Volunteering Can Be Fun At Theatre Bristol!

Why Volunteer?
The great thing about volunteering at Theatre Bristol is that there are so many different things to be done, you won't get bored - and there's bound to be something you like to do or have always wanted to do.

Your Commitment Is Important
Time commitments can be as little as two hours a week. You would be surprised at how much two hours of your time can help us. Of course, we won't refuse if you decide to put in more time than that! We're flexible and willing to work with you anyway we can.

As a Theatre Bristol volunteer, you play a vital role in the success of every undertaking. We serve a wide geographic area with people who come from different backgrounds and experiences, but all come with a common goal - to have a good time. Your time and effort can help us better serve our customers. Courtesy and promtness are always appreciated. Remember, you are a goodwill ambassador for Theatre Bristol.

What To Expect As A Volunteer
Expect the unexpected. Our volunteers might answer the phone or help seat over 700 kids at a school performance. We provide opportunities suitable to everyone's temperment and skill level. Of course, you will be provided with appropriate training for any task you're assigned. Because we're a community theatre, no experience is necessary - just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Below are a few of the typical volunteer positions available at Theatre Bristol.

Office Related Positions

1. Office Assistant - answering the phone, assisting with basic clerical duties, helping with mass mailings, taking reservations, pulling tickets and assisting with archival maintenance.

2. Usher - help prepare the house for opening, distribute programs, show people to their seats, provide the audience with information about the season, location of restrooms and answer general questions. We need at least 6 ushers per show.

3. School of the Arts Assistant - assist the Director of Education in preparing materials for in-the-classroom workshops and for The Discovery Series for Young Audiences, participate in lecture/demonstrations or workshops, register students, or act as a chaperone at a Theatre Bristol event.

4. House Manager - responsible for usher assignments and training, ensuring adequate souvenir program supplies, making sure the house is ready to open before the show, and organizing any clean-up before, during or after the show.

5. Box Office Manager - responsible for the actual ticket sales and exchanges at the door the day of the performance. They must submit a report after the performance of ticket sales totals. Individuals good with money and figures will enjoy this position.

Production Related Positions

1. Stage Manager/Assistant Stage Manager - responsible for all production related aspects of the performance during tech week and at all performances. They assist the director throughout the rehearsal process, maintain attendence and other records, provide discipline, call al cues during the performance and are in charge of the production crews.

2. Wardrobe Assistant - help with sewing (hand and/or machine), pulling costumes from the collection, taking measurements, helping maintain the costume shop and assist with fittings.

3. Production Assistant - assist in the technical preparations of a performance, pull or assemble props, assist in the construction of sets and props, including but not limited to painting and construction.

4. Production Crew - help during final tech week and at all performances with a variety of technical duties such as assistant stage manager, flying/changing scenery, prop master/mistress, running crew, dresser and more

5. Child Wrangler - help during final tech week with all performances with keeping all off-stage minors in assigned areas, dressed, and prepared to go on stage on cue.

6. Usher - help prepare the house for opening, distribute programs, show people to their seats, provide the audience with information about the season, location of restrooms and answer general questions. We need at least 6 ushers per show.

7. Load-In and/or Strike Assistant - assist with the actual load-in of all materials associated with the production to the Paramount Center for the Arts. This includes but is not limited to all costume pieces, hand props, backdrops, and scenery pieces. Strike consists of removing all materials associated with the production back to Theatre Bristol immediately following the last performance of the day.

In conclusion and in advance, thank you, thank you, thank you! We can never say thank you enough to our volunteers who donate their valuable time and talents to our productions. All the wonderful things you see on stage are the culmination of a lot of work, time and effort by individuals. Behind-the-scenes activities make the production run smoothly and create a wonderful product.

Please call Theatre Bristol's office (423) 968-4977, if you have any questions or wish to sign up for any of the above areas.

Common Questions
How often can I volunteer?
As often as your schedule permits. When our season is in full swing, there are always opportunites, day and night, to help.

How do I sign-up?
You can call the office at (423) 968-4977, and tell us your availability, or you can stop by the office to see what the upcoming schedules are and sign-up in person. Often we will call you if special needs arise.

What if I can't fulfill a volunteer assignment?
If you are unable to come to an event after agreeing to do so, please let us know as soon as possible. If you know someone who might be willing to fill in for you, let us know, so that they can be trained.

If you are unable to complete a task or assignment within the alloted time, let the Theatre Bristol staff know so other arrangements can be made. Let us know if there is something we can do to help you complete the task.

When do I need to be here?
Depending upon what you are volunteering for, the times may vary. Whatever prearranged time has been agreed upon needs to be kept, and you must let us know of any variance in your schedule.

What do I wear?
Once again, what you are doing with dictate what you need to wear. Any time you are involved in production related work, bring a change a clothes an prepare to get dirty.