Volunteer For Shows
Come and be part of the fun! You will become part of the crew and make new friends as you contribute. We could not continue to operate without our dedicated volunteers; they have been the backbone of Aurora Players for almost 90 years. There are many ways you can contribute backstage if you are not interested in or ready to appear on stage. To put on a successful production, we need many people behind the scenes. Click the links below to explore the various volunteer roles that may spark your interest. Then Email us at: volunteer@auroraplayers.org and let us know what appeals to you.
Show Director
Theater directors are in charge of the creative vision of a show’s production. Their goal is to bring out the actors’ best performances and tell the story of the play or musical in a compelling way. Directors also oversee the creative choices on set, costume, and artistic design – although those decisions are made in conjunction with the other creatives involved. Theater at its best is a collaborative process and a good theater director will put together a strong team to support their vision. This volunteer position does require experience. Aurora Players’ is always interested in new directors. Interested volunteers may contact us via our Script Submission link.
Show Producer
Do you like problem-solving and organizing? Producers work side-by-side with the director to make a successful show happen! Producers are the business side of the equation, overseeing the budget, coordinating auditions, and finding the right people to help with all the “jobs” associated with putting on a show. They allow the director to focus on the artistic aspects of the production. A very important and exciting position, the time commitment begins about five months before the show opens (for auditions) through the striking (disassembling) of the set after the last performance. It may sound like a lot, but the work is not continuous and there is almost always an assistant producer to help. Initially, a new volunteer works with an experienced producer as an assistant to learn the responsibilities of this position. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more.
Stage Managing
The stage manager is an extremely important position in every production. They act as a right hand to the director at rehearsals and, during the show’s run, the stage manager is responsible for ensuring that the production runs smoothly from the first dress rehearsal to final curtain call. They oversee all technical cues (set changes, props, lights and sound) during performances. Although the details of the role vary depending on the needs of the director, the activities of the stage manager are generally as follows.
Rehearsal and Production
Stage managers help to schedule and run rehearsals, where they:
- If asked, record the director’s decisions about blocking and notes for the actors (blocking is the location of actors on stage and the movements that they make);
- Create the prompt book (a.k.a. “the bible”)— a binder containing the production’s script with sound, lighting, and set cues, as well as other vital information.
Pre-Show and Performance
Once a show has opened, the stage manager is in charge of overseeing the entire performance, including:
- Supervising pre-show activities such as technical and safety checks;
- Running the performers through warm-ups and notes;
- Ensuring that everyone is ready for curtain and in the wings in time for their entrances;
- Calling technical cues to the crew over a wireless headset.
The time commitment spans about two-three months, beginning at rehearsals and ending once the set is struck. If you are interested but have no experience, that’s fine! You can learn by assisting an experienced stage manager for your first show. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
House Manager
The house manager is responsible for the smooth operation of the front-of-house operations throughout the run of a show. This includes overseeing the lobby, seating areas, box office, and refreshment stand. Initially, a volunteer works with an experienced house manager to learn the tasks associated with this position. The time commitment is as little as one night or one entire weekend during the run of the show. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
Box Office Staff and Ushers
Working with experienced volunteers and the house manager, volunteers help with: ticket sales in the box office; act as concierge during intermission to answer questions or sell tickets; and usher/sell concessions for one or more performances. Working in the box office involves printing and sorting tickets by name, handing out tickets and selling tickets. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
Costuming
Volunteers work on sewing, mending and/or constructing costumes for productions under the leadership of the show’s costumer.
Pirates of Penzance, Fall 2015
Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
Set Construction
Like to paint? Good with a hammer and saw? Then we need you! Help us with the construction of theatrical sets by working with a set construction chief. The time commitment generally spans four to six weeks with most work occurring on the weekends, through set strikes (disassembly). Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
Set Decorating/Furnishing
Be part of making the sets of a production come alive. Set decorating brings the director’s vision of the production to life by helping to create the environment in which the actors interact, whether it’s a living room, department store, or 1950s diner! Working alongside the props/furniture storage manager, the time commitment can span four weeks with most work occurring on the weekends or weeknights. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
The Set of She Loves Me, Fall 2018
Artistic Painting
Artists paint scenery for the sets, flats, and scrims. These activities usually occur two to three weeks before the show opens. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
The marvelous, painted backdrop of the Brighton Sea from One Man, Two Guvnors, Fall of 2023.
Props Management
Working alongside the props and set furnishings managers, prop volunteers locate, care for and monitor specific items used by the actors during a show. Some props, may not actually be handled by the actors, but serve to set the scene as the various bowls, vase and flowers do on the table in the photo below. Though we have an impressive inventory of props, some items may need to be sourced through Goodwill, flea markets, antique stores or on the internet, etc. Some are even handmade by some of our more craft-minded volunteers! Usually, all props must be at the theater by about two weeks prior to the technical rehearsal and we ask that volunteers continue to assist during the run of the show if necessary. The props person also ensures all items are properly put away during set strike (disassembly). Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
From the set of Amateurs, March 2022. Horace, the ventriloquist’s dummy was an especially precious prop to find!
Lighting and Sound Design
If you’ve had some experience with theatrical lighting and sound, we can certainly use your talent! Working with the director, light and sound designers create the plan and computer programming for lighting, atmosphere, sound effects, and music. These are important elements of any production as they support and enhance the action on stage. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
Light and Sound Technician
These volunteers run the pre-programmed lights and sounds during a production. Initially, volunteers work with an experienced technician who will teach the workings of the light and sound board. Volunteers will learn how the script notations, special equipment, and attention to detail bring the director’s vision to life. The time commitment is about five to six weeks usually beginning a few weeks before opening night through striking (disassembling) the set. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
Hair and Makeup
Along with costuming, hair, and makeup are important aspects of helping the actors become the characters they play. Volunteers are always needed to assist with hair and makeup. The time commitment is about four to five weeks on weekends, beginning with tech rehearsal through striking (disassembling) the set. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
Lobby and Still Photography
A photographer works with the production team to take, process, and mount photos for a production. The photographer also works with the publicity/PR chair to take publicity photos. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
Tech Rehearsal Supper
This volunteer plans, organizes, and serves (and cooks if desired!) a supper for the cast and crew on the technical rehearsal day. A budget is provided. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
Marquee Sign
Working with our vendor, this position coordinates the creative work, printing, mounting, and hanging of each sign outside the building to promote every show throughout the season. Email us at volunteer@auroraplayers.org to sign up or learn more!
