The Show Can’t Go On Without

The Show Can’t Go On Without Our Volunteers

By Nathan Bell, volunteer programs manager

At Walton Arts Center, we depend on our volunteers on a daily basis – but especially on show days! They greet you when you walk in the door, help you get your ticket at Will Call, scan your ticket when you go into the theater and help you find your seat. But that’s not all they do .

Our volunteers also assist with our educational programs, special events such as Art of Wine and Masquerade Ball, and help our staff with administrative tasks. We have a dedicated corps of volunteers that are involved in every aspect of the theater from helping in the box office to ushering in the hall. The donation of time and talents from our volunteers enables Walton Arts Center to fill key roles, which reduces our overhead costs and allows us to pass those savings on to our patrons .

As our Northwest Arkansas community grows, our volunteers continue to represent a diverse cross-section of the community and speak more than 11 different languages including French, Korean, Vietnamese and Spanish . Though they hail from a variety of backgrounds, they all share a love for the arts and their community .

Volunteers create their own schedule by signing up online for opportunities that best meet their needs . Shifts are available during the day and at night, as well as weekdays and weekends . We encourage volunteers to try something new or explore more than one area of service . We love seeing volunteers expand their skills and shine in a variety of positions . We ask members of our volunteer corps to contribute a minimum of 30 hours per season, which averages to about one volunteer opportunity a month . Volunteers also have the option of joining a more flexible volunteer path with our Volunteer Ambassador Program . This program is ideal for students who need to fulfill a service requirement, corporate employee volunteers or individuals with schedule restrictions .

All new volunteers must attend an orientation session before joining the team . The orientation sessions are designed to inform prospective volunteers about policies and procedures, and details about specific opportunities. New volunteers are offered a mix of virtual, hands-on and mentorship training in order to provide the best possible experience for our patrons . Seasoned volunteers also attend a summer training session as a refresher course .

Every year Walton Arts Center honors our volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Night . During this special evening, awards are given based upon years of service and number of volunteer hours . Walton Arts Center also recognizes volunteers throughout the year with a complimentary ticket program, social outings, Volunteer Appreciation Month activities and more .

Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people in the community from a wide variety of backgrounds. It can also help students to build leadership and job skills.

Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people in the community from a wide variety of backgrounds . It can also help students to build leadership and job skills . Anyone interested in volunteering can visit waltonartscenter.org/volunteer. Orientation sessions are offered throughout the season, so it’s always a good time to apply .