began in 1989 and Justine was one of the first in line to sign-up. She has been at the front door helping patrons ever since. Patrons look forward to seeing her when they come in and seek her out to say hello. Many call her mom and fellow ushers love her hugs and warm smile.

Angel Lerma, Majestic's Theatre Services Manager says, "Your experience coming to the Majestic is the ushers. The first encounter is the volunteer that greets you; that smile at you. They can stand there and have a conversation with you and tell you a little bit about the theatre. "

Since the volunteer program began, the Majestic has had thousands and thousands of patrons. Shows may bring people in, but the warmth of the ushers keeps bringing them back. The program was started in 1989 after a large renovation had taken place at the theatre. After The Majestic put an ad in the paper, they expected 50 people would show interest. Instead over 900 people showed up. It helped the Majestic Theatre realize what a strong interest the people of San Antonio had in the arts.

Volunteers are college students, doctors, lawyers, teachers, musicians, stay-at-home moms and retired individuals. But, when they walk through the theatre doors, the common interest of theatre is all that matters. Emily started to volunteer a year ago. As soon as she turned 18, she signed up. She loved the architecture and the shows but what is most important to Emily is the other ushers she volunteers with at every show. "I...adore my fellow ushers who I volunteer with and the employees of the Majestic Theatre who work alongside us and guide us during every performance. I have the most wonderful time volunteering every time I come to the Majestic because the people here are all so helpful in wanting to share their love of the arts to all the patrons who walk through the doors of the Majestic."

Charles is a brand new usher and has only been volunteering since the spring. "I immediately felt welcomed and a part of the Majestic-Empire 'family'- all the staff and house managers have been very friendly and so appreciative of my help - and knowing that I'm lending a hand and making friends - that is what keeps me going back."

Many people think that volunteering takes too much time and they don't have a lot to spare. But, the great thing about the program is that you can volunteer as much or as little as you want. You set your own schedule. What you are expected to do when you volunteer is simple, show up and help the patrons have a positive experience at the Majestic. You may be asked to take tickets, seat patrons, operate the old elevator or assist the handicap patrons. But, most importantly, you are asked to come with a smile on your face and a love for a theatre wrapped in history and memories for many San Antonio residents.

If you would like to volunteer, all you need to do is go to www.majesticempire.com and click on the Info tab and you will see the tab for volunteers. You can also email them at volunteers@majesticempire.com or call 210-226-2121. New usher orientation dates are Saturday, August 17 at 4PM and Wednesday, August 28 at 6:30PM.

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