UNITY THEATRE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

  

There is a sign hanging in the Unity Theatre office that reads: “We don’t pay volunteers, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless!” Indeed, if Unity Theatre were to pay their volunteers, they would have been out $57,500.00....over 10% of their operating budget.

Last year alone, volunteers clocked in over 2500 hours of service. With a small staff, Washington County’s only professional theatre relies heavily on volunteers for everything from hanging posters around town to painting sets. Many volunteers assist with “pre-production”—i.e. gathering props, sewing costumes, and building sets. Other volunteers serve during the production as ushers and concession workers. Unity Theatre’s Production Manager, Alan Will, explained: “We have a great group of loyal volunteers, but we still need a lot more help, particularly with carpentry and painting. It really limits us when we have to spend part of the show’s budget on hiring people to do jobs that volunteers could help with.” While Unity hires professionals to design the sets, lighting, costumes, and sound, those designers need assistance in carrying out their visions, and that is where volunteers come in.

Unity’s Volunteer Coordinator, Linda Warburton, manages all of the concession workers, ushers, and receptionists. She knows all the volunteers by name and explains that many volunteers have become great friends with the Unity staff. “They come and eat lunch with us during the week and we have a lot of fun together!”

Ushers and concession workers get to see the show for free on the nights they work, as an added benefit.

For those interested in volunteering with Unity Theatre, make plans to attend their First Annual Volunteer Open House on Tuesday August 25th from 5:30-6:30pm. The staff will discuss the various openings for volunteers, including: ushers, concession workers, receptionists, stitchers and costuming, carpenters, set builders, painters, and publicity distributors.

This informal gathering will allow those interested to hear about  all the various opportunities, ask questions, and sign up to volunteer if they wish. Call 979-830-1460 or email info@unitybrenham.org for more information.

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