Volunteers - Shaw Festival Theatre

Some 400 individuals, who share a common interest in theatre and a desire to contribute to the Shaw Festival and the community, are engaged in volunteer activities. Their varied interests and skills provide the expertise and enthusiasm required for almost any project.

Generally, the Shaw Guild’s efforts fall into two categories:

1. Providing hands-on support, primarily in and around the theatres. This includes advance greeting and hosting at theatre performances, helping to maintain the Festival Theatre gardens, and assisting with Festival outreach programs, such as backstage tours.
2. Engaging in fundraising events and activities, including a variety of fundraising events organized by the Shaw Guild to support the Shaw Festival.

The Shaw Festival appreciates and recognizes Guild members for their support. They are invited to attend special backstage activities and social gatherings and are offered several educational events that explain the inner workings of the Shaw Festival. Members are invited to visit the Scene Shop, to view designs of sets and costumes, and to observe a set changeover between matinee and evening performances. Members may also attend a dress rehearsal performance as guests of the Shaw Festival. Those who greet or host often have the opportunity to stay and see the performance for a modest contribution to The Guild’s fundraising efforts.

To further acknowledge volunteer contributions, Shaw Guild committees also arrange a number of social events for their membership, such as the President’s Luncheon and a late summer celebration.