Volunteer
Become a Part of Calgary’s Premiere Community Theatre Company
Possible Positions
Browse our current open volunteer positions by category below to find the right fit for your skills and interests—then fill out the form above and submit it. One of our members will be in touch as soon as possible to follow up with qualified candidates.
PLEASE NOTE: FRC is a volunteer organization. We do not provide honorariums or other payment for services, including those specified by professional organizations. If you belong to a professional organization that does not allow you to volunteer your time, or are unwilling to volunteer your time, we will unfortunately be unable to collaborate with you.
Show Leaders
Director
The Director brings the actors and the playwright’s words and ideas together under one artistic vision. This role involves research, collaboration with designers, leadership, an ability to match actors with suitable roles, and an understanding of the actors’ craft.
Musical Director
The Musical Director is responsible to the director for all musical aspects of the production and assists the director in casting. This role rehearses the musicians, teaches the music to the cast, chooses the orchestra and may conduct the orchestra as well.
Choreographer
The Choreographer creates all of the dance and movement for the production, auditions the dancers and assists the director in casting. This role also teaches the cast members how to execute the choreography and rehearses them.
Producer
The Producer (a.k.a. Production Manager) is a liaison between the Board of Directors and the crew of the show. Their key role is to manage the production team with a balanced budget and support the Director to realize their vision. Critical skills include project management and the ability to bring a team together towards the same goal.
Stage Manager
During rehearsals, the Stage Manager works closely with the director to record the details of the show and to communicate important information between the producer, the director, and the cast. During the run of the show, the Stage Manager works to maintain the director’s vision.
Design Team
Technical Director
The Technical Director is responsible for overseeing the technical requirements of the production. This role is frequently not filled by a separate person but covered by the Producer of the show.
Lighting Design
Lighting Design is the process of creating a lighting concept for the show based on and supporting the costume design, set design and the Director’s vision. The Lighting Designer must complement all the aspects of the show within the limitations of the available equipment and budget.
Projection Design
Projection Design is the process of creating a projection concept for the show based on and supporting the set design and the Director’s vision. The Projection Designer must complement the lighting design within the limitations of the available equipment and budget.
Set Design
Set Design is the process of creating a concept and set that mirrors the director’s artistic vision, taking into account the available space and budget. The Set Designer must create a model that easily communicates the final set. Often the Set Designer will also construct the set, so construction skills are a definite asset.
Scenic Artist
The Scenic Artist creates the visuals in each scene, usually taking a lead in the painting as well.
Costume Design
Costume Design is the process of creating a concept for the costumes of the show, designing clothes that are functional, affordable, and imaginative while taking into account the activity, safety, and comfort of the actors. The Costume Designer and/or Coordinator is responsible for assembling a team to build and/or acquire the costumes.
Prop Design
Prop Design is the process of designing and/or acquiring props that meet the artistic vision of the Director. Typically, the Prop Designer will beg, borrow, buy, or make all props for the production with a team. They will also usually be present backstage to monitor the props’ placement, needs, and storage.
Sound Design
Sound Design is the process of designing an audio concept for the show, including the needs and placements of microphones and speakers as well as required sound effects to fulfill the artistic vision of the Director. Often the Sound Designer also runs the sound board during the run of the show.
Hair & Makeup Design
Hair & Makeup Design puts the finishing touches on the actors. The lead designer must work closely with the Costume Designer and Director to help the cast present themselves onstage with hair that reflects the right period and faces that don’t wash out or stand out too much. This is both a design role and a backstage role, especially with larger casts.
Orchestra Conductor
An Orchestra Conductor is often needed for shows with larger orchestras. Please let us know if you have the skills to conduct an orchestra and can accommodate doing a show just for the fun of it!
Production Team
Costume Assistant
The Costume Assistant helps build costumes during the months leading up the show, as well as provide wardrobe maintenance during the run of the show. Sewing skills are essential in either case, while Wardrobe maintenance will involve repairs, ironing, and cleaning of the costumes throughout the run of the show.
Lighting Crew
The Lighting Crew will hang and focus the lights under the supervision of the Lighting Designer and the Director. At the close of the show, they participate in the taking down and safe storage of lights.
Set Construction
The Set Construction (a.k.a Set Builder or Scenic Carpenter) interprets the set designer’s drawings and set model into a functional set and consults with the set designer. The Scenic Carpenter assembles the set at the theatre with the assistance of other volunteers (often from the cast). There is often cross over with Set Painting and Dressing.
Set Painting
The Set Painting is responsible for the painting and decorating of the set and is responsible for painting and texturing backdrops, furniture, flats and set pieces. There is often cross over with Set Dressing.
Set Decoration
The Set Decoration (a.k.a. Set Dresser) is responsible for accessories and decorations on the set, such as curtains and other physical objects not used as props. There is often cross over with Set Painting and Set Construction.
Props Construction
The Props Construction is responsible for building props as required by the Props Coordinator.
Fight Choreographer
The Fight Choreographer is needed on some shows in order to ensure the safety of fight scenes.
On Stage
Actors
The Actors get out there on the stage! Rehearsals are usually 3 times a week for 3-4 hours each, with a substantial commitment required right before and during the show. We always expect our actors to do more than just strut around the boards though—we need volunteer help throughout the production to make sure that we have something we can all be proud of.
Actors are cast through the audition process, with appointments made online. Visit our Audition Page for more information.
Choral Support
Choral Support is sometimes needed to add a few extra voices from backstage—so if you love to sing but don’t want to get out on the stage, this is an opportunity for you!
Puppeteer
Whether it be Audrey II or the muppet-like people of Avenue Q, we occasionally find ourselves in need of a puppeteer, so let us know if you’re interested!
Orchestra
General Musician
All of FRC’s shows are accompanied by a live band or orchestra, with varying sizes from just a few pieces to upwards of 17-20. We are always on the lookout for skilled musicians who can accommodate a show for fun into their schedules.
Reeds
The Reeds (aka Woodwinds) play multiple instruments and are rare commodities—please tick off this box if you can play at least flute and clarinet.
Pianist
Piano is required throughout the rehearsal process and is a critical task. During rehearsals, repeated playing and listening is required to assist the Musical Director in getting the right music from the actors. The piano player is usually required to be the same person for both rehearsals and performances.
Backstage Crew
Assistant Stage Manager
The Assistant Stage Manager directs the running crew backstage, is usually on headset communication with the Stage Manager during performances to call backstage cues. The ASM also ensures that the stage is set properly, safely and is clean before the show opens each night.
Running Crew
The Running Crew are backstage, moving scenery, furniture, set and props as needed throughout the run of the show, under the direction of the Assistant Stage Manager.
Lighting Board Operator
The Lighting Board Operator is responsible for handling and operating of lighting equipment throughout the run of the show, checking the equipment prior to each run, and reporting any failures to the Stage Manager.
Follow Spot Operator
The Follow Spot Operator is responsible for the handling and operating of the Follow Spot when required. Familiarity with the equipment is an asset, but many people can learn it easily if desired.
Sound Operator
The Sound Operator is responsible for the sound effects and sound levels during the run of the show.
Hair and/or Makeup Assistant
The Hair and/or Makeup Assistant is backstage during the performance and helps the cast to prepare their hair and makeup.
Marketing & Publicity
Photographer
Photography is needed to provide marketing shots as well as to keep a record of our show for future reference. Headshot photos are also taken of all the cast and crew for incorporation in the program and for display at the front of house.
Videographer
The Videographer is a role that is occasionally needed when we have the rights to make an archive video and/or when video effects are used in the show.
Poster Designer
The poster design is done early in the season and is a critical part of the marketing plan for each show, since this image is used to promote the show. The posters are created with the input of the Director to ensure that they match the artistic vision of the show.
Program Designer
The program design is done for each show to present literature that gives a brief introduction to the show, the cast, and FRC itself. It is also a medium for advertising and promotion of upcoming events.
Marketing
Marketing and publicity volunteers are needed for each show to help identify opportunities to promote the show. They also ensure that the audience for each show knows when and where they are happening and how to buy tickets.
Front of House & Ushers
Front of House Manager
The Front of House Manager supervises all activities at the front of the house, coordinating audience traffic before the show and during intermission. They also direct the ushers to ensure that the audience is in their seats on time before the start of each performance.
Box Office Manager
The Box Office Manager is responsible for the courteous and efficient sale of tickets at the door (including the handout of pre-purchased tickets) and keeping accurate track of ticket sales using the provided computer system. They are also responsible for the security of the cash on hand throughout the performance.
Opening Night Volunteers
Opening Night Volunteers are needed to support the celebration that accompanies the opening of each new show. We’ve made it a tradition to do something special on our opening nights, be it a sandwich table or a full-blown gala, but to support that we need people who are willing to help out with setup during the show and clean up afterwards. It’s a fun experience—and of course, you’ll be invited to see the show on a different night as a reward.
Ushers
Ushers, ticket takers, and will call volunteers are required to help guide our audience into the theatre and to their seats.
Bartender
The Bartender is required to serve drinks & snacks to patrons before the show and at intermission. In Alberta, bartenders must have ProServe certification—please confirm that you have this if you are checking off this box!
Administration
Administration Volunteers
Administration volunteers are needed from time to time to help with specific office projects.
Casino Volunteers
Casino Volunteers are needed every 18 months to help run a casino for fundraising purposes, which provides a critical part of our revenue. Volunteers are needed as Chip Runners, Cashiers, Count Room, and for other duties.
Board Members
The FRC Board of Directors is made up of 9-13 people who meet monthly to discuss the policies and overall direction of the company.
There are 4 elected roles: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. There is also a slate of Directors including the Artistic Director, Marketing Director, Volunteer Director, Inventory Director and Events & Fundraising Director positions. In addition to these 9, the executive committee appoints 3-4 members as Members at Large to be the eyes and ears on the board and take on projects related to the company on an as-needed basis.
There are 4 elected roles: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. There is also a slate of Directors including the Artistic Director, Marketing Director, Volunteer Director, Inventory Director and Events & Fundraising Director positions. In addition to these 9, the executive committee appoints 3-4 members as Members at Large to be the eyes and ears on the board and take on projects related to the company on an as-needed basis.
Elections to the Board of Directors are held at the AGM in approximately September of each year. The AGM is announced via e-mail to all registered members.
Volunteer Committee
The Volunteer Committee interviews newly interested volunteers to determine their best fit in the organization, recruits volunteers at the request of board directors and producers, seeks out new volunteers and new methods of finding volunteers to fill frequently required roles, and researches new ideas for volunteer rewards.
Fundraising Committee
The Fundraising & Sponsorship Committee participates in seeking out new fundraising and sponsorship opportunities, and coordinating fundraising activities.
Events Committee
The Events Committee participates in planning and coordinating opening night galas for each show, and planning and coordinating an annual gala to announce the upcoming season. These duties may include fundraising activities when possible.
Inventory Committee
The Inventory Committee participates in organizing assets, maintaining a database of significant assets, supervising the return of assets after a show, and determining and discarding under-utilized or unnecessary assets.
General Volunteers
General Volunteers are needed from time to time to fill volunteer positions that don’t fit in any other place. As an example, we will use this category for one-time events that require volunteers such as warehouse purges or marketing events.
Sign Up
As an organization run entirely by volunteers, Front Row Centre is always looking for people with a genuine passion for theatre to help us with our work. Fill out the form below and apply to become part of our thriving artistic community.