The performing arts are alive in Richmond, Virginia. But enjoying all the wonderful, provocative and entertaining productions can get costly. One way to get in the act is to volunteer with a theater company or venue to get in the act, get in the door, and see these great productions. Below is a list of theater and dance companies and venues that utilize volunteers. You’ll get more than a seat on the orchestra level or the balcony, you’ll feel a part of an important mission to support the arts and artists and most likely connect with like-minded people.
- Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center – SMG Richmond is looking for volunteer ushers (individuals or groups) to work at the Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center. Ushers will greet, assist and seat patrons within the building during events. Volunteers should have a passion for the arts, be reliable, be at least 18 years old, able to climb stairs, stand for long periods of time, work in semi-darkness and can commit to working 2 shows per month – work more if you’d like! Interested candidates should contact the House Manager.
- Capital Opera Theater is a Non-Profit, all volunteer organization founded to act as a resource and information center for “Voice Professionals” of all types, such as trained singers, broadcasters, and public speakers, and to provide a performing venue for local singers, musicians, directors, conductors, choreographers and dancers. CAPITOL OPERA RICHMOND is looking for volunteer seamstresses, stagehands, set builders, poster hangers, directors, and musicians. Phone – 804-840-7878, e-mail – capitoloperarichmond@gmail.com
- Broken Leg Theater is a non-fee based community theatre that strives to give everyone a quality experience in the performing arts. Their goal is to educate, inspire, and encourage everyone who participates. They hope to entertain our audiences and provide a new, fresh approach to community theatre in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas. Broken Leg Theater relies on volunteers to help build and paint sets, sell tickets, develop printed programs, collect donations, work the concession stand, and many others. During the run of the show they need volunteers usher, help load the stage, supervise children backstage and much more. If your child is part of a production they ask you to sign up for at least one volunteer time slot during the run of the show.
- Chesterfield Children’s Theatre posts volunteer opportunities on their Facebook page:
- CultureWorks is an organization that inspires, enables and cultivates the cultural life of our community. As such, they value diversity and inclusivity. CultureWorks is seeking volunteers for ArtObert, Sign up for their newsletter to get volunteer opportunities in your inbox: https://richmondcultureworks.org/volunteer-info
- DogtDogtown Dance Theatre is a home for performing artists to create and present their work while developing the skills needed to thrive. They seek to enliven the local community by encouraging expansive creative expression and education across diverse populations. Volunteers play a crucial role in Dogtown Dance Theatre’s ability to carry out its mission. They are always looking for enthusiastic individuals to help with performances, events, and technical needs of the theatre. Volunteering for Dogtown Dance Theatre is a great way to engage with the Richmond creative community while supporting one of Richmond’s most vital performing arts organizations. If you are interested in volunteering your time, complete the volunteer form. https://www.dogtowndancetheatre.com/volunteer-program – Dogtown Dance Theatre, 109 W. 15th St. Richmond, VA 23224
- Goochland Community Theatre is looking for people to fill a variety of roles before and during shows (builder, painter, woodworker, etc.) Cick on volunteer form to indicate your availability and interest. https://gvatheatre.org/get-involved/donate/time/ Goochland County Theatre, located at 2748 Dogtown Rd., Goochland, VA 23063, was established in 2018 to provide local cultural and educational benefits to residents of Goochland County and surrounding communities. It is run by an all-volunteer staff and a corps of volunteers.
- HATTheatre offers Richmond audiences high quality, affordable theatre, with a focus on works not previously seen in the area, featuring the area’s most talented & dedicated artists. They also offer an extensive array of classes for all ages, from age 5 to adult, in an education series, which runs year-round. Contact them to see how you can help. HATTheatre: 1124 Westbriar Dr. Richmond, VA. 23238, BOX OFFICE & General info. 804-343-6364
- TheatreLAB is known for unexpected and evocative performances. Volunteers are needed to help ushers, bartend, staff the box office, do ad sales and build sets. 300 East Broad St. Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 506-3533. Email: volunteer@theatrelabrva.org
- 5th Wall theatre’s mission is to add the dynamic of “fifth wall” to peoples’ consciences, and provide insights into our human condition through theatrical expression. 2011 Floyd Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23220, Telephone: 804-359-2003 http://www.5thwalltheatre.org/get-involved/volunteer/
- Firehouse Theatre presents contemporary, cutting edge performance. If you volunteer you can see a show for FREE! They seek enthusiastic, theatre-loving volunteers for the current season at Firehouse. SIGN UP NOW. Many volunteer opportunities await you! From painting to helping out backstage, in the office, and at our productions. E-mail info@firehousetheatre.orgor call 804-355-2001 and let us know what days/times you’re available, if you have any background in theatre, and what you like to do. (1609 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23220 / 804.355.2001
- Quill Theatre produces works of classical and contemporary theatre with Shakespeare as a foundation. Multiple volunteer opportunities available for all ages from building sets to ushering during shows. To join the volunteer list, contact Melissa Johnston Price melissa@quilltheatre.org – https://www.quilltheatre.org/volunteer
- Richmond Triangle Players at the Robert B. Moss Theatre is the longest continuously-operating professional theatre in th4e entire mid-Atlantic community producing works relevant to the LGBTQ+ experience. Richmond Triangle Players is looking for people who enjoy meeting new people and trying new things? Do you enjoy giving back to the community? Then Richmond Triangle Players is the place for you! If you have a few hours or many, occasional time or regular, particular skills or desire to learn something new – contact us. We’ll match your interests with our needs. Currently, they are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated people interested in helping as: Ushers, Ticket Takers, Office and Box Office, Set Construction Crew, Poster Distribution. While volunteer positions are not paid, there are perks to giving your time, including complimentary theatre tickets, free admission to selected other events, and volunteer appreciation programs. If you would like to become a part of the RTP family, simply contact volunteer coordinator Erinn Perry at volunteers@rtriangle.org.
- River City Community Players, nonprofit community theater that performs at different venues around Richmond. The RCCP needs volunteers to help ushering, help with sets, props & costumes.
•Swift Creek Mill Theatre (17401 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Colonial Heights, VA 23834) seeks volunteers to help with odd jobs, groundskeeping, historical archiving, ushering, administrative assistance, technical assistance and more. Fill out a volunteer application.
•Virginia Repertory Theatre offers various opportunities to volunteer. Pressing needs are for volunteer ushers and gift shop attendants. In addition they have opportunities to work on special events such as our Season Announcement and Open House, Anything Goes Gala, REP35 Happy Hours, or community events. Their 4th Wall program is a year long opportunity for teens who are specifically interested in getting more involved in theatre. Or if you have a specific expertise that you might like to share please let them know, and they will see if there is an area where they can use your help. They can also offer opportunities for corporate groups or scouts to volunteer. Virginia Rep considers volunteers to be a part of their family and offers insider perks to recognize your hard work. All volunteers receive 10% off gift shop items, a $5 discount on Hanover and Signature shows to be used throughout the year, $2 discount to Children’s shows, and complimentary tickets to select shows during your service. They honor volunteers with an annual cocktail reception complete with entertainment and recognition of volunteer of the year. Email volunteers@virginiarep.org for more information.
This is by no means a complete list of theater and performing arts groups in Richmond but those with readily available information about volunteering opportunities.
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