• Theatre Huntsville Home
• 2007-2008
• Ticket Information
• Calendar
• Archives
• Special Events
• Get Involved
• About Us

Get Involved

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Theatre Huntsville has dozens of volunteers who serve as actors, backstage crews, box officers, house managers, hosts and hostesses, ushers, and committee and Board members. The company uses some 17,000 hours of volunteer labor per year, including all administrative and theatrical activities, which have been valued at approximately $230,000 per year as "in-kind" donations.

New volunteers are vital to our continued success! Why not spend some time as a Theatre Huntsville volunteer? The work is fun, and the perks are great, and there are countless opportunities!

YOU CAN WORK WITH US!

Theater is MUCH more than performing, and Theatre Huntsville includes many opportunities for work behind the scenes from crew level through to crew executives and directorial staff. Staging a theatrical production requires a large, well-coordinated, multi-disciplined team of artists, technicians, and helping hands. We encourage all Theatre Huntsville members to "broaden their horizons" by working in as many fields as possible! Every actor should understand tech work and "techies" should understand performing. Some of the tasks require expertise and training, some require talent and creativity, and some require only a willingness to learn and the ability to follow directions. Theatre can be a great place to use your existing talents and skills or to learn some new ones!

No audition is required for the production staff, which changes from show to show. Executives, assistants, and crew are chosen for their experience and ability to complete their tasks.

Here are brief descriptions of some of the jobs we need help with:

Usher – This is the easiest way to get started in theatre. It’s like going to a show and having to work a little bit for your otherwise "free" ticket. Ushers take tickets, hand out programs, show patrons to their seats, and perform other odd jobs. No experience is necessary – we’ll show you everything you need to know. Click here to read about our current needs.

Actor/Actress – Obviously, experience and/or talent helps, but anyone is welcome to audition for any of our productions. Roles can be available (depending on the play) for any age or degree of experience.

Director – Acting experience is very important, plus a good understanding of the backstage elements. Usually experience may be gained starting as an Assistant Director, which gives a person some insight into the workings of the directing process. This is among the most difficult jobs to do, and to do well.

Stagehand/Stage Crew – This is a generic name for any number of jobs that may be necessary backstage while a show is going on. Though these jobs usually require precise planning, they generally call for very little experience or a small amount of on-the-job training. Examples are curtain and pinrail operators, and work may be as basic as moving scenery and props on and off stage during a show. Members of the scenic crew may also work onstage during performances, blackouts, and intermissions.

Hair – Some of the folks who work with us in this area are professional stylists; some aren’t. Depending on the show, this can involve researching hairstyles from different time periods, temporary coloring/ frosting, and working with wigs or hairpieces. As with makeup, hairstyling is not always "done" prior to a performance; depending on script requirements or interpretation, anything from touchups to makeovers and overhauls may be required at intermission or even during a show! And as with makeup, costumes, lobby display, lighting, sound, and scenery, one person may provide the design aspects, while another individual actually "does the doin’s!"

Makeup – Stage makeup is different from street makeup. It is used mainly to make the actors look natural under very bright stage lights or to make an actor look older or younger. TH productions may need anywhere from one to six makeup artists. Often the makeup designer works on special makeup, such as aging, prosthetics or stylized/fantasy work, and assists the cast in applying their own base and other basic makeup. It’s a bit tricky and requires some training and lots of practice!

Costumes – Designing, making, altering, and caring for costumes are jobs that are necessary on every production. The Costume Designer, Tailor, Seamstress, or members of the costume crew might need to do research into the dress of a particular time period, make clothes from scratch, alter clothes to fit actors of different sizes, change the style of an existing garment, contact rental companies, or scrounge items from grandma’s cedar chest! During shows, costumes often require ironing, cleaning, or emergency repair. To volunteer right now – e-mail our Costume Department: costumes@theatrehsv.org

Props/Set Dressing – Properties ("props") are items an actor picks up or handles. Set Dressing is everything else decorating the set (furniture, paintings, plants, etc.). People responsible for these areas will help select the items to be used and make sure each item is where it needs to be when it needs to be there. These positions do not require experience, but talents for research, organization, interior design, and "scrounging" are helpful! Some prop construction may be required.

Lobby Display – The lobby is the first inkling our audience has of "what’s to come." A welcoming display in the lobby may use rehearsal photos, headshots, or your creative touch, though close collaboration with the Director is essential.

Set Construction/Painting – Probably the single area where we need the most help. Most sets are largely pieced together out of standard theatrical "building blocks" – platforms and flats. You don’t need carpentry experience, but it helps. Sometimes we need to make pieces from Styrofoam, papier-mâché, cardboard, foam rubber, or other materials. Set builders work under the supervision of the Technical Director who will match a task to your experience. Painters are often supervised by the Scenic Artist. Painting varies from rolling on a base coat to detail work. Generally, no experience is necessary.

Lights/Sound – Light and Sound (music & effects) help to set the mood for the audience and to make the story being told on stage more believable. They are often the last elements of a production to be finished; both are closely monitored during performances, and may require a lot of set-up time to position and hang lights or sound equipment. The light or sound designers and the technician handling these aspects during a production may be two different people, but will nevertheless require precise coordination between them. To be good in these jobs, you need to be both a creative artist and a highly skilled technician. We are always looking for qualified Light/Sound people. If you’d like to work in this area, we can train you! No experience or special background is necessary, but mechanical skills and knowledge of electronics are helpful.

Scenic Artist – Responsibilities vary from show to show. Scenic Artists usually work with the Director and tech heads to choose the colors, paint styles, and techniques used on the set. They generally paint set pieces to look like brick, marble, wood, grass, and so on – and they supervise the paint crew. Styles vary from the very simple to the very complex. The job usually requires artistic talent and some specific training on theatrical set construction and painting techniques. Carpentry background doesn’t hurt, either!

Stage Manager – This is one of the most important jobs in theatre. The Stage Manager controls everything that happens on or off stage during a production. The job requires skill, training, experience… and some qualities you’re just born with. We’re always on the lookout for a good SM! Many productions may require one or two Assistant Stage Managers. ASMs need a little training, but no experience – but we can provide you with both, for either position.

Publicity Committee – This is one of the most important jobs in theatre! This group is responsible for coordinating all publicity and public relations aspects of any given show, whether it’s designing and distributing poster/flyers, arranging photos, writing/distributing press releases, coordinating bulk mailings, setting up live interviews, or any of a number of related tasks. It is no one-person job!

Graphic Artist/Designer – It seems like every officer, chair, or director is on the lookout for graphic artists at one time or another. Posters, programs, t-shirt design, "special" items such as buttons, postcards, or business cards…even ads and lobby displays benefit from those who have the knack for realizing visually what others can only put in words. This job requires both experience and your own special creative touch. Close interaction with directors and Board members is pretty much a given; often a graphic designer will work directly under the Publicity Committee.

These are some of the basic positions – but there’s always something more to be done! Opportunities range from backstage crew to load-up, set strike, committee work under our various chairs, and even running for office. Contact us for further information –
We Want YOU…for THEATRE HUNTSVILLE!

~ Other Jobs ~

Assistant Directing
Technical Director
Ticket Booth Operations
Choreography
Fight Choreography
Publicity
Marketing
House Manager
Photography Liaison
Membership recruitment
Furniture repair
Play-reading/selection
Special Effects
Box Officers
Musicians
And much, much more!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO CAN JOIN?

Since waaay back in the good ol’ days of Twick and Hultee, it has been our policy that any person interested in participating, regardless of experience, would be given the opportunity. And that we should have fun! We are always looking for new members – of ALL backgrounds, ages, and levels of theater experience – and hope to provide a home where we can all grow as people and artists. Our only requirement is enthusiasm!

This energy is what our audiences come to see! As a result, we have often received the highest possible compliment from our audience members – they have joined Theatre Huntsville themselves! If you love acting, WE NEED YOU! If acting scares you, WE NEED YOU! If you like directing, writing, dancing, sewing, drawing, singing, or cast parties, WE NEED YOU!

DO I HAVE TO JOIN TO BE IN OR WORK ON A SHOW?

No. Anyone can audition for a show or work in a technical capacity. Exceptions are show Producer, who must by policy by a Board member, or Artistic Director, who must either be a member or join prior to his/her auditions. However, being a Theatre Huntsville member gives you many benefits.

WHERE ARE WE BASED?

Theatre Huntsville is based in and around Huntsville – the "Rocket City!" – located in northern Alabama. You do not have to live in the area to join – many people from the Tennessee Valley and beyond have participated, coming from such places as Decatur, Fayetteville, Athens, Pulaski, Guntersville, Arab, and so on – but please bear in mind any travel requirements that may be necessary in order to attend rehearsals and show dates!

WHAT IF I DON’T REALLY KNOW HOW TO DO ANYTHING?

No problem! We’ll teach you everything you need to know. Plenty of theatre jobs require little experience or training – we can teach you on the spot. For other jobs, you really need to know what you’re doing – you can learn these by being an apprentice; even an assistant director’s position, for example, is something like an apprentice director. We also periodically conduct or sponsor classes and workshops in different areas of theatre and stagecraft.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL IT TAKE?

How much time have you GOT? If you can usher a show, it only takes one afternoon or evening. If you’re cast as an actor, it could take from 6-10 weeks, depending on the particular play and the director’s requirements. Usually, it’s somewhere in between, depending on your responsibilities and your schedule. Our six main productions usually rehearse and build for about 8 weeks and are on stage for 2 weeks. Some of our other productions may be shorter. We probably have jobs that fit into YOUR schedule, WHATEVER it happens to be!

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I MAKE?

Same as the rest of us – none, nada, zilch. As we said earlier, Theatre Huntsville is an all-volunteer organization. Even though it can be a lot of work, we do this for fun. Moreover, the experience is invaluable – many students work with us for extra credit or as a class assignment – and your donations and mileage are tax deductible! For those looking into theater as a profession, there’s no better place to gain experience and make connections…for that elusive dollar may be waiting for you, somewhere down the road.

BECOME A MEMBER!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP?

Being a Theatre Huntsville Member gives YOU a voice in the decision-making process.

Members get to:

• Vote on the selection of plays we will present each season
• Vote on recipients of the NOAHs, Theatre Huntsville’s acting/technical awards **
• Elect Play-Reading Committee members and members of our Board of Directors
• Serve on the Board of Directors
• Serve on our various committees
• Receive newsletters on events, announcements, social activities, and other items of interest
• Gain firsthand knowledge of stagecraft in all its forms!

** To be eligible, one must join by close of the opening show of each season

Simply print out this Membership Form,
fill in the required information,
and mail the form with payment to:
THEATRE HUNTSVILLE
Attn.: Membership Chair
P.O. Box 654
Huntsville, AL 35804-0654

Annual membership dues are $10.
Please make checks payable to Theatre Huntsville.

WANT MORE INFO?

If theatre sounds like something YOU might want to try, or if you’d like more information about becoming a Theatre Huntsville volunteer, just get in touch with us! Give us a call, send us an e-mail, or speak to an officer, usher, or box office attendant during a performance. Our officers and volunteers can tell you about our current and upcoming projects and help get you started.

Theatre Huntsville greatly appreciates everyone who helps makes this community theatre possible, whether by providing time, talent, donated goods or financial contributions!