Volunteering

Volunteers are the life-blood of Theatre in the Round. Approximately 600 volunteers serve in some capacity each year. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, give back, learn new skills, and get free tickets! We provide training for all positions.

If you have questions about what role might be a good fit for you, accessibility, or anything else, email Admin@TheatreintheRound.org.

A large cast is making a theatrical pose on a bear rug. They are wearing colorful, vaguely Slavic costumes, several actors are dressed as policeman with funny fake mustaches.

Theatre Policies

All volunteers must review and agree to our policies on Anti-Discrimination and Non-Harassment, Code of Conduct, Minors and Child Protection.

Front of House

Front-of-House Volunteers work face-to-face with the public during performances. It is a great way to give back if you are mostly free on weekends. Training is provided for all positions

Positions:

Ushers greet and seat audience members; assemble programs; help with concessions; straighten up after the performance. You must attend a training session.

PREREQUISITES

  • must be at least 16 years old
  • have an email address
  • be able to walk up and down stairs repeatedly

TIME COMMITMENT

  • ~4 hours per performance.
  • We ask for a commitment of 4 performances per season,
  • Shifts scheduled in advance using the volunteer management software, Ludus
  • Training: 60 minute session (held at the start of the year) and/or shadowing an experienced usher.

PERKS

  • Watch the performance
  • Free parking when volunteering

Concessions Cashiers run our credit card reader before the show and during intermission. 

PREREQUISITES

  • must be at least 16 years old
  • have an email address
  • be able to learn and troubleshoot technology

TIME COMMITMENT

  • ~3+ hours per performance
  • Commitment to 5-6 shows/year
  • Shifts scheduled in advance using the volunteer management software, Ludus
  • Training: 60 minute in-person training

PERKS

  • Watch the performance
  • Free parking when volunteering
Our specially-trained servers will sell and serve wine and beer, operate a credit card reader, check inventory, & reconcile accounts. As with other jobs at the theatre, it is a volunteer position (and servers cannot accept tips.). Can also serve as Concessions Cashiers.

COMMITMENT

  • ~3+ hours per performance
  • We ask for a commitment of 8 performances a season
  • Shifts scheduled in advance using the volunteer management software, Ludus
  • TRAINING: 75 minute in-person training + 2 hour online certification

 REQUIRED

  • be at least 21 years of age
  • complete an online certification course (no cost to you)
  • willing to card possible underage patrons
  • have an email address
  • able to handle frequent bending
  • fluent in English

PERKS

  • Watch the performance
  • parking is free/reimbursed
  • you choose the shows you want to work by signing up online
  • and, with your certificate, you’ll be able to work as a server (not a bartender) elsewhere in Minneapolis

House managers are responsible for front-of-house operations during performances: supervising ushers; overseeing concessions; resolving patron issues. We will train.

PREREQUISITES

  • enjoy working with/helping the public
  • able to supervise others
  • must be well-organized
  • able to manage several jobs at the same time
  • be able to settle a till accurately
  • be able to walk up and down stairs repeatedly
  • must be at least 21 years old

TIME COMMITMENT

  • Usually 4+ hours per performance, approx. nine performances a year on weekends
  • Shifts scheduled in advance using the volunteer management software, Ludus
  • Two-hour training

PERKS

  • Complimentary season ticket
  • Free parking when volunteering

Box Office staff are responsible for checking in patrons; selling tickets at the door; reconciling cash sales; running credit cards; answering phone messages; and email messages. We will train.

PREREQUISITES

  • enjoy working with/helping the public
  • must be well-organized
  • must be at least 18 years old
  • must be comfortable using a computer
  • must be able to make change
  • no heavy lifting required

TIME COMMITMENT

  • Usually 3+ hours per performance
  • Commitment of 7-8 performances a year on weekends

PERKS

  • Complimentary flex package (you are unable to watch the show the night of volunteer shift)
  • Parking is free/reimbursed
  • Training on our Ticketing System (Ludus) will allow you to work Box Office at other theatres that use the system.

TRAINING

  • Training is required, including an initial 90-minute training session, and at least 2 shifts shadowing staff or experienced box office volunteer. 
  • Email Greg@theatreintheround.org if you are interested in Box Office Lead

Box Office Will Call staff are scheduled when houses are anticipated to be over 175.  They hand out will-call tickets to patrons.

PREREQUISITES

  • enjoy working with/helping the public
  • must be at least 16 years old.

TIME COMMITMENT

  • Usually 1+ hours per performance, approx. six performances a year on weekends

PERKS

  • Watch the performance
  • Parking is free/reimbursed

APPLY

 

Next Steps:

SIGN UP FOR A FRONT-OF-HOUSE TRAINING

After completing training for a chosen role, volunteers are able to sign up for upcoming performance shifts.

Behind the Scenes

Want to make your mark on a production? Be a part of our behind the scenes volunteer crew! This is a great way to learn more about different areas of theatre, build new skills, work with your hands, make new friends, and give back to the community. These are all of the entry-level production volunteers.

Want to design or stage manage? Look here for more information about Design & Tech.

Positions:

Assists with building, repairing, and altering costumes. Occasional help with organizing, cleaning, and labeling.

REPORTS TO
  • Costume Shop Supervisor
TIME COMMITMENT
  • Flexible.
SCHEDULE
  • Varies. Several 1-4 hour shifts are typically offered weekdays, evenings, or weekends leading up to each production.
  • Shifts will be sent out in advance for sign-up via our volunteer management system, Ludus.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be 16+
  • Prior sewing experience is helpful
  • Must be able to follow directions and learn new techniques as needed.
  • Access Note: Most shifts are held in the costume shop or costume storage, which are only accessible by stairs. Most tasks require manual dexterity. Contact Toni@theatreintheround.org to ask about accommodations.
PERKS
  • Comp tickets to the production
  • Free parking when volunteering

Assists with building and/or painting the set.  Work with hand- and power-tools to construct set pieces and platforms, paint, and more. 

REPORTS TO
  • Technical Director
TIME COMMITMENT
  • Flexible.
SCHEDULE
  • Varies. Several 2-4 hour shifts are typically offered weekday afternoons or evenings  leading up to each show opening.
  • Shifts will be sent out in advance for sign-up via our volunteer management system, Ludus.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be 16+
  • Prior construction or painting experience helpful, but not required.
  • Must be able to follow directions and safety rules
  • Access Note: Typically requires standing, bending, lifting, climbing stairs, painting and/or using power tools (training provided). Contact Toni@theatreintheround.org to ask about accommodations.
PERKS
  • Comp tickets to the production
  • Free parking when volunteering

Help hang and focus the stage lights above the arena. Work  with lighting instruments and accessories, climb ladders, and more.

REPORTS TO
  • Lighting Designer
TIME COMMITMENT
  • 2-8 hours for each light hang.
SCHEDULE
  • Varies.  2-6 hour shifts are typically offered weekday afternoons, evenings or weekends in the two weeks leading up to show opening and strike after the final Sunday performance.
  • Shifts will be sent out in advance for sign-up via our volunteer management system, Ludus.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be 16+
  • Prior experience with theatrical lighting (or having taken the  “lighting practicum” workshop) preferred, but not required. 
  • Must be able to follow directions and safety rules
  • Access Note: Typically requires standing, bending, lifting, and climbing ladders. Contact Toni@theatreintheround.org to ask about accommodations.
PERKS
  • Comp tickets to the production
  • Free parking when volunteering

Work behind the scenes during performances, e.g., moving set pieces, preparing food props, assisting actors with wardrobe, and more.

REPORTS TO
  • Assistant Stage Manager
TIME COMMITMENT
  • Every Tech rehearsal and performance of assigned show.
  • Approximately 3-5 nights a week for 5-6 weeks. 
SCHEDULE
  • Evening and weekends for duration of performance. 
REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be 16+
  • Must be able to follow directions and safety rules
  • Access Note: May require moving/lifting set pieces, walking, climbing stairs. Contact Toni@theatreintheround.org to ask about accommodations.
PERKS
  • Comp tickets to the production
  • Free parking when volunteering

Controls stage lighting during a performance. Operates a computer to execute lighting cues in the control booth during a performance. Also conducts dimmer checks, maintenance on instruments, basic troubleshooting. Utilize a ETC Element lighting control board. Training Provided

REPORTS TO
  • Stage Manager
TIME COMMITMENT
  • Every Tech rehearsal and performance of assigned show.
  • Approximately 3-5 nights a week for 5-6 weeks. 
SCHEDULE
  • Evening and weekends for duration of performance. 
REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be 16+
  • Must be able to follow oral instructions
  • Comfort with technology is preferred
  • Access Note: The booth is accessible by stairs only. May require climbing ladders. Contact Toni@theatreintheround.org to ask about accommodations.
PERKS
  • Comp tickets to the production
  • Free parking when volunteering

Controls sound during a performance. Operates a computer to execute sound cues in the control booth during a performance. Also conducts sound checks, maintenance on instruments, basic troubleshooting. Utilizes QLab Pro Bundle v3 and manual patch bay. Training Provided

REPORTS TO
  • Stage Manager
TIME COMMITMENT
  • Every Tech rehearsal and performance of assigned show.
  • Approximately 3-5 nights a week for 5-6 weeks. 
SCHEDULE
  • Evening and weekends for duration of performance. 
REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be 16+
  • Must be able to follow oral instructions
  • Comfort with technology is preferred
  • Access Note: The booth is accessible by stairs only. Contact Toni@theatreintheround.org to ask about accommodations.
PERKS
  • Comp tickets to the production
  • Free parking when volunteering
 

Next Steps:

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER BEHIND THE SCENES

After we receive your application, our Production Manager/Education Coordinator will reach out to schedule a tour of our building and talk more about your interests and experience.

Committees

Want to support the organization more broadly as we work towards strategic goals? Join a committee! Committees are made up of a combination of volunteers with relevant experience, board members, and staff. 

Email larisa@theatreintheround.org for more information about any committee and how to get involved.

The Inclusive, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Accountability (IDEAA) committee meets monthly to collaborate, advise, and assist on long term goals and actions of Theatre in the Round as they pertain to inclusion, diversity, equity, accountability & access, making recommendations to the board for review and approval as needed. The committee works with other committees such as Artist Council and Strategic Planning to promote IDEAA in all aspects of the theater’s operations and programming, with a particular focus on volunteer opportunities, production cast/crew, audience and board membership. The committee recommends and occasionally provides training and education opportunities on IDEAA for board, committees, volunteers, and others.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Commitment to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive arts spaces
  • Professional experience implementing DEI best practices encouraged, but not required
  • BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply
TIME COMMITMENT
  • 90 minute meeting, once a month on Zoom
  • additional time working on projects or subcommittee work
PERKS
  • Comp tickets

The Access Advisory Council (AAC) is a collection of individuals with lived experience of disability and/or experience creating, assessing or implementing access services and technology. The AAC meets quarterly to provide consultation about accessibility needs, goals, and implementation of services. The council meets over Zoom and in-person when needed. Accommodations are provided, depending on the needs of the individual members.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Lived experience of disability (preferred) and/or utilizing or providing ADA accommodations
TIME COMMITMENT
  • 60-90 minute meeting once a month on Zoom. We ask for yearly commitments.
  • Additional project work as needed
PERKS
  • Comp tickets

Help with fundraising tasks and events.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Experience with fundraising, government advocacy, grant-writing, or event planning encouraged
TIME COMMITMENT
  • 60-minute meeting once a month on Zoom
  • Assisting and attending fundraising events as needed
PERKS
  • Comp tickets
  • Event tickets

Advisory committee serving as a resources for staff and board about building updates and maintenance. Educates the board about building needs and costs (comparing quotes for large projects, explaining options for unexpected building issues, etc.). Advises staff about building maintenance priorities, bids, timelines, etc. to inform staff decision-making. Assists with vendor research and collecting bids for large projects. Occasionally supports practical work by assisting with volunteer workdays.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Experience in building maintenance, facilities management, plumbing, electrical, architecture, construction, contracting, project management, or HVAC
TIME COMMITMENT
  • Meets quarterly
  • Available for quick calls from staff on an as-needed basis.
PERKS
  • Comp tickets

Unsure?

If you have no idea what volunteer role might be best for you email Admin@theatreintheround.org or Book a Building Tour to meet and chat about the different roles in more depth.

ANNOUNCEMENTS |

Apply to the Board of Directors

Applications are open for the Board of Directors, we are especially looking for candidates with skills in Finance, Accounting/Bookkeeping, Arts Advocacy, and/or Public Relations/Media Relations. BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

LEARN MORE
APPLY

Season 75 Sponsorships

Support a historic season of intimate, engaging theatre and connect your business to our audiences at the same time through show sponsorships and program ads. For questions, email austin@theatreintheround.org

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