VOLUNTEER
The Headgate Theatre is a vibrant organisation with a range of different activities taking place almost every day! There are a range of volunteer roles, and we do our best to make sure that we fit you to the role that interests you most. To read more about those roles, please scroll to the bottom of the page.
VOLUNTEER ROLES
Our theatre is managed by Paul Button, the Headgate Manager. One of the things he is responsible for is the efficient operation of the box office. Additional volunteer support on the Box Office to provide holiday relief, hospitality support to daytime hirers holding events, or to provide a reception function out of daytime opening hours is key to ensuring that our patrons and hirers get the best possible service.
Front of House ushers should usually be able to work with minimal supervision, and be reasonably mobile as the duties within the theatre environment require the use of stairs.
The role involves meeting and greeting patrons, collecting tickets and selling programmes, helping people to their seats, contributing to the safe evacuation of premises if required and making sure that the auditorium is tidy and ready for the next performance. They may also be asked to sell a limited range of refreshments during the interval.
Members of the front of house team are usually in attendance throughout the performance. Front of House ushers should usually be able to give a minimum of one session per month.
We also ask our ushers to assist in supporting our bar activity. This involves serving drinks from the licensed bar before the performance, during the interval, and, on occasion, for a limited period after the performance. Separate training will be provided.
On occasion we may also ask if any Front of House volunteers are able to support our youth workshop activity during school holidays.
Headgate Theatre Productions plan a number of plays per year, in addition to the annual pantomime. Our volunteers may also assist other regular hiring groups.
Where possible the allocation of crew to a production is agreed several months in advance and adjusted if needed. Backstage work involves technicians in lighting, sound, props, costume, set design and building, scenic painting and stage management.
The technical crew is allocated to a production and will get involved in a limited way during the rehearsal process (although this does vary from role to role) but will usually be expected to be involved for the whole of the production week. Set builders may be required the week before the production but are always needed on the Sunday prior to the production opening, and Monday if available. The Headgate has a team of experienced volunteers in this area, but we are keen to expand the opportunities for others to bring in their skills or to learn.
Technical assistants working with lighting need to be aware that this may include working at height and working with electricity in order to prepare the theatre for a performance.
Volunteers for these roles will need to be over 16, physically fit, and prepared to work with specialist theatre lighting and sound equipment. No previous knowledge is necessarily required. For those applying for technical courses at drama college, evidence of involvement in productions outside of the college or school environment is a useful addition to the CV.
This involves serving drinks from the licensed bar before the performance, during the interval, and, on occasion, for a limited period after the performance.
The Headgate is always interested to hear from those who have a background in publicity and marketing. If you are able to assist by displaying a poster, or distributing leaflets and brochures, then again please contact us at volunteers@headgatetheatre.co.uk
Regrettably, we are not usually able to offer work experience to anyone under the age of 18. Any work experience enquiries should be sent to info@headgatetheatre.co.uk
