Mid-Week Intermission Staff Edition: Adrian Richardson, Guest Services Manager
There’s a slight nip in the air and spooky season is upon us! As you’re settling into your routine, we thought you might be thinking… do I need a new fall hobby?? Enter Adrian Richardson, our Guest Services Manager, who has all the details on volunteering at the Long Center and why you should give it a shot. In this Mid-Week Intermission, hear about their first theater experience and check out our volunteer application so you can hit the ground running this season.
Hello!
My name is Adrian Richardson, and I am what happens when a Theater Kid grows up into a Theater Adult. (No, really!)
When I was five years old, I took my place as an audience member for the very first time and the proverbial bug took its bite. Amongst the heritage stone buildings in my Canadian hometown, the local high school was best known for its annual Christmas musical, and always invited the surrounding county’s elementary students to attend. We filed in to our seats on giddy legs stuffed into snow pants, and all at once were transported to a world of magic, music, and merry.
The show ended all too soon and took my toddling heart with it. When we’d made it back onto our bus and began to pull out onto the street, a few of the actors, still donned in their costumes, popped their heads out of the building’s back door and waved their goodbyes, sending us off with not a single fourth wall broken.
Twenty years later, and while the stages and acts have changed, my love for live performance has stayed ever the same. I’ve seen shows through the eyes of an usher, actor, assistant stage manager, and spectator, and each new position has only continued to charm me over and over again. These days, I am proud to work alongside Austin’s best in the biz at the Long Center, leading and developing the Guest Services department. Being in front of the house allows myself and my team to see firsthand the same joy and inspiration in our audiences that I felt all that time ago.
There is nothing better than being a part of someone’s first theater experience — trust me, it’s the best! I encourage anyone with an interest in live theater, whether you’re a novice thespian or a seasoned one, to join an ushering team and try it for themselves. If you’ve ever been curious about community volunteering, there’s no better way than to visit longcenter.org and send your application to us. The Long Center can’t wait to see you — we’ve saved you a seat!
So what’s volunteering all about?
Our dedicated team of Volunteer Ushers are a major part of what keeps our events and shows seamless, safe, and a whole lot of fun! Get an in-depth look at the events you already love from the ground-up by joining our corps of volunteer ushers whose problem-solving skills, customer service, and warm personalities provide an unparalleled, positive experience for all visitors and guests. And did we mention… free shows??
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
