Volunteer Opportunity: Usher at Rarig Theater
Shakespeare Returns to RARIG in MARCH/APRIL!
A “Favorite for UMRA & University Retirees Volunteer Center Members
Volunteer Ushering at Rarig Theater in the Stoll Thrust Stage
Rejoicing is due with the return of SPRING and the Shakespeare Repertory in late March & April! We offer you the reward of satisfying your desire for theater enjoyment at no cost with free parking and a guest ticket. We are asked to provide volunteer ushers and you can serve that role. The University Theater Department will perform two of Shakespeare’s plays in the Stoll Thrust Theater in the Rarig Center: As You Like It and Twelfth Night. Three performances of each will be presented in a four-day period from March 29 through April 1. This is a fine opportunity to experience the excellence of the University’s Guthrie Theater students.
As You Like It, a great favorite for its romantic adventure and mistaken identities, and this memorable line: “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.” Directed by Craig Johnson, U of MN alum, an Ivey award-winning actor.
Twelfth Night with its complexity of shipwrecked twins is a story of loss and renewal, of mistaken identities (of course) and unrequited love. This play is to be directed by Michelle O’Neill.
You may volunteer to usher for one or more performances, perhaps with spouse or friend. Contact [email protected] (or call 612-625-8016) to be registered for ushering. Specify the date(s) you wish. Our policy is “First to Respond, First Served.” If the phone line is busy or if you call after office hours just leave a message. We will mail a free parking coupon when you register. You will receive the house manager’s phone/email to request a free non-usher guest ticket.
As You Like It Thurs., March 29 - 6:30pm Usher arrival; 7:30 performance
Twelfth Night Friday, March 30 – 6:30pm Usher arrival; 7:30 performance
Twelfth Night Sat., March 31 – 1 pm Usher arrival; 2 pm performance
As You Like It Sat., March 31 – 6:30pm Usher arrival; 7:30 performance
As You Like It Sunday, April 1- 1 pm Usher arrival; 2 pm performance
Twelfth Night Sunday, April 1 – 6:30pm Usher arrival; 7:30 performance
Rarig Theater: A simple dress code is required for theater ushers: White or black top, black bottoms, professional dress. Ushers report to the box office 1 hour prior to show time for assignment and review of responsibilities (ticket taking or handing programs).
Parking: Use the ramp at 21st Ave. So. & 4th St. So. across from Rarig Theater.
NOTE: The University has a machine parking ticket system.
When you commit to ushering assignments we will mail you a parking coupon for each event. This will give you free parking. If there is no attendant you will take a ticket from the machine upon entering and use both that and the coupon upon exiting. If there is an attendant you will exchange the coupon for an exit ticket. Do not forget or misplace these coupons. Each is worth $6 for 4 hours use.
If you accept an ushering assignment at the “last minute” there is not time to mail you the parking coupon. In that event, park and then get a coupon from the house manager. In case you must cancel, email Amy Esposito <[email protected]> & URVC.
Upon making your selection(s) call us at 612- 625- 8016 or e-mail to [email protected]. If the phone line is busy or after office hours just leave a message.
Thank you for your valued service
UNIVERSITY RETIREES VOLUNTEER CENTER
News
The election of UMRA officers and new board members for 2024–25 will be conducted via an online poll from May 13 to 19, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 21. Look for the ballot in your email inbox on May 13. Diane Young has been nominated to be president-elect.
“I convinced myself I could handle this problem without support groups or doing additional research, but that’s only because I didn’t want to make it any more real than it already was. Denial comes in many forms, and one is to avoid thinking about the problem any more than need be.” —Alice A. Larson
Meet UMRA member Peter Moe. He retired in 2023 after a career that spanned nearly half a century at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and is credited with developing the “Arb” into one of the few in the U.S. with world-class fruit and landscape breeding programs.
The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) has welcomed two new members with valuable skills and experience to the URVC Leadership Council: Lynn Slifer and Jeanne Jacobson.
The University plans to remove retirees from the @umn.edu internet identity domain on December 7. UMRA has advocated for ensuring continued access to this identity (including email, Google Workspace, and associated services), citing University retirees’ enduring contributions to and engagement with the University. Thus far, our efforts have not prompted any change of plans.
Leading the online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has been a labor of love for Kris Bettin. Alas, a change in family needs has necessitated her retirement. So, JOIE is seeking a new leader to join a savvy editorial committee of five and bring fresh ideas for continued development of the UMRA-sponsored journal.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, the UMRA Photo Club is a great place to be. We have fun! And whatever your skill level, there is room for everybody.
Soon you will receive an email or letter inviting you to renew your UMRA membership for the 2024–25 year. Please renew before you get busy with your summer activities. Your support helps to make our programs and many other member benefits possible!
This will be a new regular column where you can find organizational tasks that need your help! We are currently looking for help researching a new UMRA Membership Database and URVC volunteer database, and a co-producer for UMRA's Zoom webinars. See more details: