|
|
 |
Grand Opera House Volunteers learn to expect the unexpected and find enjoyment in the magical moments that happen behind the scenes! Opportunities are available to suit everyone's skill set and training is provided at all levels and for all activities. Experience is not necessary, just an enthusiasm to learn, a friendly smile and a positive attitude!
Volunteer Opportunities generally fall into three categories:
General performance/event | Thrivent Financial Discovery Series | Non-event
|
General Performance/Event Opportunities
Event volunteers arrive in dress code 80 minutes before the start of a performance and stay approximately 15 minutes after the events have ended. Most public performances occur in the evenings and on weekends. Here are some of the main responsibilities assigned to volunteers during events:
House Managers
House managers are needed for all public events at the Grand Opera House, including Thrivent Financial Discovery Series performances. House managers are volunteer ushers who have gained sufficient experience and knowledge to handle additional responsibilities. Some duties include overseeing all event volunteers, resolving patron concerns and handling money banks (for coat-check, concessions and soft-good sales). House managers also need to work closely with the technical director for each performance regarding the opening and closing of the house, late arrivals and patron safety in emergency situations. The house manager receives a small stipend.
|
Ushers: Our most popular job! Ushers greet the public, seat them and then watch great performances. Each performance requires at least 6 ushers to escort audience members to their seats before each event as well as after intermission. Each usher is assigned a "station" (Center Aisle, Right Door, Left Balcony etc.). Ushers also remain after each performance to help remove litter from the theater.
Greeters: Greeters welcome patrons as they enter the main lobby and assist them in finding the coat-check, restrooms, etc. and answering questions about the Grand Opera House. Greeters also help watch for patrons who may try to take alcohol outside before the show or during intermission.
Soft-Goods: Soft-goods volunteers are responsible for selling artist merchandise including t-shirts, CDs, videos, etc. Artists will provide the merchandise and may or may not have a member of their company assist in the sales. Depending on the artist(s), merchandise may be sold both before and after performances as well as during intermissions. Not all events have soft-goods sales.
|
|
Concessions: The Grand has two concession areas; the main lobby station is open for almost every performance while the upper level concessions area is only opened for performances when house capacity is over 50%. A minimum of one concessions volunteer is required for each station. They are responsible for selling beverages and snacks (if applicable) before events as well as during intermissions, and may be asked to restock coolers after intermission if necessary. At least one volunteer at each station is required to hold a valid Wisconsin bartender's license (The Foundation will pay for class and license renewal). Minimum age requirement is 21.
Coat Check: Our coat-check is located in the main lobby and is open before and after performances. One volunteer needs to be at coat check station at all times in case a patron needs to leave early. Coat-check volunteers are also in charge of our assisted-listening devices and therefore need to be aware of applicable procedures.
Ticket-Taker: Ticket-Takers are stationed in the main lobby to take tickets and instruct patrons on which theater door to enter.
Will-Call: Will-Call volunteers are stationed in the Box Office to distribute pre-ordered tickets that are being held for pick-up at the door.
|
|
Top
Thrivent Financial Discovery Series Event Opportunities
Thrivent Financial Discovery Series volunteers arrive 60 minutes prior to performance time and stay approximately 15 minutes after event. Student performances occur during the day, Monday through Friday. Volunteer opportunities include:
|
Bus Captains: There is one main bus captain and two assistant captains (or "wranglers" as we like to call them!) for each Discovery Series performance. They direct the school busses as to where to unload, board each bus to welcome the students and explain rules and procedure, as well as instruct bus drivers on parking options and pick-up locations. They also determine the most efficient dismissal procedure for each performances, including dismissing the students and directing each group to their appropriate bus.
House Manager/Greeter: In addition to regular house manager duties, The Discovery Series house manager checks in each student group as it arrives and collects any late payments. |
|
Runner: After checking in, each group is handed over to a Runner, who leads the group to the appropriate theater door, where an usher is waiting to direct the group to their seats.
Ushers: Each student performance requires at least 5 ushers to escort student groups to their seats. Each usher is assigned a "station" (Center Aisle, Right Door, Left Balcony etc.) and needs to remain there throughout the performance. Student performance ushers need to remain for a few minutes after performances to help remove litter from the theater.
|
|
Top
Non-Event Related Opportunities
There are other areas that require volunteer assistance in addition to performances.
|
Bulk Mail: Collate, fold, stamp, tab, stuff and label Grand Opera House material as necessary for mass mailings.
Clerical support: Support the administrative staff on an "as needed" basis by answering phones, entering data in a computer or performing miscellaneous clerical duties.
|
|
Distribution: Distribution involves delivering posters, brochures, previews etc. to area businesses as needed.
Docent: Docents, or tour guides, are needed to give guided tours of the facility to groups. Tours can occur at any time throughout the day and last anywhere from 30-90 minutes. |
|
|
