Volunteering

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Shakespeare Theatre Company. Our dedicated volunteers play an essential role in the daily operations of Shakespeare Theatre Company.

On this website you can:

  • Learn about volunteer opportunities and apply online
  • Brush up on volunteer responsibilities and benefits
  • Send messages directly to the Volunteer Coordinator
    at stccommunity@shakespearetheatre.org

Apply to be a volunteer

STC Volunteer Opportunities:

Administrative Volunteering

 

Development
The Shakespeare Theatre Company is now taking applications for Development Department volunteers to assist in the following areas:

  1. prospect research
  2. maintenance and preparation of donor databases
  3. basic administrative office duties, knowledge of Microsoft Office required
  4. invitation and solicitation mailings

Prospective participants should have an interest in arts administration, have some experience working in an office setting, think creatively, and possess the ability to handle sensitive material in a discrete and professional manner.  To be considered for this position, complete this application. Applicants will then be selected for interviews with the Development Department. 

 

General Administrative
The Shakespeare Theatre Company is now taking applications for General Administrative volunteers to assist in the following areas:

  1. filing paperwork
  2. database entry

To be considered for this position, please complete this application.  Applicants will then be selected for interviews with the Human Resources Manager. Background checks may be required due to sensitivity of paperwork.

Artistic Volunteering

The Shakespeare Theatre Company is now taking applications for Artistic Department volunteers to assist in the following areas:

  1. filing actor headshots
  2. scheduling auditions
  3. making copies of scripts
  4. other administrative duties

To be considered for this position, please complete this application.  Applicants will then be selected for interviews with the Associate Director or Artistic Fellow.

Education Volunteering

The Shakespeare Theatre Company is now taking applications for Education Department volunteers to assist in the following areas:

  1. assisting with SHAKESPEARIENCE Student Matinees
  2. assist STC at community festivals/events (work at the STC table and greet members of the community and promote STC programming)
  3. ushering at student performances (Camp Shakespeare performances, Text Alive! final performances, etc.)

To be considered for this position, please complete this application.  Applicants will then be selected for interviews with the Community Engagement Manager.

Marketing and Public Relations Volunteering

The Shakespeare Theatre Company is now taking applications for Marketing and Public Relations volunteers to assist in the following areas:

  1. distribution of fliers and information at community events/festivals
  2. assist STC at community festivals/events (work at the STC table and greet members of the community and promote STC programming)

To be considered for this position, please complete this application.  Applicants will then be selected for interviews with the Associate Director of Audience Development and Special Programs.

Ushering

Thank you for your interest in ushering with Shakespeare Theatre Company.  We are no longer accepting ushers for the 2011- 2012 season.  Please check out the other volunteer opportunities available.

 

Expectations of ushers:

  1. represent Shakespeare Theatre Company in a positive manner
  2. make a commitment to fulfill your duties as assigned
  3. arrive 90 minutes prior to the performance
  4. provide at least 24-hour notice if you need to cancel your ushering assignment
  5. have a working email address that can be used for usher-related correspondence
  6. be able to stand for up to 1 hour
  7. adhere to the instructions of the House Managers at all times
  8. adhere to the Usher Dress Code (business casual; see FAQ’s for details)
  9. return to your assigned station for all of Intermission
  10. no alcohol may be consumed while ushering

Usher Benefits:

  1. Seeing the performance you usher for (we cannot guarantee that you will be seated)
  2. 10% off tuition for Master Acting Classes
  3. 10% off merchandise at the gift shop
  4. Coffee and snack for each STC production that you usher for
  5. The opportunity to usher at booked in events (Synetic Theatre, Washington Ballet, Washington Performing Arts Society, etc.)

How do I become an usher at Shakespeare Theatre Company?
-Submit the online usher application
-attend a brief orientation and tour of Sidney Harman Hall and
-complete a trial ushering assignment. 

STC will then notify you of your acceptance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Something has come up and I can’t usher as scheduled. What is the best way to get in touch with House Management?
Please either email Usher@ShakespeareTheatre.org or use the form on this website

You may also call the Usher hotline at 202-608-6330 between 10 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday. PLEASE NOTE: Messages left on this line may not be checked until the next day, so email is the best way to get in touch.

Please note: if you miss more than two ushering dates without providing 24 hours notice you will be removed from the usher list.

When I usher, am I guaranteed a seat for the performance?
We make every effort to seat our ushers; however, during sold-out performances, it may not be possible and you may need to watch the performance from a lobby monitor. Please note that you are expected to stay for the entire performance to fulfill your usher duties even if you are not seated.

What is the dress code for ushers?
Dress code for ushers is business casual attire, which means dress slacks, a skirt or dress for women and dress slacks and a button-down shirt or sweater for men. We do not require black and white clothing, although it is acceptable. Please note that the following attire is prohibited for ushers:

  1. Jeans
  2. Shorts
  3. T-shirts
  4. Sweatshirt
  5. Any clothing with slogans
  6. Sneakers/tennis shoes
  7. Flip flops
  8. Athletic attire (including yoga wear)

Please remember that you are representing the Shakespeare Theatre Company when you usher. If you are dressed inappropriately, you will be asked by House Management to leave.

What should I do when I arrive at the Theatre to usher?
If you are ushering at the Lansburgh Theatre, please introduce yourself to a member of the Box Office staff and indicate that you are an usher. If there is a line at the Box Office window, please wait to be let in.

If you are ushering at Harman Hall, you may enter the main lobby and go straight up to the mezzanine lobby to sign in with House Management. If you see a staff member, please identify yourself as an usher.

Contact us
Usher@ShakespeareTheatre.org

You may also call the Usher hotline at 202-608-6330 between 10 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday. PLEASE NOTE: Messages left on this line may not be checked until the next day, so email is the best way to get in touch.


Expectations of all volunteers:

  1. represent Shakespeare Theatre Company in a positive manner
  2. make a commitment to fulfill your duties as assigned
  3. provide at least 24-hour notice if you need to cancel your volunteering assignment
  4. have a working email address that can be used for volunteer-related correspondence
  5. follow instructions fully

 

Volunteer Benefits:

  1. 10% off tuition for Master Acting Classes
  2. 10% off merchandise at the gift shop