Volunteers

For decades, volunteers have been making a significant contribution to Bendigo’s live performance venues. Since the 1990’s, The Capital Theatre in its current form has been a valued part of the community and with the relatively recent addition of the amazing Ulumbarra Theatre in 2015, the need for capable volunteers remains strong.

Our team of volunteers consists of people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. On show night (or day), they take on front of house (FOH) roles, mainly as door ushers or the friendly faces assisting patrons in the foyer areas.

Broadly, a volunteer may be involved in some, or all, of the following duties:

• Opening of auditorium doors, followed by checking of tickets and directions to seats
• Monitoring the safe entry and departure of patrons from the auditorium space
• Acting as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the venue and communicating with FOH Staff either face-to-face or via radio
• Assisting with questions from patrons
• Collection of reusable cups and general tidying of auditorium post-performance

Our volunteers play an important role in the venue’s emergency procedures should the need arise. Being on your feet for the minimum of an hour at a time, the ability to go up and down stairs and some light lifting may be required.

You don’t need to have any previous ushering or theatre experience – we will provide training prior to starting your first shift. Plus, you can never beat on-the-job experience which is plentiful alongside our FOH Staff and established volunteers.

While aspects of the roles can be demanding on both mind and body, our volunteers are well supported by experienced operational staff, clear policies and procedures as well as a friendly environment. Shifts can vary in duration and are generally in the evening or across weekends.

Our volunteers are friendly, courteous, helpful, approachable, confident communicators and excellent ambassadors for the venues. You should have a can-do attitude, an interest in live performance or the arts, strong communication skills and a reasonable level of fitness.

Due to the relative complexities of these roles within BV&E, an application process is in place. This involves the submission of an application form (online only – link will be provided following your enquiry), followed by an interview and a referee check. Not all applicants are offered roles. Further information is provided in the Information Pack.

Operating during Pandemic

The live performance industry has been greatly impacted by restrictions introduced by Government directives since 2019 and we have needed to act swiftly when any new policies were introduced. We are happy to welcome new volunteer enquiries after such a long period of inactivity, however please be aware that plans may change should there be future restrictions that may limit our recruitment and training of volunteers.

Please feel free to submit an enquiry via the form below and we will be in touch. 

Prospective volunteers of the City of Greater Bendigo are required to have a satisfactory Working With Children Check prior to commencement.

Enquiry form