Auditions • Cast Lists • Front-of-House

Volunteer Sign-up

Technical Volunteer Positions
Set Crew

Shift/Fly Crew
Light Crew
Light Board Operator
Follow Spot Operator
Sound Board Operator
Props Master
Props Crew
Costume Crew

Assistant Director/Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Audition Crew

Work Call

Work calls will be used to help Playhouse staff build sets; paint sets, floors and backdrops; dress sets; build and find props; and build costumes. Work calls are a great way to learn new theatre skills and meet other Playhouse volunteers!

Leading Ladies Build Schedule

Watch your email for work call details, or contact Jon Whatley, technical director, at 515-974-5363.

Students: Remember, this is a fun and easy way to get those volunteer service hours needed for church or school. Bring your form to be signed!

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Set Crew
Volunteers who enjoy building and painting will enjoy the opportunity to construct sets. The set crew assists the Technical Director in constructing and painting the set and large prop pieces. There are jobs for the skilled carpenter, but set and prop construction is also a great place to learn some basic carpentry skills. Training is provided to those without experience. Base coat paint and detail work is needed on each set. Accomplished artists are welcomed, however it is not necessary to have experience as an artist. Volunteers are trained on the detail set work. The variety in experience levels of painters provides a great opportunity to work together to learn new techniques and share ideas.
Time Requirements: At the discretion of the volunteer. Crew calls are generally held two or three nights a week from 7-10 pm. Work is also available most days and weekends. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for the current schedule.

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Shift/Fly Crew
This is the perfect opportunity to learn and experience what happens behind the scenes of a theatrical production. Crew members are responsible for any sound or special effects needed from backstage and for changing the set during scene breaks and at intermission. Crew members may also be called on to use the fly system to change scenery that is flown in from the ceiling. In addition, the shift crew is used to set furniture and large props both backstage and onstage before and during performances.
Time Requirements:

• 7 rehearsals prior to opening
• All performances (15-25 performances)

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Light Hanging Crew
Prior to a show's opening, each light must be hung in a specific location, focused in a particular direction, colored with a specific color media, and plugged into a single power source. The Lighting Crew assists with this process by moving lighting instruments and focusing them as directed by the Lighting Designer. Hand tools are used and, in most cases, it is necessary to climb ladders in order to reach the instruments. In addition, the Lighting Crew should have at least a basic familiarity with the light board. Teamwork, initiative, and an ability to follow instructions are basic requirements. Safety is emphasized, however, this is not an area for those with a fear of heights!
Time Requirements:

• 1 or 2 rehearsals prior to tech rehearsal
• Work calls as set by the Lighting Designer

  
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Light Board Operator
During dress rehearsals and performances, the Light Board Operator runs the computerized light board to properly light the performances. The Stage Manager will give the Board Operator his or her cue to go to the next light cue. The board itself is simple to run: In most cases a button marked "GO" is pressed when the Stage Manager says, "GO"! A commitment to teamwork is necessary.
Time Requirements:

• 7 rehearsals prior to opening
• All performances (15-25 performances)

  
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Followspot Operator
The followspot is used to accent the overall lighting of a show. Training on how to run this instrument, along with a lot of practice, is where you begin. Frequently the spot is used in our musicals to highlight a solo or dance.
Time Requirements:

• 7 rehearsals prior to opening
• All performances (15-25 performances)

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Sound Board Operator
Persons who enjoy working with high quality sound systems may want to volunteer as a Sound Board Operator. Novices will be trained to run our sound equipment. You will learn how and why we use microphones, how to run cues and how to manually mix the various sound sources together. You will be responsible for helping set up the sound system (mics, taped cues, etc.) prior to technical rehearsal. The timing, execution, and levels of the cues are set during the tech rehearsal. Once the show opens, the Sound Board Operator runs the sound.
Time Requirements:

• 7 rehearsals prior to opening
• All performances (15-25 performances)
• Possible additional work calls for setup and recording

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Props Master/Mistress
A property is anything that is not attached to an actor or part of the set. Persons who enjoy visiting antique stores and flea markets often volunteer in this area. The Prop Master is responsible for finding, borrowing, buying or building all the "dressing" on the walls and the hand props used by the actors. This may also include real food or drink for each performance. Work on props may be done at your own pace, although you will be given a set date for all props to be finished. Craft skills and some building skills are helpful. A lot of the props used are created to look like the real item. This is especially true in the case when the real items are too old, too valuable, or too expensive to be used. Research needs to be done to assure the accuracy of the props used as period pieces. It is necessary for the Props Master to attend several rehearsals to get a feel for the props needed and how they will be used. The Props Master is responsible for making sure all props used in the show are available for the cast members to preset before each performance. This may require arriving 10 - 15 minutes before the cast call time. The Props Master may work alone, or may have a crew to help them, depending on the show. The Volunteer Coordinator will assist in finding the Props Crew. It is the responsibility of the Props Master to coordinate the times the Props Crew will work.
TIME REQUIREMENTS: The amount of time depends on the complexity of the show, and may be done at your own pace.

• 8-10 weekly production meetings (1 hour each) prior to the opening of the show
• Several rehearsals
• 7 rehearsals the week prior to opening
• 15-25 performances (depending upon the show and Props Crew)

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Props Crew
The Props Crew may work with the Props Master to obtain the props needed for a performance, or they may simply help during the performances. They help the Props Master setting and gathering props during performances. In some instances, the Props Crews may be asked to help the Shift Crew during scene changes.
Time Requirements: Flexible. Although it is preferred the crews work an entire show run, sharing times is possible. If you help the Props Master obtaining or making props, this can be done on your own time schedule.

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Costume Crew
Sewers are instrumental in building costumes as well as putting the finishing touches on projects. Anyone who can sew, from simple alterations to full-scale construction, is welcome to spend time in our costume shop. Hours and times are completely flexible. Some of the work can be done at home. The Playhouse also needs persons to help with hair, makeup, and work as Dressers to help make costume changes during performances. The Costume Crew will create period hairstyles, help put on wigs or help change costumes during quick scene changes.
Time Requirements:

• Sewers: Flexible
• Hair, Makeup and Dressers: 7 rehearsals prior to opening. Need to be at most performances (15-25), time can be shared.

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Assistant Director/ Stage Manager
The Assistant Director is the right hand of the Director. This person assumes the responsibility for the smooth and efficient preparation and execution of all aspects of a production including all of the details of auditions, rehearsals, and performance preparation. During the rehearsal process, the Assistant Director keeps a record of all the movement on the stage, and a running list of anything added that is not in the script, and prompts the actors with lines during the early rehearsals. During the performances, the Stage Manager may "call" the show. This requires wearing a headset and guiding the light and sound operators through their cues. The Assistant Director also acts as a coordinator to distribute of information about the progress of the production to all members of the company. Basically, all of the non-directorial, and all of the non-actor needs of the production fall under the jurisdiction of the Assistant Director or Stage Manager. This allows the Director to concentrate on directing and the actors to concentrate on acting. Finally, the Assistant Director/Stage Manager is responsible for locking the building after rehearsals and performances.
Time Requirements:

• 6-7 days per week for 5-6 weeks of rehearsal, 3 or more hours per rehearsal
• All performances (15-25 performances)
• Weekly production meetings, 1 hour each

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Assistant Stage Manager
The Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) is the Stage Manager's backstage assistant. During the production, the Assistant Stage Manager stays in contact with the Stage Manager and supervises the shift crew to make sure set changes are handled in a timely manner. After the performance, the ASM is responsible for checking dressing rooms for orderliness, and set pieces and props to insure that they are properly stored and in good condition.
Time Requirement:

• Most rehearsals
• All performances (15-25 performances)

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Audition Crew
Volunteers are needed to help with large auditions. This is especially true when auditions are held for musicals, or casts that require children. The audition crew handles registration, and distributes audition forms and other information the Director supplies. They are available to answer questions regarding the audition process.
Time Requirement: 3-5 hours on audition day

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For more information about volunteering backstage at The Playhouse, contact Jon Whatley, 515-974-5363, toll-free 1-877-862-5621 ext. 221.