If you are interested in becoming one of our fabulous Cottage Theatre volunteers, please take a moment to fill our our volunteer information form. Our staff will be able to use this information to help find areas in which you can get involved.

Cottage Theatre has many ways for community members to give their time and energy. The following are just examples of some of the things our volunteers do behind the scenes.

Fiddler On The Roof, 2002

Stage Crew

Every show needs its share of volunteers to act as stage crew. These dedicated "Men and Women in Black" change scenery, create special effects, assist with costume changes, fly curtains and perform any number of other tasks that are vital in creating the magic of live theatre. Stage crew are an important part of the production family—without them, the show literally could not go on.

Anyone can be a member of a stage crew. To be a good "crew" member, you need willingness (to be at every dress rehearsal and show), dedication (to the show and the cast), quick feet (for those lightning fast scene changes), quick thinking (to troubleshoot problems) and a sense of humor. A black wardrobe is also useful. Think you have what it takes? Would you like to give it a try? Contact Amanda Ferguson or come to any of our auditions. We are always looking for willing victims—er, volunteers.

Tech Crew

Are you a wizard with a Yamaha ProMix 100 16-channel state-of-the-art mixing board? A genius with NSI Melange series digital light boards and dimmer packs? Are you eager for ellipsoidals, a fiend for Fresnels? Gaga for gobos? Know your Ps and Qs about XLRs? Can you tell a Kleig from a klutz? Are you Shure?

...No? Well. Can you push a button?

If so, then you're qualified to be one of our sound, light or spot operators! We're always looking for people willing to learn how to operate our sound and lighting equipment. Tell Amanda Ferguson you want to see the light about lighting. Give a shout out to Jeffery Egbert about sound. Become one of the few, the proud, the lurkers in the light booth.

Set and Prop Construction

Armor for Camelot by Mary Graham, 2001

Make something from nothing.

Explore your creative side. Everything you really need to know about set and prop construction you learned in kindergarten. Of course, if you know a little (or a lot) about house construction or welding, even better! We need talented people of all sorts to help us create everything from Japanese forests to ruined monuments to junk yards to Oklahoma wheat fields. If you can run a power tool, handle an electric screw gun or dabble with paint, you are right for us! And if you would like to try your hand at design, so much the better!

Our set and prop construction crews have produced an amazing assortment of spaces and objects during CT's history. But we are always looking for new people and new ideas. So if you are interested in working on stage and prop construction, or if you just feel like getting your clothes dirty on a Sunday afternoon, contact us! This is where the real fun is!

Alice In Wonderland, 2000

Costumes

Can you thread a needle? Are you a speed demon with a sewing machine? A crack shot with a glue gun? Do you spend hours rummaging through Goodwill? Why not put your talents to use creating costumes!

If the clothes make the man (or woman!), then the costumes make the show. They establish time, place, character. If you'd rather dress the actors than dress the set, contact Peg Major or Rhonda Turnquist about helping out with costumes.

Ushers

We need volunteer ushers for every performance! Our ushers represent Cottage Theatre. Their enthusiasm and helpfulness set the tone for the night's performance. They meet and greet arriving patrons, hand out programs, escort patrons to their seats, assist with concessions and help maintain the lobby and bathrooms. In return, ushers receive free tickets to that night's performance.

Sound good to you? If you are interested in ushering at one of our upcoming shows, contact Usher Coordinator Marian Dempsey.

The following guidelines outline our expectations regarding ushers:

• Arrive with a smile at 7:15 p.m. for evening performances and 1:45 p.m. for matinees.

  The Music Man, 2000

• Dress in nice clothes, business casual or better. (Dressier on opening night.)
• Please refrain from wearing fragrances (but not deodorant).
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Check in with the Head Usher upon arriving.
• Obtain and wear an Usher badge.
• Attend brief orientation and training led by Head Usher. 
• One usher at each auditorium door will hand out programs.
• At least one usher at each door will escort patrons to their seats.
• At intermission and at the end of the performance quickly prop doors open when the house lights come up.
• Other duties may include:
• Selling concessions at intermission (Requires handling money.).
• Picking up any garbage in the lobby and auditorium.
• Dumping the garbage from the lobby, kitchen and restrooms.
• Checking and if necessary replenishing toilet tissue and paper towels.
• Sweeping, vacuuming and mopping. 
• Moving chairs.

Office Assistants

Do you have office experience? Can you file, do data entry or help prepare mailings? If so then we'd love your help in our office. If you are interested in helping in our office please e-mail Office Manager Deborah Tillson or call the box office.

Other Opportunities

If you're willing to do it, we need it done! From landscaping to laundry, from electrical work to entering data, volunteers keep Cottage Theatre running. Let us know how you can help! If you are interested in volunteering but not sure where you can help send an e-mail to our volunteer coordinator. 

The 1940's Radio Hour, 2001