We Love our volunteers!
Without the 600+ volunteers that give their time each season, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre wouldn’t be what it is! If you’re looking for a fun way to get involved in our community, check out all the ways you can volunteer with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Whether you experienced in your craft, or just looking for a new way to connect with others and give back to the community, we welcome you!
Ever wonder how that actor left the stage as one character and returned as another in a matter of seconds? How did that living room just become a park so seamlessly? That’s the magic of Civic’s Production Crew!
You’re invited to our Fall Production Crew Training on Tuesday, October 1st from 6pm to 8pm. At this training and informational session, you’ll learn everything from how Quick Changes work to how to operate the Fly Rails, all from our Production Team Designers, Professional Staff, and Technical Director.
Click the button below to RSVP!
Ways To Volunteer at GRAND RAPIDS Civic Theatre
On Stage
Actors – From the novice to the most seasoned actor, all are welcome to audition. You may find the audition page helpful for upcoming audition information, including learning how to prepare and what to expect from an audition.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Volunteers work under the guidance and direction of professional staff members in the areas below:
Technical Support
- Set Construction/Painting – Volunteers help build, repair, paint, and tear down sets. It is helpful for volunteers in this area to have some construction or painting background. Daytime and night hours are available.
- Lighting/Sound – Training will be provided. Volunteers working in this capacity need to be available throughout the entire run of a show. Some positions may be shared with another person, while some require that you are there for every performance and throughout tech week prior to the show opening. This is a job that requires a strong commitment, and the ability to follow a script.
- Props – This position is part of the stage crew. Properties are all of the set dressings and small articles used in a production, from a refrigerator to a pen, they’re all considered a prop in the show! Time commitment is the full run of the show, plus tech week and some rehearsals.
- Costumes – Volunteers are instrumental in sewing costumes, as well as putting finishing touches on projects. Time requirements vary with each show, but hours are flexible with personal schedules.
- Deck Crew – Each show requires people working backstage to make things happen correctly on stage. Responsibilities range from cleaning before a performance, preparing the set, coordinating special effects, bringing flys in and out, and moving set pieces. Time commitment is the full run of the show and tech week. Volunteers can work every night of a production or trade shifts with another volunteer. The show can’t go on without deck crew… so committed volunteers are a necessity!
audience experience
Our Audience Experience Team strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for all theatre-goers. Volunteers will be working under the guidance and direction of the House Management team. These volunteers are asked to arrive one hour prior to the start of the performance.
- Ushers – Our Ushers are responsible for handing out programs, assisting patrons in accessing the virtual playbill, and ensuring that everyone is able to locate their seat with ease.
- Door-Persons – Our Door-Persons are stationed at each entrance of the theatre. They are tasked with welcoming patrons to the show and ensuring that the doors of the theatre open and close at the appropriate moments.
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Will-Call – Our Will-Call attendant assists patrons with picking up their tickets on the night of the performance.
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Greeter– Our Greeters are stationed at both entrances of the building. They provide a warm welcome to all of our patrons and assist with door handling, directions, and general questions.
- Coat Check – Our Coat Check attendant is a seasonal position. This volunteer ensures that patrons have a place to “hang their hat” and manages the coat check tags for our patrons personal belongings.
- Concessions – Our Concessions volunteers assist in selling candy, snacks, and beverages before the show and during intermission.
Other volunteer opportunities
- Business and Education Office – Volunteers are often needed to assist in data entry, filing and general office work. Times and commitment lengths vary, but daytime hours only.
- Maintenance – With a building as large as the Civic, there are a number of odd jobs for every skill level. Help is needed with general cleaning, maintenance and upkeep of the theatre. Daytime hours are typically required.
- Hospitality – Volunteers are regularly needed to assist with special events, receptions, and technical lunches.
- Tour Guides – Must be friendly and good with people and have a good memory. Attendance in a special training and the ability to climb stairs is required.
- Assistant Directors – This is a great opportunity to work closely with the Director of a show. Attendance at all rehearsals is required. Assistant Directors work with the Director and must have previous acting or directing experience; duties may include watching over the script, note blocking, and taking general notes for the Director.
Not FINDING WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
You just might possess a special skill that’s not listed here that could be a great asset to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. If you have something else to offer that you don’t see listed here, our Volunteer Coordinator Nolan Patin would love to hear from you! Reach out at n.patin@grct.org.
Volunteer APPLICATION Form
Are you ready to join us? To Volunteer or get more information on how to get involved, please provide us with some information by clicking the button below and Civic’s Volunteer Coordinator will respond to you soon.
THE SAFETY OF OUR VOLUNTEERS IS IMPORTANT TO US.
While recommendations from the CDC, MDHHS, and Kent County Health Department continue to evolve, GRCT has taken a proactive approach to our policies and procedures. We aim to achieve two parallel goals: protecting the health and safety of our staff, faculty, volunteers, and patrons; and doing everything in our power to continue the regular business of the Theatre, especially live performance.
With that in mind, GRCT’s Board of Directors has adopted the following COVID-19 policies that can be found when you CLICK HERE.