Parent Volunteers

River City Theatre Company is an organization of volunteers dedicated to bringing a wonderful theater experience to your children. Both you and your child have roles that begin at orientation and run through the end of the production. Each show takes an enormous effort to produce and would not be possible without the time and energy of the parent volunteers. It is expected that each team member will commit to at least 35 or more hours to the production.

In order to have a better understanding of your commitment, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section below.

Parents will fulfill their commitment under the guidance of a Team Leader. One parent from each family is required to sign up for a Team, but we encourage both parents to take an active role. Each parent who signs up is expected to fulfill the commitment to that Team and then be available to help out in areas where we are understaffed.

Please read the examples below and consider where you would like to participate.

On the registration form list your 1st and 2nd choice of the Team you would like to volunteer for.

Thank you,

The Board of Directors, River City Theatre Company.

VOLUNTEER
DESCRIPTIONS

  • Want to help your children sparkle in the spotlight like the stars that they are? Then join the lighting team! We need a crew of parents to light up the stage. This will involve hanging, wiring, and focusing 150 lighting fixtures as well as operating the light board and spotlights during the shows. If you are fond of crescent wrenches, zip ties, wire cutters and scaffolding, then this is the team for you. No experience necessary, we will train you.

    Light and Set Load-In: We will need at least 6-8 people. The tasks include: installation of lights, cables and scaffolding work, rewiring and focusing of roughly 150 lighting fixtures, lens cleaning, gel cutting, pushing scaffold, dimmer hookup, backdrop installation.

    Blackout/Focusing: We will need at least 4 volunteers to complete focusing and be ready for cue to cue.

    Spotlights: We need 6-7 volunteers to run the spot lights during tech rehearsals and performances as well as assist with scheduling volunteers.

    Light Board Operators: Assist with light board operations, programming the board during cue to cue and run the board during rehearsals and shows.

  • Love a good adrenaline rush? Think dressing in all black and wearing a headset is cool? Then join our team of parent stagehands. We need 20 people to work backstage moving sets, changing backdrops, and running travelers. Using run sheets as a guide, we change sets for every scene, keep the crowded backstage areas organized for quick transitions and safety of cast members, and have tons of fun. Previous backstage experience is not necessary; all you need is black clothing, a small flashlight, and the ability to quickly find little strips of glowing spike tape in a total blackout. The heavy stuff is on wheels, but some lifting may be required. Approximate work shifts for the set moving crew. Cue to Cue. Tech Week Rehearsals. Performances. Field Trip Rehearsals and Shows. Strike and Load Out.

  • We are looking for eight to 10 people who will help back-stage during the show and the field trip performances with Props. Major duties include: pre-setting all props and needed equipment before each show; working most (not all) but most shows – we do want you to be able to watch as well; assisting other staff with sets or quick changes when needed; fixing any props that break.

    You are not required to be there every show, rehearsal, or field trip. Once we get casts and rehearsal times set, we work out a schedule, but you must work at least two rehearsals – one of them being a dress rehearsal. Be willing to work stage right or left and help make sure all the children get their assigned props as needed. Black clothing and a flash light is required. We want to build a great team to work the shows to ensure a smooth performance! Have fun, fun, fun!

  • We are looking for 9 or 10 people to work with microphones at all of the stage rehearsals and shows. This includes 3 or 4 people operating the sound board and following the script with microphone cues. We also need 5 or 6 Moms backstage to place microphones on the performers, monitor the batteries and properly clean and pack up the microphones after every use. Some experience is preferred for operating the sound board, however training can be provided if it’s something you would like to do for future shows as well.

  • If you enjoy working with children and love the excitement of backstage, then the Rehearsal/Backstage Team is for you! During scheduled rehearsals at the studio, you will be asked to fulfill one to two shifts as a Rehearsal Monitor. Once we begin scheduling rehearsals at the theatre, you will begin fulfilling shifts as Backstage Dressing Room Monitor. These shifts will start one to two weekends prior to opening night and will continue throughout the run of the show. As with all RCTC groups, this team must be cohesive and we anticipate that you will fulfill approximately 30 to 35 hours. With that being said, if our team members reach 30 to 35 hours and there is still work to be done, the team is expected to work together to fulfill these shifts. We do our best to divide work equally, but have to insure that all shifts have coverage. Our children have worked hard to put on a fabulous show and they deserve our help to make sure that they are dressed an on stage in a timely manner. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a wonderful group of children and parent volunteers! Please see below for job descriptions.

    Rehearsal Monitor Duties: Attend a rehearsal to monitor cast member behavior, keep noise levels down, help in the kitchen during scheduled cast member break, facilitate clean up after rehearsal, and insure that everyone is picked up safely after rehearsal ends. A Parents – Studio shift will be approximately 2:00 to 5:00. B Parents – Studio shift be approximately 2:00 to 6:00pm. C Parents - Studio shift will be approximately 4:30pm to 8:00pm (at the close of rehearsal). Rehearsal Monitors will work as part of a two-person team (2 from each cast).

    Backstage Dressing Room Monitor: Assist Backstage Coordinator with cast member preparations, behavior, noise control, and assisting cast members with costume maintenance and quick changes during performances to ensure proper cues. You must volunteer for a tech or dress rehearsals in order to volunteer during performances. There is a learning curve and it takes time to become acquainted with and proficient in backstage performance needs and flow.

  • Main duties include: taking tickets, distributing show programs, facilitating audience members entrance and exit into the theater including intermission (watch for and help FDA needs audience members), and monitoring audience during performance. This includes: watching for use of electronic devices, i.e., cameras, cell phones, video equipment, etc. (There is no video or flash photography or texting, etc., allowed), watching exit locations and see that main doors are not used during the show, monitoring balcony seating (see that kids are not disruptive or throwing things over the ledge, making out, etc.), being aware of emergency exits and be prepared for any emergency, fire alarm, etc. (know the medical staff on duty), dressing in black and be prepared with a flash light in the event you are needed backstage during the show.

    Time expectations for each show: 4 hours (arriving 1 hour before show start time). Six (6) people are needed each performance. There are 6 shows and 36 slots to fill. Field Trip Shows also require greeters and seating helpers. These two shows require 8 helpers in the day – 8:30-Noon.

  • Coordinate tables and set-up of lobby during tech week and at shows. Facilitate, design, make lobby displays to showcase cast photos in cases or easels. Facilitate, make and display signage for directions and rules around the theatre. Facilitate/and or design/buy souvenirs for the show, price, display. Coordinate flower purchase/and or arrangements and sales. Coordinate cast/artistic staff recognition flowers at the last show. Facilitate and generate sales for raffles or specials for shows. Handle cash.

    Time expectations for each show: 4 hours (arriving 1 hour before show for set-up) Staff of 2 volunteers at each show.

  • Buy all concession food and drink – allowance will be given to start-up. Coordinate and set-up concession area at each show. Work with team (3 each show) to set-up and sell during the shows. Team will handle cash transactions. Time expectations for each show: 3 hours (arriving 1 hour before show for set-up). Staff of 2 volunteers at each show. Some time is needed for purchasing food items.

  • Show Program Sales. Sell ads for the program – Full, half and quarter pages available. Pricing sheet available. Trade is possible with tangible goods. Deadlines to be set and met. Must sell quota of ads/$ to fulfill job requirements (to be decided on each show). Solicit for show sponsorships/grants/donations/raffle prizes. Arrange trade advertising with other local groups.

  • Create press release information and send to local media to include TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, school publications, senior facilities, businesses, etc. Arrange for appearances for cast members and artistic staff (TV and radio shows). Arrange photography of cast member for show promotions (to work with BOD and artistic staff on details). Create fliers and specials for ticketing and individual cast member promotions. Target senior groups, school groups/students, music classes. Distribute fliers and posters to cast members, local businesses, etc. Post show information to key calendars, e.g, Parenting, Sacbee, KCRA, etc. Coordinate Field Trip Show flier distribution.

  • We are looking for six to eight people who will help with Set Dressing and Making Props. Set Dressing will be completed at the warehouse and on stage at the theatre. Props will be completed at the warehouse, at the theatre, and at home. Duties will include but not be limited to: Painting, decorating, designing, hot gluing, bedazzling, sewing, building, and having lots of fun! You will also help the construction team load in to the theatre. It’s wonderful to watch the whole process come together.

    Dates: Will be Sundays, and some Saturdays, leading up to the start of the show. You are not required to be there every work day, once we get exact dates, we can work out a schedule. We work the weekends until everything is completed. If we get everything completed sooner than the start of tech week (which would be ideal) then we are done!

  • We are looking for 6 people to come work on Sundays between 9 AM and 1 PM, starting the first Sunday after orientation. You will help with planning and building sets for the show. You will also be responsible for transporting the sets to the theater and returning them after the closing show. Some construction experience is helpful, however not necessary. We also need flat bed trailers to transport the sets.

  • We are looking for a team of at least 10 people (maybe more) to costume our amazing cast. We match your skill level to the multiple jobs we have in costuming and you may work under one of four team leads. Overall skills include sewing, gluing, online shopping, thrift modifications, documenting, (excel, word), emailing and organizing. Our motto is “we work until we get it done.” Jobs include: Measure cast members for costumes and document measurements. Shop and or order costumes online/local retail. Email parents as needed. Conduct demonstrations/meetings/Create costume examples to teach other parents. Sew/create multiple or single costumes (various levels needed, beginner, medium, advanced). Glue/Craft projects (hats, shoes, other). Organize dressing rooms & work with lead parents on costume changes for show run. Fit and label costumes for cast members. Alter costumes as needed. Wash and organize costumes either at the warehouse or at theater. Check out cast members on costumes. Load in and Load out of theater costumes.

FAQs

Is there a specific amount of hours I have to complete?

Every show takes an enormous effort to produce and would not be possible without the time and energy of the parent volunteers. When you sign up for a team you are committing yourself and your time to that team, from the night of Orientation, until the end of the production. (In the event of a “split show”, this means the end of both productions, even if your cast member is in only one production.) Within the “Introduction” to Cast Member Registration, it reads: It is expected that each team member will commit to at least 35 or more hours to the production. This means that 35 hours, per volunteer, per team, is the minimum commitment. However, a specific time commitment is very difficult to predict ahead of time since there are so many unpredictable factors (i.e., number of cast members, number of volunteers, etc.) The bottom line is that each team must complete its tasks all the way to the end of the production. Rather than focusing on a specific number of hours, it is preferable that teams focus on working together as fairly as possible to complete the job at hand.

Are both parents required to sign up for a team?

No. Only one parent from each family is required to sign up for a team. However, we encourage both parents to sign up whenever possible. Please keep in mind that if both parents sign up for a team, then both parents have agreed to fully commit to BOTH teams. For example, if one parent signs up for “Set Moving” and the other parent signs up for “Lighting”, each parent must fulfill his/her team obligations, completely separate of each other.

I signed up for “Set Design” and my spouse signed up for “Backstage.” I’ve already worked 35 hours doing “Set Design” before we moved to the theatre, so does my spouse still have to work “Backstage?”

Yes. When you both volunteered for a team, you BOTH committed your time to those teams. Your Team Leader therefore planned for your help, regardless of whether your spouse has already worked another team or not. We definitely appreciate your time and help. Every show takes an enormous effort to produce and would not be possible without the time and energy of the parent volunteers. And keep in mind that volunteer time technically begins at Orientation and does not end until the end of the show.

How will I know that I have fulfilled my commitment?

Your Team Leader will provide you with a list of the necessary requirements in order to complete its job at Orientation. For example, the “Set Construction” Team may have a requirement of a certain amount of days that you must work in order to fulfill your commitment. Your Team Leader will keep you informed if he/she feels you need to commit to additional time for the production. You are responsible for staying in constant contact with your Team Leader as well, if you are concerned about your commitment.

Can my spouse and I work on the same team?

Yes. However, you are volunteering as two separate volunteers, each with his/her own commitment to the team.

I understand that when I volunteer the minimum hour commitment is 35 hours. My spouse would also like to sign up for a team, so does this mean our minimum is now 70 hours?

Maybe. Every show takes an enormous effort to produce and would not be possible without the time and energy of the parent volunteers. It is not our intention to scare volunteers off with a specific number of hours, but the reality is that many hours and a lot of manpower is required for every show. We have used the “minimum of 35 hours” as a guideline, but the goal is that rather than focusing on a specific number of hours, volunteers focus on working together to complete the job at hand.

Can I volunteer for more than one team?

Yes – but only for certain teams. Check with the Team Leader of the Team you signed up with before volunteer for another team.

Will I stay on the team I signed up for at the time of Registration?

In general, yes. However, if some teams are short-staffed, we may need to pull from other teams that have more than enough team members. In addition, during tech week and performances, it is likely that team members from Teams like “Front of House” will be put to work backstage once Intermission is over.

What is the purpose of choosing a second team at Registration?

If the team you have chosen as your first choice is full, you may be placed on your second choice team.

If my child ends up in the “Closing Cast”, is it ok to work only the “Closing Cast” shifts?

Maybe. Team Leaders will make every effort to schedule volunteers fairly. However, volunteers need to be flexible as well. Since there is no way to predict which cast members will be in which cast, a Team could theoretically end up with all “Closing Cast” parents. Every shift needs to be filled. We realize that every volunteer has other obligations outside of this production, however, we are asking for as much flexibility as possible. The same scenario could occur in the case of a “split show”. You may have cast members in only one production, but we may need your assistance in both productions. Remember, we cannot do this without you.

What happens if I don’t fulfill my obligation to my Team?

Your Team Leader will keep you informed verbally, and in writing if necessary, if it appears that you are not fulfilling your obligations. In some cases, it could result in your child not being able to register for future productions.

(In a split show scenario) My cast member is in the production for older kids. I don’t have any cast members in younger kids’ productions. Do I need to join a team for both productions, or only one?

The short answer is both. Team Leaders will make every effort to schedule volunteers fairly. RCTC does not produce “split shows” very often, but when we do so, it’s for the benefit of our cast members to have additional opportunities. However, it requires additional time and dedication from the entire RCTC village, not just artistic staff and Board Members. Every team is needed for both productions. Theoretically, we should have enough volunteers for both shows from both sets of cast members. But if that is not the case, for whatever reason, all volunteers must be willing to assist in both shows, regardless of whether they have a cast member in the show. For example, if your cast member is in the show with the older kids, your primary hours can be spent in this show. But you may be asked to assist with the younger kids’ show as well.