The Stadium Theatre was built in 1926, and is one of the few remaining examples of majestic Vaudeville splendor. It is one of the largest performing arts venues in Rhode Island. In its early years the Stadium hosted three shows a day, seven days a week, featuring a twelve-piece orchestra, the Wurlitzer organ, a vaudeville act plus a newsreel and a feature film.
The escalating cost of quality live entertainment and the advent of movie multiplexes led to the theatre’s decline. In 1985 the Stadium Theatre was forced to close its doors. By the 1990’s the Stadium was slated to face the wrecking ball.
In 1991, even as the theatre was a boarded up relic facing impending doom, a small group of citizens could still envision the Stadium’s beauty through the years of decay and graffiti. They created a non-profit organization called, the Stadium Theatre Foundation. Without a single paid staff person, numerous volunteers worked countless hours cleaning, fundraising and operating the theatre to host concerts and performances during this restoration period. Paint peeled and plaster fell to the beat of many a rock concert!
The Theatre’s lobby and grand hall was fully refurbished in 2001. Since that time the Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre has had extra ordinary growth in infrastructure as well as programming. The Theatre presents over 180 events a year including producing ten full scale musicals in house. The talented casts in these musicals have full time jobs not related to the performing arts and commit to twelve weeks of rehearsals three times a week, many of them from outside the area.
In 2014 the organization purchased and restored the adjacent 30,000 square foot Stadium Building to accommodate the rapid growth of the Theatre’s entertainment and educational programming. This newly acquired Stadium Building space has been named ‘The Stadium Conservatory’.
This acquisition provides the organization an additional five floors of much needed space. First floor is dedicated to set and prop building; second floor has 6,000 square feet of bright, windowed rehearsal and education spaces. The third floor is filled with an organized and barcoded costume shop and sewing space while the fourth floor has been converted to Executive offices and includes a professional photo studio. The lower level features a modern green room located under the stage and an underground corridor that connects to the new dressing rooms in the lower level of the Conservatory. This space also includes restrooms, showers, full kitchen and laundry facilities. It can house 80 artists comfortably. The lower level is also where props and set pieces are stored.
The Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre & Conservatory continues to be a community hub, while offering programming of the highest caliber, variety and affordability and ensuring that all have an opportunity to experience the power of the performing arts.
We hope you will consider joining our team of volunteers. We look forward to working with you!
If you are interested in participating in a Stadium Theatre production, we encourage you to audition. Please visit our website for further information: https://www.stadiumtheatre.com/auditions
If you are interested in acting and are looking to improve your skills, you might be interested in the classes offered in our Conservatory. Please visit our website to view our education courses: https://www.stadiumtheatre.com/education
Primary Responsibilities: Office volunteers perform multiple duties including answer the phone, process ticket orders (online, phone and walk-in), prepare bulk mailings and use the Microsoft Office suite.
Requirements: Must learn to operate the WinTix computer ticketing and process credit card payments. Excellent customer service and communication skills, strong attention to detail, the ability to handle cash and work independently.
Primary Responsibilities: Assist guests with ticket purchases and process cash, check and/or credit card payments. May be required to take orders over the phone. Have performance details available in order to assist guests with general questions. Responsible for reconciling cash drawer at the conclusion of the shift.
Requirements: Must learn to operate the Win Tix computer ticketing system and be capable of using a 2-way radio to communicate with the House Manager, Security and other volunteers. Excellent customer service and communication skills, strong attention to detail, the ability to handle cash and work independently.
Primary Responsibilities: Assist with traffic for arriving school buses, ensure the safety of the children as they disembark and direct bus drivers to appropriate parking location. Monitor and assist with same activities as the children exit the theatre and load buses for dismissal.
Requirements: Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, working independently and using a 2-way radio to communicate with the House Manager. Required to be outside during possible inclement weather. Candidates must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, work independently, often in crowded, confined spaces, and be able to handle emergency situations pertaining to patron safety.
Primary Responsibilities: Prep the concession area for the event including make popcorn, set up counter, and check stock. Greet guests and facilitate their order. May be required to use a cash register, process credit card payments and reconcile the cash drawer at the conclusion of the shift. Responsible for cleaning the concession area and all equipment as well as restocking items at the end of the shift.
Physical Requirements: Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, working independently and in a confined space, be able to lift 20 lbs. and use a 2-way radio to communicate with the House Manager, Security and other volunteers.
Requirements: Candidates must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, work independently, often in crowded, confined spaces, and be able to handle emergency. situations pertaining to patron safety
Primary Responsibilities: Assist the Costumer in creating costumes, clothing ensembles and accompanying accessories for Stadium theatrical performances.
Requirements: Must be able to follow directions and work independently. Sewing and crafting skills preferred.
Primary Responsibilities: Assist with sorting, ironing, steaming, washing, folding and cataloging costumes. May be asked to assist with costume pick and return during a theatrical performance.
Requirements: Computer skills helpful. Must be able to follow directions and must be able to work independently.
Primary Responsibilities: Welcome guests to the Stadium, check and scan their ticket, and direct them upstairs to the Marquee Room. If a guest needs handicap accessibility, please direct them to the front entrance of the Conservatory to access the elevator. Attendant position is stationed at the Marquee Room door in the Arcade and should dress appropriately in inclement weather.
Physical Requirements: Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, working independently and using a 2-way radio to communicate with the House Manager, Security and other volunteers.
Requirements: Candidates must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, work independently, often in crowded, confined spaces, and be able to handle emergency situations pertaining to patron safety.
Primary Responsibilities: Welcome guests to the Stadium and be ready to assist them with locating restroom, concession, pub, and exits as well as answer any general questions. Assist in ensuring that guests are not bringing in prohibited items. Check tickets for show, date and time then scan to confirm ticket is accepted. If a ticket doesn’t scan properly, please refer guest to the House Manager. Non ticketed events require keeping attendance with the use of the clicker. If a guest must exit the theatre, you will need to stamp their hand for re-entry.
Physical Requirements: Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, working independently and using a 2-way radio to communicate with the House Manager, Security and other volunteers.
Requirements: Candidates must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, work independently, often in crowded, confined spaces, and be able to handle emergency situations pertaining to patron safety.
Primary Responsibilities: Welcome guests to the Marquee Room and be ready to assist them with locating coat room, restroom, pub, and exits as well as answer any general questions. Assist and direct guests arriving via the elevator. Check tickets and Meet and Greet passes when applicable and assist ushers as needed.
Physical Requirements: Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, working independently, and be able to lift 20 lbs; confined spaces, and be able to handle emergency situations pertaining to patron safety.
Primary Responsibilities: The House Manager is responsible for all operations and the safety and security of the theatre and its occupants during events. Duties include unlocking the theatre, preparing the entrance with proper signage and lighting. Distribute start-up money to appropriate stations. Communicate with Tech Director to gather important show information and share any pertinent details with volunteers during pre-show meeting. Meet with performers and inform them of safety procedures and emergency exits. Ensure all exits free from obstruction. Be visible and accessible in the lobby as guests are entering and periodically walk through Grand Hall, Dressing Room Halls and Marquee Room. Handle any problems that may arise with seating, ticketing, guests, etc.
Physical Requirements: Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, work independently, and be able to lift 20 lbs. Must be capable of walking up and down sloped aisles, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods of time. Must be capable of using a 2-way radio to communicate with Security, Box Office and other volunteers.
Requirements: Must be able to remain polite, calm and assertive when dealing with emotional and potentially unruly guests. Candidates must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, work independently, often in crowded, confined spaces, and be able to handle emergency situations pertaining to patron safety.
Primary Responsibilities: Responsible for the sale of Stadium Theatre Merchandise and/or Artist's Merchandise before, during and, on occasion, after the show.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to work independently and stand for long periods of time.
Requirements: Must have the ability to work with cash and/or a credit card machine. Candidates must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, work independently, often in crowded, confined spaces, and be able to handle emergency situations pertaining to patron safety.
Primary Responsibilities: Prep the pub area for the event including set up kegs and serving stations, prepare drink garnishes, and check stock. Responsible for cleaning pub area as well as restocking items at the end of the shift.
Physical & Other Requirements: Pub volunteers must successfully pass the TIPS Alcohol Training course in compliance with Rhode Island laws (offered to volunteers at no charge). Must be able to use a cash register, process credit card payments, and reconcile the cash drawer at the conclusion of the shift. Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, work independently and in a confined space, be able to lift 20 lbs. and use a 2-way radio to communicate with the House Manager, Security and other volunteers. Candidates must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, work independently, often in crowded, confined spaces, and be able to handle emergency situations pertaining to patron safety
Primary Responsibilities: Assists the Master Set Designer with building sets and props for Stadium theatrical performances.
Physical and Other Requirements: Must have prior experience working with woodworking, power tools and building with different materials. Must have the ability to lift a minimum of 20 lbs. All tools and materials are provided by the Stadium Theatre.
Candidate must be able to work independently and stand for extended periods.
Primary Responsibilities: Assist with painting the theatrical sets according to Set Designer’s vision.
Physical Requirements & other requirements: Must be able to work independently, bend, climb, potentially navigate stairs and have the ability to lift a minimum of 20 lbs. This volunteer position is for anyone with beginner to advanced painting skills. All supplies are provided by the Stadium Theatre. Candidate must be able to work independently and stand for extended periods.
If you are interested in Set Painting and are looking to improve your skills, please visit our website for further information on our Scenic Painting Course: https://www.stadiumtheatre.com/education
Primary Responsibilities: Assist with the load-in and load-out of Stadium events. Includes set up and break down of equipment, lighting, sound and other duties as needed.
Physical and Other Requirements: Must be physically capable of bending, climbing, lifting a minimum of 20 lbs., navigating stairs and standing for extended periods of time. Age restrictions apply. Candidate must be able to work independently as well.
Primary Responsibilities: Assist the Stage Manager with ensuring the safety of the backstage area before, during and after theatrical performances. Responsible for moving sets, props, flying curtains and backdrops, helping with special effects, haze or fog machines, running spot lights and much more. On occasion, may assist with flying the performers.
Physical and Other Requirements: Must be physically capable of bending, climbing and lifting a minimum of 20 lbs., moving heavy set pieces and standing for extended periods of time. Must be able to work in multiple light settings (bright, dark, strobe). Required to attend all rehearsals during Tech Week and all scheduled performances. Age restrictions do apply. Candidate must be able to work in confined spaces & independently.
The Theatrical Production Crew consists of the following positions: Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager, Production Assistant, Costumer, Musical Director, Lighting Designer, Sound Engineer, Set Painter and Make-Up Designer.
If you have experience in any of these areas and are interested in participating on the Production Crew, please email the Theatrical Producer at Jennwebb@stadiumtheatre.com.
Requirements: Must have prior experience.
Primary Responsibilities: Welcome guests to the Marquee Room and direct them to their tables, coat rack, restroom, and pub. During a dinner show, after guests are finished eating, ushers and greeters will clear off tables, assist guests if needed, and empty the trash. Assist with removing table linens and clean up after the event is over. Non dinner shows only: ushers will prepare and place bowls of complimentary popcorn at each table and refill at intermission.
Primary Responsibilities: Distribute pre-paid tickets to guests and verify that their ID matches the name on the order.
Physical Requirements: Must be physically capable to enter the Will Call booth, able to work independently and be comfortable being in a confined space. Must be able to use a 2-way radio to communicate with the House Manager, Security and other volunteers.
Requirements: Candidates must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, work independently, often in crowded, confined spaces, and be able to handle emergency situations pertaining to patron safety.
Primary Responsibilities: The Assistant House Manager is responsible for assisting the House Manager with operations and the safety and security of the theatre and its occupants during events. Duties include, meet with the House Manager on their needs for the evening. Unlock the Will Call Booth, hang the Will Call/Box Office Window signs. Set up policy sign as well as stanchions outside in front. Ensure all ushers have flashlights and that all volunteers are checked in. Attend the pre-show meeting. Periodically walk through the balcony and the Grand Hall. Do your best to handle situations that may arise with seating, ticketing, and guests. If the problem is too difficult to contact the House Manager. Remain visible in the lobby, Grand Hall and at times the arcade to volunteers and guests until the event is over.
Physical and Other Requirements: Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time, work independently, and be able to lift 20 lbs. Must be capable of walking up and down sloped aisles, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods of time. Must be capable of using a 2-way radio to communicate with volunteers. Must be able to remain polite, calm and assertive when dealing with emotional and potentially unruly guests.
Schedule: Arrive 1 hour and a half before show-time and until all guests and volunteers have left the building.
Attire: Neat and professional appearance. Men: dress slacks and shirt, suit jacket, closed-toe shoes. Women: dress pants/dress/skirt, blouse, closed-toe shoes. Prefer black and white or dark colors.
Name tag worn on the left side. Flashlight and 2-way radio with earpiece will be provided.
The Stadium Theatre Foundation's mission is to enrich the region with culture through programming that creates an inclusive environment for the community to participate in the arts as students, artists, volunteers, and guests.
