Parent Volunteers- The Key to our Success!
This show thrives on volunteers! No one in the company, even directors, is paid. Please take the time to read the volunteer job descriptions in order to pick the job options that are the best fit for you.
Please keep in mind that our whole organization is run by volunteers. Don't Worry! We will help you find a job that works for you! Keep the following in mind:
¨ Each family fills at least 1 job and AT LEAST 10 hours of work. Some will do many more.
¨ Don’t forget that all adult family members can volunteer. There are some great positions for teenagers too!
¨ If all the families have been assigned a job and we still have positions needing to be filled, we will then ask families who have multiple performers to take on additional jobs.
¨ Please remember that this theatre group runs solely on the support and help of the parents and families of our performers. Without parent volunteers, we would cease to exist. Everyone needs to share their time and talents to make this the best experience possible for our children.
¨ Please contact Angee Wangsgard (230-2175 or egmusicaltheatre@gmail.com) with parent volunteer questions.
Parent Volunteer Jobs
Choose a Committee and be ready to contribute. No experience is necessary. All that’s needed is a willing volunteer. We will help you to help us make the show a success!
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Rehearsal Parent- Attend each rehearsal and check-in performers, Help supervise performers, run lines, etc. May need your help recording numbers and posting to our (private) YouTube account.
Tech (Sound, Lights, Spotlight, and Special Effects)- No experience necessary-we can teach you what’s needed to make the show a success. You will be running tech during shows and tech reheasals or helping put on mics and put them away.
Set Painting- Directors give you a vision of what the set should look like. A group gets together to paint sets.
Stage Managing- You help the performers make the show happen! Helping performers during the last month of rehearsals and at most performances, you are part of the magic happening backstage.
Set Design & Construction- Help design and build sets. Skills and tools helpful but not necessary
Props and Thrift/Online Shopping- Gathering, Sanitizing, and Keeping track of a big list of objects used by Performers. Need to attend part or all of each tech rehearsal and performance to keep track of items and make sure they get put away. Directors WILL ask for last minute props close to the performances- it’s just part of seeing the show come together and realizing something is missing, too small, etc…
Costumes and Thrift/Online Shopping- We have purchased a lot of costumes already. Take Director’s vision and make it a reality via online shopping and thrift stores. Basic sewing skills may help but are not mandatory. Attend all or part of each tech rehearsal and show to keep track of shared costume items.
Fundraising- Help set up and run fundraising for the group. We aren’t big on selling wrapping paper or popcorn. You could set up dinner nights, sales of Jamba cards, etc., or think bigger… The sky’s the limit!
Tickets/Snack Bar/Sales- Help with ticket organization and sales during the last few weeks of the show and at each show, shopping for and selling snack bar items and other items (flowers, EGMTC merchandise, etc.). We also need a Lobby Manager to help make this area a success.
Treasurer help- Checking each reimbursement form, creating a spreadsheet and categorizing expenses.
House Manager/Performance Facility- Help plan seating arrangement and logistics to keep the flow of things running smoothly for the audience. Set Up chairs, side curtains, cast photos, Take Down everything, clean up, Help Ushers, Some decorating or arranging…
Photography/Videography- Arrange to do headshots and cast photos. Take photos during tech rehearsals and shows and load them to a share site.
Programs- Create a program from a template we have- lots of details, photos, dedications, ads, etc. Get it printed and keep track of inventory during the shows.
Cast Party- Plan and execute a fabulous party at the end of the show. Stick to a budget, help kids give directors gifts and cards. Plan good supervision of performers during the cast party.
Errands/TroubleShooting (Production Assistants)- Random things always come up! We need people willing to run last minute errands like buying batteries and face tape, hunt down a substitute for a missing prop, labeling and delivering t-shirts, filling in for a sick volunteer last minute, etc. A little bit of everything, helping out with whatever is the greatest need, Flexibility is key here! You will be working with Angee specifically in this job.
More details about Volunteer Jobs:
Costume Coordinator (1 Parent from each cast): This job requires you to work with the directors and producer to decide what the costumes will look like for each performer in your show. Director and Producer need to give final o.k. on costume plans before they are presented to parents. Your job starts as soon as you get the job, before the first rehearsal. It helps if you can attend the first rehearsal and watch and learn about the play and the children playing each role. It is recommended that we start measuring performers at the first rehearsal. You need to make a plan for each character as soon as possible so parents can start sewing/shopping. You need to have costumes handed out by as soon as you can. There will be a deadline. During the shows you/your committee may need to work backstage to monitor the changing of costumes and help with costume emergencies. You will also need to check costumes on the Costume Check Day, and attend at least part or all of tech/dress rehearsals to make sure there aren’t costume issues. Count on last minute additions, substitutions, etc.
Costume Committee: Assist Costume Coordinator in the tasks listed above. Plan on meeting as a group ASAP to divide responsibilities and get assignments. Sewing skills helpful (i.e. able to show someone how to cut out a pattern) but not mandatory. We need your help! Don’t be afraid to join a committee.
Hair/Makeup Coordinator: This job will primarily happen the last month of play. You are responsible for working with the Director and the Costume Committee to determine what the hair and make-up should look like for performers. You will then communicate this via email or handout well before the show. Our ultimate goal is to help the performers achieve the director’s vision for their make-up and hair. All final plans should be run past the director before being given to performers. Make-up is usually applied at home unless it is specialty make-up or especially difficult to apply, so you may help apply some make-up, but this is not the main purpose of your job.
Props Coordinators (1-2 parents from each cast): This job requires you to contact the director immediately after you get the job to learn what props are necessary for the upcoming production and what the director’s vision is. After deciding what props are necessary, you will be responsible for collecting the props. You’ll start collecting them immediately and need to acquire them ASAP. You will contact families of EGMTC to acquire items we need. Then, if you are still in need of items, you will be able to purchase the remainder of the items (please contact Angee Wangsgard about the budget) for the show. There is a deadline for collecting props, although the director will want to use some props as soon as you acquire them. And it’s good to expect that the director WILL ask you to help find extra props at the last minute. You will also need to attend all or part of the dress/tech rehearsals to be sure the props are functioning properly. Plan on staying at the end to be sure they get put away.
Set Design/Painting Coordinator (1 parent from each cast): This job requires you to work with the directors and the set construction person to decide what the Sets will look like. This needs to happen immediately after you get the job. You are the artistic eye behind the sets. It will be your job to help paint/create the sets. The set construction person will create the pieces according to the dimensions you give them. EGMTC will reimburse you for products purchased for the shows. You will need to get your budget from Angee Wangsgard. There may be last minute painting as the director sees the show come together.
Set Design/Painting committee: (3-4 parents) This job requires you to work with the Sets Coordinator, directors and the set construction person to decide what the Sets will look like. You will help plan and create the sets. You may help paint under the direction of the coordinator, but you do not need experience- just a willingess to help. This is a great job for a parent that wants to get their volunteer time done in just a couple of days. We need your help! Don’t be afraid to join a committee.
Lighting Coordinator (1 Parent from jr. cast to cover both casts, 1 from sr. cast ): This job requires you to learn the lighting system and attend the tech rehearsals so you can write down lighting cues. You need to be at all tech. rehearsals and performances. At tech. rehearsals and performances, you are responsible for all set up and take down of lighting equipment and of course you will run the light system. If you have experience, that would be great. If not, we will teach you.
Spotlight Technician (2 Parents from each cast): This job requires you to attend all tech. rehearsals and performances. At tech. rehearsals and performances, you are responsible for all set up and take down of spotlight equipment and for running the spotlight at all tech. rehearsals and shows. If you have experience that would be great. If not, it is very easy to learn. This job could also be done by a responsible teenager.
Sound Technician (1 Parent from jr to cover both casts, 1 from sr.): This job requires you to learn about the sound system and attend the tech. rehearsals so you can write down sound cues. You need to be at all tech. rehearsals and performances. You are responsible for setting up sound equipment and for running the sound system at all tech. rehearsals and shows. If you have experience that would be great. If not, we will teach you.
Ticket Coordinator (1 Parent): This job requires you to coordinate and sell the tickets for the shows.The last few weeks, you must be available to answer questions via email and make seating assignments for those attending. You will oversee the online ticketing system. You will also collect the money for the tickets and give it to Treasurer weekly for deposit. You need to communicate with EGMTC families announcing when tickets go on sale and reminding them of ticket policies. You must also be available to oversee ticket sales the first performance and then get the ticket materials to the theatre one hour or more prior to show time for each performance.
Stage Managers (1 Parent from each cast): This job requires you to be in charge backstage, helping performers as needed with costumes and props, scene changes, opening and closing the curtain, etc. You will be responsible for setting up the stage before the show and putting the scenery and props away after the show. You will need to do the job for all of the shows except one. You need to be at all tech. rehearsals and performances.
Assistant Stage Managers (3 parents from each cast): This job requires you to help the Stage Manager backstage, assisting performers as needed with costumes and props, scene changes, opening and closing the curtain, etc. You will be responsible for setting up the stage before each show and putting the scenery and props away after the show (with the other stage managers). You will do the job for all of the shows except one. You need to be at all tech. rehearsals and perfomances.
Snack Bar Coordinator: You will be responsible for shopping for the snack bar items (including flowers), storing them, and then bringing them to the school one hour before performances. You will submit a list of snacks to sell and prices to the producer for approval. You will be in charge of insuring the snack bar’s success at intermission. You will run the snack bar each night (set up/sales/clean-up). You will do Final clean up until we’re done after the final performance. You may be asked to help usher. Many people request this job each year thinking it is an easy one, but it is actually a fair amount of work.
Program Coordinator/House Shift (1 Parent): This job requires you to collect the cast member photos from the photographer and create a program for the shows. A few items that have been in previous programs are: cast members’ names, photos, character names, list of parent board positions, recognition of all donations, and more. You will be given a program from a previous show to duplicate the format. You are responsible for creating, printing and distributing at each show. YOU MUST GET PROGRAM APPROVED BY DIRECTORS & PRODUCER PRIOR TO PRINTING. Programs should be printed at least 10 days before the first show. You will also help usher and/or run the snack bar.
Set Construction/Striking- (1 parent minimum) You will work with the Set Designer to find out what the set will look like. You will construct the set so the painting committee has plenty of time to paint it by the deadline of 12/11. You will also help strike the set and do final clean up after the last show.
Equipment Transport/ Set up/Set Striking (2 Parents): You will be responsible for transporting the sets (jr. and sr.) to the stage. You may be needed to pick up and delivering risers, ladder, and other heavy equipment prior to the tech. rehearsals You are responsible for striking the set after the show (clean up help will be available) and disposing of any parts we aren’t keeping. EGMTC will reimburse you for any disposal/rental fees. Truck access is helpful but not mandatory (you may rent one if necessary).
Cast Party Thrower/DVD Distributor - You are responsible for planning, publicizing and putting on the cast party at your home or another free location.
Production Assistant (2-3 people)- You will be the go-to, catch-all person who does jobs that don’t fit in other categories. Jobs vary from year to year but might include creating the t-shirts and distributing them or organizing DVD sales, and running random show errands. In the past, this person has purchased batteries for mics, raced out to pick up programs left in someone’s garage, made flyers, helped at the cast party, filled in for sick ushers, etc.
Rehearsal Parent (1-2 parents)- Must be willing to sit with jr. cast children at half of rehearsals (or more) and go over lines, help them start singing in a group, or supervise them while they wait for their turn on stage. You will check students in and out of each rehearsal.
Treasurer’s clerk (1 sr. cast, 1 jr. cast)- You will help in record keeping and reimbursement throughout the play. You will need to be present for a few minutes at the end of Jr and/or beginning of Sr cast rehearsals to take people’s reimbursement receipts. You will help track payments in and out and be a second set of eyes on deposits. You will also be asked to usher 2 performances. You could be especially helpful during auditions, so if you want to do this job, please contact Angee Wangsgard in advance.