What is Ushering?

SIFF Usher Information

Each year, the Seattle International Film Festival utilizes hundreds of volunteers as ushers. Ushers help to ensure that our screenings operate smoothly. Duties of an usher include:

• Ripping tickets
• Seating patrons
• Line Wrangling
• Keeping the venue neat
• Counting ballots
• Answering patrons’ basic questions

No previous experience is necessary to usher. It’s easy, and it’s a great way to meet new people.

Ushers must be dependable, confident, and able to follow instructions. For many of our guests, you will be the only face of the festival that they see, so friendliness is a must. We also need you to be on time, so that we can be well organized. Ushers must be fluent in English and able to communicate clearly and effectively with customers.

A Lead Usher is an experienced SIFF volunteer who organizes and oversees a team of ushers. Please do not sign up for Lead Usher shifts unless you have been specifically invited by the SIFF Volunteer Coordinator to do so. Give your respect, attention, and cooperation to your Lead Usher. This person is directing you during your volunteer shift. Please check in with your lead usher before and after every shift.

If you sign up for an usher shift, PLEASE SHOW UP FOR THAT SHIFT, cancel the shift using Shiftboard (if it is not happening too soon) or call the Volunteer Office if you must cancel. We’re depending on you!

Usher Benifits

NEW! SIFF SUPPORTERS: Donate 5 volunteer vouchers to SIFF and become a SIFF Supporter! Donated vouchers support outreach programs at SIFF like SIFF FutureWave, expanding cinema through education. Your unused vouchers allow for area students to take part in SIFF and SIFF Cinema, meeting directors and seeing films. In return for your donation, you will receive a SIFF Goodwill-level membership, which features access to free preview screenings and more throughout the year!

Sometimes, it may be possible to see a movie that is playing during your shift. This is NEVER a guarantee, and depends on a number of factors, including workload and available seating.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Office at (206) 320-1001, or e-mail volunteer@seattlefilm.com.