By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
“Stagestruck.” A centuries-old term. To be infatuated with the theatre, and passionate about being involved in show business in any way possible. The City of Burlington is only a century and a half old, but that doesn’t mean the term can’t apply here. There are plenty of stagestruck people within our population who daydream about the glittering, escapist world of the theatre as we shop for our groceries, fold our laundry, or wash our dishes. Theatre Burlington — located at 2311 New Street — is permitting (inclusive) entry to this world to young people and adults of all ages. On January 18, 2025, from 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., all attendees of our community theatre’s very first Volunteer Orientation Day will have the opportunity to be and embrace their inner, eager theatre kid.
“Theatre Burlington is open to anyone who may wish to volunteer, though we are primarily looking for adults,” says actor, producer, and head of the publicity department Kathy Hyde-Nagel. “We don’t normally accept children as volunteers, and prefer older teens (say 16 and above). The aim of the Orientation Day is to expose people to various aspects of the theatre. not only acting, and hopefully trigger an interest in working behind the scenes or on the administrative side.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to become closely acquainted with all the roles of putting on a stage production. If you sign up, you can expect to meet and learn from Theatre Burlington’s set designers, stage managers, and producers, a great chance for some good old-fashioned networking. Attendees can also expect to be instructed in the following skills:
- Constructing and arranging a working stage set and managing props.
- Operating the technology involved in the stage lights and sound.
- Collecting and arranging materials for quality costumes.
- Completing the theatre’s vital administrative tasks.
“Many of our volunteers also work with other area theatre companies,” Hyde-Nagel elaborates on the topic of the new skills picked up by all volunteers. “We like to provide them with the skills and knowledge that can be applied elsewhere, though we do hope they develop a loyalty to Theatre Burlington. Our volunteers tend to stay with us and work on various shows throughout the season and over the years.”
There are many benefits and advantages to volunteering for community theatre. It’s an impressive addition to any resume, indicating to all employers that you are reliable, open to learning new ideas and technology, adaptable at working closely with others, and energetically present in local arts and culture. Many who volunteer at community theatres move on to full-time theatre careers or into generally satisfactory job positions that require teamwork and flexibility. There is also, of course, the excitement of being part of the city theatre scene, which means that you’re in the know for every new production.
“Theatre Burlington will continue to provide high-quality entertainment in 2025, including our final two main stage shows Timepiece and Bluebirds, rounding out our all-Canadian season,” Hyde-Nagel emphasizes further. “We have proven year after year that community theatre can be of the highest calibre and also give residents a chance to experience the magic of theatre without having to travel to Toronto — or pay Toronto prices. We hope to grow our volunteer base and to introduce more patrons to our theatre company.”
To sign up for Volunteer Orientation Day and be part of this initiative, Theatre Burlington requests that you register in advance by emailing volunteer@theatreburlington.on.ca. Spots for the event are limited, so be sure to be diligent. Applicants are advised to register by January 15, 2025. This is your cue!
