Be a Volunteer
Be Part of the Team
A successful theatre production involves a myriad of tasks performed by a large team of people. We need a whole cadre of experienced volunteers and must constantly renew ourselves by welcoming and training newcomers. Even the most experienced and accomplished artists were once first-timers. So we invite you to think about the areas in which you have an interest, experience and/or expertise. All the jobs are important. Some need lots of experience and some are easier for a newcomer to do right away. For example, many people first get involved by working Front of House, which is theatre jargon for the job of welcoming patrons, serving at the concession and ensuring the safety of everyone. Training is provided for this and various other jobs.
How do I get started?
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Please note that our newsletters and most other communication is by email. If you do not have email you will need to arrange with a friend or family member to pass on the regular news to you, or you can read it on this website.
Much of the work of putting on a play happens over a few weeks or months, so it doesn’t have to be a long term commitment.
If a detailed job description is available, a link is provided below. Some job descriptions are somewhat dated and need updates.
| DIRECTOR | The director has the overall responsibility of the entire production and has full artistic and technical control from auditions through to the striking of the set. A fair amount of experience as an actor is needed to be a director. Detailed Job Description |
| PRODUCER | The “manager” of a production; responsible for everything that does not happen on stage; finds the crews, oversees the budget, solves problems as they occur. Often the job is divided between into the administrative matters (Administrative Producer) and technical/artistic matters (Technical Producer). Combined Job Description |
| FOYER DISPLAY | Arranges a photo image record of the making of the production in the Lobby. This job is sometimes done by the Photographer. Job Description |
| PHOTOGRAPHER | Takes photos of the cast and crew as well as production and publicity shots. Job Description |
| GRAPHIC ARTS DESIGNER | Prepares the art and design of the poster and the programme for a production; arranges for printing and modification of artwork to fit other print and social media needs. |
| ACTOR | Obtains script and reads it to be familiar with the story line and characters & fill out audition sheet. If cast in the show, follows guidelines as set by Society and Director. Job Description |
| PROPS MANAGER | Responsible for acquiring all the items on stage that actors pick up or carry on. Job Description |
| STAGE MANAGER | In charge of the physical stage area; makes schedules and records blocking; oversees and works with all technical crews; responsible for the show as soon as the run starts. Job Description |
| COSTUME DESIGNER | Fabricates the overall appearance of a character or performer. This involves researching, designing and building the actual items from conception. Job Description |
| COSTUME SEWER | Acquires, sews, alters costumes. DRESSER –Backstage stage hand involved with quick costume changes and maintaining quality and look of the costumes during the performance. |
| HAIR STYLIST | Arranges for hairstyles, hair pieces, wigs, curling iron, clips, combs, brushes, pins, hair colouring, spray, etc. Job Description |
| MAKEUP MANAGER | Determines needs for each actor; checks/orders make up supplies if necessary. Job Description |
| MAKEUP ASSISTANT | Works with Makeup Manager and applies make up during show. |
| LIGHTING DESIGNER | Makes up rough lighting plot, light sources, mood of each scene, special lighting effects, etc. Creates lighting plot sheet , instrument schedule and gives to lighting technician. Advises and/or assists with any problems encountered by the technician. Job Description |
| LIGHTING OPERATOR | Rigs and controls lights; sets up lighting equipment; works under direction of Lighting Designer. Job Description |
| SOUND DESIGNER | Works with Director to create music and other sound cues. |
| SOUND OPERATOR | Executes all sound-related aspects of show. |
| SET DESIGN | In collaboration with the Director, designs the set or sets for the play, providing detailed drawings for the Set Construction crew and Set Décor crew. Job Description |
| SET DECOR | Decorates set – including floor and wall coverings, furniture and all items that are not picked up by actors. Job Description |
| SET CONSTRUCTION LEADER | Works with Set Designer, studies drawings, acquires materials, organizes work parties for the construction of the set. |
| SET CONSTRUCTION CREW | Works in collaboration with Set Construction Leader to build and manufacture the set. |
| FRONT OF HOUSE HEAD | Responsible for the comfort and safety of the audience; purchases coffee supplies and snacks, schedules assistants for each evening, handles money etc. Job Description |
| FRONT OF HOUSE STAFF | Assists Front of House Co-ordinator; sells tickets and collects, serves coffee, assists patrons. |
| BOX OFFICE | We use a computerized, online source, TixHub, for selling and printing tickets. Box office personnel need to be able to use a computer and receive basic training in how to sell and print tickets for an hour before each play begins. The Box Office Coordinator recruits and trains volunteers and draws up a schedule for each production. The Box Office Manager runs the “back end” of the ticketing system and deals with TixHub to solve problems. |
| BAR MANAGER | Responsible for purchasing supplies, license, setup and running of bar during Opening Night. Must have a “Serving it Right” Certificate. Job Description |
| ADVERTISING & PUBLICITY | Co-ordinates the purchase of advertising through local media, as well as issuing press releases and encouraging free publicity. |
| ARCHIVING | Records information from past and present productions for inclusion on website. |
| FUND RAISING | A small team works to write grant applications, gather donations or gifts in kind from the public and local businesses, plan fundraising events. |
| SPECIAL EVENT PLANNING | Creates, manages and provides special events on behalf of the theatre or current production. These might include the September “Open House”, Fall Fair Parade, Galas. |
| WEBSITE | Maintains the company website, designing new pages, ensuring information is up to date. One person needs to be the webmaster (needs some technical skills) and others may be contributors. These people also need to be “in the know” about what is happening at the theatre. |
| WORKSHOP COORDINATOR | Co-ordinates logistical and financial aspects of workshop, arranging for leadership and/or resources. |
| PROGRAMME AD SALESPERSON | Solicits local business to buy advertisements for inclusion in season’s programmes. |
What Happens Now?
Because of the nature of community theatre, we don’t have a tight system for managing volunteers, so there are things you can do to maximize your chances of being involved.
- Be proactive. Watch for what’s coming up and offer to be involved. Early announcements will include a contact person for that show.
- Show up. Come to the annual Open House each September. Attend the AGM, also in September. If it’s offered, come to our Theatre 101 workshop.