Volunteer in guest services
Save the Date
2026 Encore Awards will be the evening of Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026.
Guest Services shifts available
Noises Off, June 4–21, 2026
Final Act Ensemble: Broadcast to the Troops, 1943, June 16, 2026
Legally Blonde, July 9–26, 2026
The Penguin Project Production of Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo Jr, Aug. 12–16, 2026
The 2026-27 Season show shifts will be posted in summer 2026.
If your plans have changed and you are unable to volunteer for your date and time, call the house management team, 515.974.5352.
Training Materials
In preparation to become a Guest Services volunteer, you are asked to read our Guest Services Handbook, watch the Guest Services Training Video, and sign the volunteer agreement. In addition to reading and watching, you are asked to do a background check every two years. Filling out the volunteer agreement gives us the information we need to complete the free-to-you background check.
NEW!
Closed Captioning Operator
Being a closed captioning operator is simple: follow along with the script and click through the lines in real time! This free service provides audience members who are deaf or hard-of-hearing with live subtitles, allowing them to fully enjoy the art of theatre. Click here to sign up.
Closed Captioning Transcriber
Join us in making live theatre accessible to everyone! We’re seeking individuals to help transcribe scripts into a template for our closed captioning system. Requirements: Access to a computer and PowerPoint and the ability to work remotely. If interested, please email Derek Phelps, volunteer and production coordinator at [email protected]
How would you like to be involved in the season?
Click on a volunteer title below to learn more about that opportunity.
Ticket Scanners
Ticket Scanners greet the guests as they enter the building. They verify the date and time on tickets and direct guests as needed. Ticket Scanners have the opportunity to see the show after all guests have been seated. After the show, all guest services staff make sure the theatre is presentable and ready for the next performance.
Time Requirement: 75 minutes prior to curtain time until the end of the performance; one or more performances
Ushers
Ushers greet the guests, escort them to their seats as needed, and hand out playbills. Ushers have the opportunity to see the show after all guests have been seated. Ushers are stationed throughout the lobbies during intermission to answer guest questions. After the show, all guest services staff make sure the theatre is presentable and ready for the next performance. One usher will help collect listening devices at the end of the performance and return IDs to the patrons.
Time Requirement: 75 minutes prior to Signature Series curtain time and 60 minutes prior to Kate Goldman Family Series curtain time until the end of the performance; one or more performances
Photo Stop Volunteers
Photostop volunteers are stationed at the photostop, determined for each production. Photostop volunteers assist patrons who would like to take a photo in front of the show logo. Photostop volunteers have the opportunity to see the show after all guests have been seated. Photostop volunteers return to the photostop during intermission and after the show to again help patrons take photos in front of the logo.
Time Requirement: 75 minutes prior to curtain time until the end of the performance; one or more performances
The Playhouse uses VolunteerLocal.com. This user-friendly website allows you to view available guest services shifts and check your schedule, all from the comfort of your home computer! When you sign up for a volunteer shift, you will receive an email from Volunteer Local, requesting that you confirm your shift. Please confirm your shift to complete your sign-up.
Arrival times for guest services
- John Viars Theatre productions: please be here one hour and 15 minutes prior to curtain time (Curtain times: 7:30 PM, Wednesdays-Saturdays, and 2:00 PM Sundays.)
- Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre productions: please be here one hour before curtain time (Curtain times: 7:00 PM Fridays, and 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM Saturdays-Sundays.)
- Family Holiday Classic productions: please be here one hour and 15 minutes prior to curtain time (Curtain times: 7:00 PM Thursdays-Fridays, and 2:00 PM Saturdays-Sundays.)
Upon arrival, guests services volunteers meet with the house manager. At this time, you will be assigned to serve where needed including ticket reviewer, usher, and greeter.
Be sure to sign up for our email notices. Check the Volunteer Opportunities: Usher/Ticket Taker/Greeter email option.
For more information about volunteering with guest services, contact the house management team, 515.974.5352.