Volunteer Ushers: FAQs and Volunteer Usher Application

A constant aspect of volunteering as an usher for the Wexner Center for the Arts is that you present yourself as an emissary for contemporary art and a friendly guide to all who enter our facilities and events. Please read the following brief descriptions of the range of duties our Volunteer Ushers have at different locations and events.

Our volunteer ushers take an active role in supporting the Wexner Center:

  • greeting and guiding local and international visitors
  • helping direct our guests to their proper seats for reserved seating events
  • interacting with children and families during family and community programs
  • providing assistance to visitors during exhibitions and special events
  • answering questions about our facilities and programs

Film/Video Theater

In this space, volunteers greet patrons and hand out information regarding films and lectures. Our volunteers also assist with helping our patrons into seating in the case of very full events, as well as when patrons arrive after an event begins.

Performance Space & Mershon Stage

These are both spaces where many types of performances—dance, music, or theater—can be seen in multiple configurations. Wexner Center volunteers greet patrons and direct them through the spaces.

Mershon Auditorium

Many of our larger events—dance and music concerts and theater performances, as well as lectures and films—are held here. Mershon Auditorium is also used for large rental events sponsored by organizations in the Columbus and Ohio State University communities. Our volunteers greet and direct patrons, help them find assigned seats, and help in the coat check.

Exhibition Previews and Opening Celebrations & Community Days

Volunteers assist with an assortment of duties during these events. Volunteers help guide crowd flow inside the galleries, direct patrons through the Wexner Center, and answer questions regarding our exhibitions and educational programs. During some events, volunteers assist guests with art-making activities.

Volunteer Usher Application

Please note: All applicants are required to initiate and pass a background check through The Ohio State University before they can begin to serve as a volunteer usher for the Wexner Center for the Arts.

We are currently collecting applications for Volunteer Ushers and will be in touch with you after reviewing your application. If you are accepted into our Volunteer Usher program, we will contact you with the dates for our next available Usher Orientation sessions, typically held near the beginning of Ohio State’s fall term, and again at the start of the new calendar year. We are looking for individuals who are able to commit to around two events a month, though being more active with our volunteer corps is always welcomed!.

Apply to be a Volunteer Usher.

If you have trouble viewing the application, please email houseweb@wexarts.org or call Katie Laux, Director of Patron Services, at 614-688-3070.