Want to get involved in the exciting world of the theatre?
As a community theatre, the Playhouse is greatly in need of volunteer support. It takes dozens of volunteers to mount each production, from technicians to stage managers to seamstresses to ushers to box office staff, and on and on. We have fantastic opportunities in a variety of areas for all levels of skill and experience.
Why not take part and join the fun?
Peruse the types of volunteer opportunities below and simply fill out an "application" to let us know your areas of interest and to be included in our database and receive notifications.
Please note that volunteer opportunities are for age 12 and up, with some positions requiring adult volunteers.
I would like to volunteer
General Interests
Daytime Box Office
Duties: taking and processing ticket orders in person, on telephone, and online sales.
Requires good customer service and phone skills, attention to detail, being comfortable with computers and and data, as well as handling credit card and cash transactions, and an ability to troubleshoot.
Performance Box Office
Duties: distributing Will Call tickets and selling tickets at performances.
Requires good customer service and phone skills, attention to detail, and being comfortable with using computers and handling credit card and cash transactions, and an ability to troubleshoot.
House Management
Duties: Welcomes patrons, takes tickets, and manages admittance into theatre. Responsible for safety of audience. Oversees ushers and readies public spaces for patrons.
Requires good customer relations, pleasant demeanor, attention to detail, ability to troubleshoot and handle stressful situations.
Usher
Duties: Distribution of playbills and directing audience to seats at performances. Responsible for safety and comfort of patrons.
Requires: polite and helpful demeanor, ability to stand for long periods, and attentiveness.
Scenery Construction
Duties: Participate in building and construction of sets and props used in current show.
Requires comfort with and a willingness to learn to use power tools (previous experience helpful, but not required), attention to detail, flexibility in assigned tasks, and comfort with working in noisy environments.
Scenery Painting
Duties: Assist in painting scenery and props for productions.
Requires comfort with and a willingness to learn basic scenic painting techniques (previous experience experience with scenic and household painting helpful, but not required), attention to detail, flexibility in assigned tasks, willingness to perform messy tasks.
Costume Construction
Duties: Participate in construction, sewing, and alteration of costumes for productions.
Requires basic sewing skills (machine and hand), comfort with and/or a willingness to learn to use a sewing machine (previous experience helpful, but not required), attention to detail, and flexibility in assigned tasks. Ability to sew from a pattern is a plus.
Props Master
Duties: Aquire, modify, and/or create/fabricate hand props (whether from stock or resourced) and assist with set dressing/decorations for productions.
Requires a DIY-spirit, research skills, and decision making abilities as well as being flexible and an adaptable and motivated self-starter. Basic artistic and design skills are a plus. Work is not done on a specific schedule but is deadline oriented and requires commitment to tasks throughout production process.
Lighting Technician
Duties: Participate in set up and maintenance of lighting for productions.
Requires basic understanding of stage lighting fixtures and/or a willingness to learn (previous experience helpful, but not required), flexibility in tasks, and comfort on ladders or working in high spaces. Comfort with/knowledge of electrical safety a plus.
Stage Management
Duties: Assists director and production team by managing all aspects required to run auditions, rehearsals and performances. Serve as central point of scheduling and communication for the production.
Requires organization, attention to detail, basic computer and administrative skills, an ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve, decisiveness, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and an ability to multitask. Leadership and self-motivation a plus.
Involves a large time commitment throughout the entire production process from auditions through performances. Previous theatre experience/participation a plus.
Stage Crew
Participate in running the show performing backstage tasks, such has moving scenery, for technical rehearsals and performances during the run of a production.
Requires good mobility, ability to see in a dimly lit environment, attentiveness, and attention to detail.
Wardrobe Crew
Assist actors with wardrobe needs and quick changes backstage for technical rehearsals and performances during the run of a production as well as repairs and light maintenance of costumes.
Requires good mobility, ability to see in dimly lit environments, and attention to detail. Ability to hand sew is a plus.
Lighting Operator
Operation of pre-programmed stage lighting for technical rehearsals and performances during the run of a production.
Requires basic computer skills, attentiveness, and an ability to follow instructions. Previous experience is not necessary.
Sound Operator
Operate sound console and run sound effects for technical rehearsals and performances during the run of a production.
Requires basic computer skills, attention to detail, the ability to follow instruction, and good hearing. Experience not required.
Spot Light Operator
Operation stage spotlights for technical rehearsals and performances during the run of a production.
Requires good mobility, focus, quick-thinking, adaptability, attentiveness, comfort climbing ladders, and with being in confined spaces. No experience required.
Make-Up Crew
Assist actors with applying specialty make-up for technical rehearsals and performances during the run of a production.
Requires attention to detail, dexterity, and an ability to stand for long periods. Artistic ability or previous experience is a plus, but not required.
Wigs and Hair Crew
Assists actors with applying and maintaining wigs and hairstyles for performances during the run of productions.
Requires patience, attention to detail, dexterity, adaptability, and ability to stand for long periods. Experience with hair is a plus, but not required.
Administrative
Duties: Assist Arts Administrator and Executive Artistic Director with general administrative tasks such as preparing mailing, filing, and office organization.
Requires phone skills, attention to detail. Comfort with computers is a plus. Sometimes requires sitting for long periods.
Front of House Supervisor
Duties: Oversee smooth operations and Front of House volunteers during performances.
Requires customer service skills, trouble-shooting skills and an ability to handle conflict resolution in a calm and polite manner; quick and independent thinking during emergency situations. Must be able to step into any Front of House role (Box Office / House Management/ Usher) at a moment's notice.
Front of House: Box Office - VBO Ticket Sales
Front of House Box Office Agent
Are you a detail-oriented, tech-savvy individual who loves interacting with theatre patrons? Oak Ridge Playhouse is looking for dedicated volunteers to welcome our guests and manage ticketing right before the curtain rises! As a Box Office Agent, you are the face of the theatre, setting a warm and professional tone for the entire audience experience.
This vital role keeps our front of house running smoothly by handling day-of ticket sales, printing tickets, and greeting our community as they arrive. If you love a fast-paced environment and want to help us deliver a seamless show night, we would love to have you on the team.
How to Get Qualified!
If you would like to be qualified to volunteer for this position, please contact us at info@orplayhouse.com with the Subject Line: Volunteer Qualifications.
Note: VBO ticketing system training is required and must be completed prior to signing up for a volunteer shift. If you need training, or if you forgot/do not have a VBO password, please reach out to us at the email above so we can get you squared away before you sign up!
Key Shift Expectations at a Glance
(Before diving into the full details below, please note these essential requirements for every shift):
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Arrival: Plan to arrive 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to showtime so your station is fully ready when doors open.
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Attire: Solid BLACK attire is preferred to keep our team looking cohesive and professional.
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System Access: You must be trained in the VBO ticket sales system and have your password ready before your shift begins.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COME FROM AWAY | 2 | 7/16/2026 | 7/26/2026 | |
Front of House: Box Office - Will Call
Will-Call Specialist (Introductory Role)
Looking for a fun, low-stress way to get involved behind the scenes? The Will-Call Specialist is the perfect introductory role for new volunteers! In this position, you get to be the welcoming face that greets our audience members as they arrive, helping them get their pre-purchased tickets so they can head straight into the theatre.
You don’t need any technical training or system qualifications for this role. You will work side-by-side with our Box Office VBO Ticket Sales volunteer, handling the physical hand-off of pre-printed tickets. If you love smiling, greeting people, and want to experience the buzz of a show night without the pressure of managing software, this is the perfect spot for you!
Key Shift Expectations at a Glance
(Before signing up, please note these essential requirements for every shift):
-
Arrival: Plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to showtime so your station is fully ready when doors open.
-
Attire: Solid BLACK attire is preferred to keep our team looking cohesive and professional.
-
No Training Needed: Just bring your energy and a smile—we will show you everything you need to know when you arrive!
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COME FROM AWAY | 0 | 7/16/2026 | 7/26/2026 | |
Front of House: House Manager
House Manager
Are you a proactive leader who loves ensuring things run beautifully behind the scenes? Oak Ridge Playhouse is looking for organized, dependable volunteers to step into the role of House Manager. As a vital part of our front of house team, you will oversee the comfort, safety, and smooth entry of our audience from the moment they step into the lobby until the curtain opens!
In this role, you will help prepare the front of house environment and lead the ticket-scanning process to get patrons into their seats efficiently. If you enjoy a hands-on role, paying attention to the little details, and making sure our guests have a flawless night at the theatre, this leadership volunteer position is for you.
How to Get Qualified!
If you would like to be qualified to volunteer for this position, please contact us at info@orplayhouse.com with the Subject Line: Volunteer Qualifications.
Key Shift Expectations at a Glance
(Before signing up, please note these essential requirements for every shift):
-
Arrival: Plan to arrive exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to curtain to receive instructions and prepare the house before doors open.
-
Attire: Solid BLACK attire is preferred to maintain a professional, cohesive team look.
-
Tech Component: You will be responsible for using digital ticket scanners, which will be provided and explained at check-in.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COME FROM AWAY | 2 | 7/16/2026 | 7/26/2026 | |
Front of House: House Supervisor
House Supervisor
Are you a calm, organized person who thrives in a dynamic environment? Oak Ridge Playhouse is seeking dependable volunteers to step into the role of House Supervisor. As the head position for the front of house, you will help coordinate our volunteer team—including Box Office Agents, Will-Call Specialists, House Managers, and Ushers—to ensure a smooth, welcoming, and safe experience for our patrons.
This role is ideal for someone who is polite under pressure, collected during the pre-show rush, and comfortable handling occasional customer service conflicts or managing emergency situations. If you have great communication skills and want a rewarding role that keeps our lobby operations running seamlessly, we would love to have you fill this position.
How to Get Qualified!
If you would like to be qualified to volunteer for this position, please contact us at info@orplayhouse.com with the Subject Line: Volunteer Qualifications.
Note: VBO ticketing system training is required and must be completed prior to signing up for a volunteer shift. If you need training, or if you forgot/do not have a VBO password, please reach out to us at the email above so we can get you squared away before you sign up!
Key Shift Expectations at a Glance
(Before signing up, please note these essential requirements for every shift):
-
Arrival: Plan to arrive approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes prior to curtain to handle essential venue setup and coordinate with the backstage crew.
-
Attire: Solid BLACK attire is preferred to maintain a professional, cohesive team appearance.
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Qualities: Strong hospitality skills, quick problem-solving, and a calm, collected demeanor in a busy environment.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COME FROM AWAY | 4 | 7/16/2026 | 7/26/2026 | |
Front of House: Usher
Usher (Introductory Role)
Looking for an easy, rewarding way to support the arts and see great theatre? Becoming an Usher is the perfect introductory role for new volunteers! In this position, your main goal is to welcome our guests into the auditorium, hand them a program, and help them find their seats.
You do not need any prior experience or technical qualifications for this role. It is a fantastic spot for anyone who loves interacting with people and wants to help create a friendly, hospitable atmosphere for our community. Best of all, once the show begins and your initial duties are wrapped up, you get to sit back and enjoy the performance!
Key Shift Expectations at a Glance
(Before signing up, please note these essential requirements for every shift):
-
Arrival: Plan to arrive 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to showtime to check in and prepare before lobby doors open.
-
Attire: Solid BLACK attire is required to keep our team looking cohesive and professional.
-
No Training Needed: Just bring your friendly energy—we will show you everything you need to know when you arrive!
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COME FROM AWAY | 3 | 7/16/2026 | 7/26/2026 | |
