Help the show go on And get to see it yourself

BY WENDY GUILD

Volunteering at theaters and other venues is a wonderful way to see world-class entertainment for free, socialize, and make friends. Most theaters—even Shea’s—rely on volunteers in some capacity to keep things running. This is not a complete list, but chances are if you ask the theater near you, they can use your help.

Volunteer tips

• Most theaters offer volunteer orientations. Check with each theater to see when they’re scheduled.

• Usher volunteers assist, direct, and seat patrons and are prepared to assist them in the unlikely event that a building must be evacuated.

• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes; you’ll likely be on feet for several hours.

• Ushers usually wear black on the bottom, white on the top.

• Bring a mini flashlight to read tickets after the house lights go down.

• Avoid coming to the theater if you are not feeling well. Illness can spread to the cast and decimate or even cancel a show.

• An up-to-date COVID vaccine is usually required and masks may be required.

All utilities included

Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, banking, etc.

On-site laundry

Shea’s Performing Arts Center sheas.org

650 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14202

Nikiya Campbell

Operations Coordinator ncampbell@sheas.org; 829-1196 x 113

I joined the Shea’s volunteer team in August, and since then have had the opportunity to see performances as varied as Alice Cooper, Come From Away, Tina, and Dancing with the Stars Live, all while ensuring patrons (approximately

300,000 a year) have a safe, comfortable, and wonderful experience. Each team is assigned a day of the week; I work Tuesday evening shows, for instance. Shea’s has two types of volunteers: ushers and spotlight. Ushers greet patrons and guide them to seats. Spotlight Volunteers support performances by selling concessions, champagne, or raffle tickets; operating the coat check/hearing enhancer station and player piano; and staffing the Spotlight Lounge.

Artpark

Artpark.net

450 S. 4th St., Lewiston, NY 14092 Francine Delmonte

Artpark Volunteer Coordinator fdelmonte@artpark.net; 754-9000

People looking for a fresh air environment filled with varied cultural/ artistic and musical offerings will find Artpark fits the bill. Email Francine Delmonte indicating your interest; applications are emailed to prospective and current volunteers in mid- to late April. Demonte shares:

“People stepped away from volunteering once the pandemic hit and many have not returned. I don’t know of a venue that doesn’t need volunteers. I have many volunteers that have been at Artpark ten years or more and one that has been with the park since it opened in 1974! I really appreciate them. “New volunteers and those with fewer than five years of experience are expected to work at least one graduation and/ or dance recital. New volunteers are strongly encouraged to work the many cultural (non-concert) programs like the Fairy Festival, Strawberry Moon Festival, free Family Saturdays, New Music in the Park events, and others offered throughout the summer. Time requirements for each event varies from a half hour to an hour and a half before an event begins.

“Artpark has three venues, the expansive outdoor Amphitheater, the 2,400-plus-seat Mainstage Theater that opens up to a sloping lawn, and the Emerald Grove stage that hosts smaller events. The park’s hilly terrain requires volunteers to be mobile and able to stand for long periods of time.”

Irish Classical Theatre Company irishclassical.com

625 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14203

Kate Boswell

Director of House Management housemanagement@irishclassical.com

853-4282

At Irish Classical, most volunteers are ushers. Email house management or call the box office to reach Kate Boswell. “Before the season begins in September, we do an orientation, but if folks join us later on in the year, I let them know about any important information they may need to know,” says Boswell. “We look for individuals who will provide our patrons a pleasant experience at the theater, whether that is helping them find their seats, answering questions, or supplying a friendly face. Generally, we ask ushers to work one performance for each of the six shows we have during the season. We ask them to arrive an hour before the performance to go over information and stay fifteen to twenty minutes after the show to help with clean up.”

Alleyway Theatre Alleyway.com

1 Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo, NY 14202

Chris Handley

Executive Artistic Director chandley@alleyway.com; 852-2600

Alleyway maintains a roster of volunteer ushers to work each performance, and they play a big role in the audience’s experience. Alleyway is currently seeking ushers. Visit alleyway.com/about/opportunities to fill out the online form and the volunteer coordinator will contact you. Alleyway’s Chris Handley notes, “Our volunteers are mostly ushers but, depending one’s skills, we’d love to have more volunteers throughout our building [helping with] the work we do.” FY