McAninch Arts Center is always looking for enthusiastic, dedicated, reliable and customer service-oriented people to become Volunteers serving as ushers, greeters and docents at our events. Volunteers provide invaluable service by assisting guests to their seats, answering questions and most importantly creating a welcoming environment for our guests.

Volunteers are unpaid, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be rewarded. The cultural perks you’ll enjoy as a volunteer include vouchers for every shift worked offering discounts to use at the MAC Box Office and invitation to our annual volunteer appreciation dinner including prizes and gifts.

How to sign up:

Step 1: Fill out an application available here.

We accept applications year-round.

Step 2: Once application is received, we will follow up with you via email within two weeks.

If you have any questions, contact Volunteer Coordinator Rob Nardini nardinir@cod.edu or call (630) 942-3705. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee your acceptance as a volunteer.

Roles

Ushers

Ushers are typically called to the theater 60 minutes prior to the curtain time of a production (though this may vary according to the needs of the event. Duties include inserting marketing materials into programs; learning about the seating chart and theater protocol through a brief preshow meeting; using an electronic scanner to record attendance; helping guests find their seats; looking for lost and found in theater space following the performance; and, most importantly, helping make each patron’s stay as pleasant as possible.

While prior experience as an usher isn’t necessary, it is important that volunteers:

• Display a warm, friendly demeanor and enjoy working with people
• Be able and willing to learn how to efficiently use the theatre’s electronic ticket scanners
• Be flexible and willing to undertake different duties each time you usher

Greeters and Access

Enthusiastic and outgoing, this volunteer is the face of the MAC. Greeters help at various locations throughout the MAC making sure that everyone who walks through our doors is greeted warmly. These volunteers:

• Must be able to stand at designated locations to welcome guests for long periods of time
• Assure that the MAC is safe and accessible to our visitors while providing exceptional customer service
• Activities include orient visitors to the Box Office, Coat Check Restrooms, Concessions, aid in line management when needed reminding visitors of policies when necessary

Docents

As an integral part of the MAC’s education programs, volunteer docents lead tours for groups of all ages for the large-scale summer exhibitions. The role of Docents includes:

• Attend in-person trainings and learn/read the reading and video materials provided
• Share their passion for history, art and deliver accurate information using a provided script
• Help visitors understand and provide context and history of the artist and the art presented
• Work with groups of all ages
• Be able to stand and walk for long periods of time

Volunteer Expectations

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Should be able to stand and walk comfortably for the duration of the shift
• Ideal candidates are outgoing, friendly, enthusiastic, able to work independently
• Must be alert for security and safety issues and when necessary, volunteers should be firm but diplomatic in requiring visitors to follow MAC policies and procedures
• For summer exhibitions: Must commit to two months during the three-month exhibit
• For MAC performances: Must commit to working three events per semester
• Docents additional expectations: Preferred experience and/or training in education and background checks

Training

• Attend an annual 2-hour safety training
• First-time volunteers, will shadow an experienced volunteer
• Docents must attend additional training sessions

Dress code

• MAC provides a black vest and a personalized name-tag
• Black pants, skirts, capris
• White shirt or sweater
• Must wear comfortable shoes – but no flip-flops or open-toe sandals
• No jeans or athleisure wear