Chuck Schultz, Usher and Live Sketch Artist: Why See Art?
February 27, 2025
For longtime usher Chuck Schultz, ushering at our shows not only ignited his love for the performing arts, but also led him to discover his talent for live-sketching performances. What began as him drawing on programs evolved into beautiful acrylic paintings of The Philadelphia Orchestra in action and pen and ink illustrations of Broadway performances. We picked Chuck's brain on his work as a live sketch artist, his favorite part about ushering, and how the arts have personally impacted his life.
When did you first start ushering for us?
June 2014. I started ushering after meeting Thomas Kerrigan [House Manager] on a SEPTA bus in South Philly while moving into my private art studio for the certificate program at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. I feel very lucky — it was possibly even fate. One time while driving by the Kimmel Center with my uncle, he said, "One day you'll work there," and now I do!
What is your favorite part about ushering?
The satisfaction of interacting with our audiences and knowing how important it is that they chose to experience the world of the performing arts with us.
Why should someone usher with us?
As an usher, I’m able to follow along with all of the upcoming programming and exciting updates from The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts.
How long have you been a live sketch artist?
I began seriously drawing and writing about what I was seeing from the audience eight years ago when I returned from the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe Festival. I was an author of theater reviews for Phindie Independent Theater and Culture, with works titled either Theater in Sketch or Dance in Sketch, where I would submit sketches paired with freeform reviews of the art I was experiencing. I saw hundreds of shows, kept sketchbooks of my drawings, and archived years of attending theater in Philadelphia and abroad. It was intense, as I was also attending classes at the University of Pennsylvania, studying for a bachelor's degree in fine art, working for a church restoration company called Colour Quest, and ushering at the Kimmel Center.
What has been your most memorable live sketch that you've done for one of our programs?
Some of my most memorable live sketches have been for the Broadway tours of Les Misérables, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Love Never Dies.
How do the arts impact your life?
However you experience it, being with an audience feels like volunteering — giving your time to be fully present. I still attend theaters to draw, but now I buy a ticket because I realized I’m a fine artist, not press. I like to think of myself as an artist volunteer, making a small contribution to Philadelphia's arts community. I've learned that "time" is the most valuable thing in life. The arts, the ambiance, and the atmosphere offer a break from daily life.
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Thank you, Chuck, for taking the time to speak with us. To see more of his art, visit his website.
Interested in more usher highlights? Read about Antoinette Marie DuBiel, who recently retired after over 30 years of service.
Visit our website for more information on our programming (ie) dance, comedy, our Family Discovery Series, and more!