Imagine being a Saint in your lifetime.  It’s possible.  Really, it is!  Here’s how I became a Saint.

When I joined “The Saints” organization, I was recognized as a Saint. The Saints organization has been around since 1980.  Primarily, they are a performing arts volunteer usher organization.  However, the saints do other activities, which include box office assistance, database entry, answering phones and monitoring auditions.  Some saints also volunteer for driving and/or housing out-of-town actors, directors, or musicians while others volunteer time at invitational benefits around town.  You can already see the FUN of being a modern-day saint!

In 1980, The Saints began as the volunteer arm of the Saint Nicholas Theatre.  When the Saint Nicolas Theatre went out of business, all dozen Saints members (at that time) sought out another theatre within which to work.  Finally, these Saints selected the Organic Theater Company as the place to contribute their time and energy.  Business, eventually, boomed at the Organic.  So, as it became more financially secure; there was less need for volunteer services.  The Organic began encouraging Saint members to volunteer for other performing arts organizations.  Thus, in time, the Saints became an independent organization.  The Saints say on their website that they are to the “best of our knowledge, the first and only organized volunteer support group with hundreds of members serving the diverse performing arts community of a major city and its suburbs.”

Here’s how it works.  When a not-for-profit Chicago land performing arts organization needs help, the saints are there to accommodate them in whatever manner possible.  And while their most visible presence is in the theater community as volunteer ushers, they do much more.  They are present at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and many other musical locations in Chicago and in the suburbs.

music

opera

What a show

Now, I ask you, what better way to go to the CSO, the circus or the latest, biggest talked about theatrical event of the year in exchange for a little work? That’s what I thought, “what a great idea!”  And, I have more to add.  I recently saw two plays at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago, a Broadway play, “Light in the Piazza” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”  In the former, I ushered and sat in the handicapped accessible area; in the latter, I ushered on the fourth floor but sat in a box seat.  These being my first Saint experiences, as I am a new member, I was thrilled to have such fine seating!  As a Saint, you can choose your seat within certain parameters.

Are you ready to join yet?  Okay!  I was, too, after learning about them. You can join by filling out and mailing in your application from the Saints website.  Visit www.saintschicago.org for more information and the on-line application. 

The membership year is from June 1 each year to May 31 the following year and is $65, a cost easily recovered by one or two events.  Minimum age for joining is age 16.  Call 773-529-5510 to request an application and the membership requirements to be mailed to you.  Or go to the website at: saintsmembership@msn.comto download application forms and membership requirements.

I hope to see you soon at a Saint event!  What I want to know from you now is, isn’t this the best way to become a Saint?

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