Regent volunteers re-invest fees in theatre

The volunteer ushers and caterers provide double benefits for the Regent on Broadway, finds.

Janine Rankin

Part of Palmerston North’s Regent on Broadway’s charm is that tiny ballerinas and school choirs can perform on the same stage as international stars.

Part of what makes that possible is the generosity of a troupe of volunteers, the Friends of the Regent.

Ever since the re-opening of the restored theatre 19 years ago, the team has provided front-of-house services, ushering people to their seats, selling drinks and ice creams.

Hirers, except for some charity events, are charged for their services, commercial users at a higher rate than community groups, and the money is ploughed back into equipment for the theatre.

That gear, such as sound and lighting, is in place and available for community and local shows to use.

Group president Jo-ann Cowie said since it was established in 1995 to raise funds for the Regent’s restoration, it has donated more than $600,000 from the volunteers’ labours and catering profits.

It paid between $60,000 and $70,000 for the theatre lighting upgrade, arranged new brass name plaques for new seats, and was spending $70,000 to help convert the former Munchkins shop into a cafe-bar area for patrons.

It is a system that is the envy of many other theatres.

Part of the appeal for volunteers is the opportunity to watch some class acts from the sidelines.

But Cowie says they have to be prepared to take the international acts with the school prizegivings.

‘‘We say, if you want to see a show, buy a ticket.’’

Cowie says the best reward is seeing people leave with big smiles on their faces after an enjoyable show.

The downside is having to police the no-filming, nophotographs rules that patrons frequently ignore.

The volunteers have training every year, which is compulsory for ushers responsible for managing safety during evacuations.

The Friends have a waiting list of people wanting to join.

Rostering was a challenge, finding up to 30 people for a full house, so the roster manager’s job, and that of the catering manager, have become paid positions.