Volunteer
Central to the Aiken Community Theatre’s (ACT) success through the years are the many volunteers who help make it all happen! Just about everywhere you look at the ACT you will find volunteers: actors, singers and dancers, technicians and carpenters, costume sewers, stage crew, ushers and coat check attendants--- and they are all volunteers. In fact, the ACT has a network of over 200 volunteers who donate countless hours of time each year to bring our stage and theatre to life. With seven main stage productions this season, several Bechtel Theatre events, Coffee House Productions, workshops and our Youth Wing Program, we’ve got room for anyone who wants to be a part of our team!
On Stage
Performers – Anyone who ever wanted to perform, from the novice to the most seasoned performer, is welcome to audition for our productions. Watch our website for upcoming audition information to learn more about how to prepare for an audition and what to expect. Some auditions require advance registration.
Technical
Set Design/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. (but not required) Daytime and night hours are available.
Lighting/Sound – Training will be provided. We need people who are available throughout the entire run of a show. Some jobs can be shared with another person, and some require that you are there 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. 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 your schedule.
Stage Management/Stagehands/Running Crew – Each show requires many people working back stage to make everything on stage happen. From cleaning before a performance, to preparing the set, coordinating special effects and moving set pieces for each scene change, there’s a lot happening back stage. Time commitment is the full run of the show plus tech week. Volunteers can work every night of a production or trade shifts with another volunteer. This requires a highly responsible person.
Patron Services
Ushers – This is a great way to get started volunteering and meet a lot of people. Ushers are friendly and helpful. They are responsible to greet the public, take tickets, help patrons find their seats and hand out programs. We use several ushers for each show. Arrival time is 30 minutes before a performance.
Doorpersons – Act as the host/hostess of the theatre by being in the lobby and taking tickets for the downstairs patrons. They answer any questions that come up and arrive to volunteer 30 minutes prior to start of performance.
Concessions – Work in our concession area in the lobby. Proceeds help to support our theatre.
Other Areas
Business Office – Volunteers are often needed to assist in data entry, filing and general office work. Time and commitment vary.
Community resource development / Grant writing – If you have the gift of networking, creating great relationships with businesses and organizations and/or possibly like to submit for grants to develop fund specialized workshops and education programs.
Maintenance – Even though the City maintains the cleanliness of the theatre, we always need some touch ups. This would include general cleaning and upkeep of the theatre.
Theatre/Arts/Music/Dance Educators – You have the extra time or retired and want to give forward the skills and talents you have acquired throughout the years, this is a super area to get involved.
Hospitality – Volunteers are regularly needed to assist board members with special events, such as cast parties, etc. We always need people on call to help.
Tour Guides – This will generally be done by a Board member as Training is required. Must be good with people and have a good memory. Also must be able to climb multiple stairs around theatre.
Stage Managers and Assistant Directors – This is a great opportunity to work closely with the Director of a show. You must be available to come to all rehearsals. Stage Managers watch the script and blocking and take notes for the Director. Assistant Directors works with the Director and must to have previous acting or directing experience.