Volunteer at the George Daily Auditorium!
Make a Daily Difference!
Create a positive community impact and meet your most interesting neighbors! Our volunteer team helps bring approachable, accessible, and energizing performing arts experiences to Mahaska County.
Volunteering at the Auditorium gives you a backstage pass — an inside view of what really happens behind-the-scenes of a touring show. There are many ways to get involved and opportunities for people of all ages, skill levels, and interests.
All of our volunteers get a complimentary ticket to see the performance they’ve made possible!
It’s easy to get started. Just fill out the form below to help us get to know you. It should take about 3 minutes to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
No worries! Many of our volunteer positions require very little training, and much of that training is learning a few new words and objects. Or you might be able to use a familiar skillset in a new way! For example, we are always looking for people with carpentry skills.
Your most essential skills and attributes are your eagerness to learn and your collaborative spirit. We understand that working in a theatre can be overwhelming at first, but questions are always welcome. Our Crew Chiefs are never very far away and will give you all the information you need for a task.
Backstage Volunteer Positions
Before every show, each light instrument must be hung in a specific location, focused in a particular direction, and plugged into a power source. The lighting crew assists with this process by moving lighting instruments and focusing them as directed by the Crew Chief. You will use hand tools, and heights are involved. Teamwork, initiative, and an ability to follow instructions are basic requirements.
Time requirements: The Crew Chief sets work calls in the week leading up to the performance and the day of the performance.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn the basics of sound engineering, starting with running cables and setting up sound monitors and microphones. You also can work with our Audio Engineer during soundcheck, or even observe during the performance, when he mixes the audio live!
Time requirements: Load-in before the performance, soundcheck, and load-out after the performance. Times vary.
For larger touring productions, we may need help hanging sets/drops or balancing the fly rail counterweight system by adding or removing weight. Volunteers need to be comfortable with heights, climbing ladders, and must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. You will receive ample hands-on training before being asked to use the fly rail.
Volunteers who enjoy building will enjoy the opportunity to assemble the touring set. At times, you may need to complete minor repairs or painting touchups. There are jobs for skilled carpenters, but set/carpentry is also a great place to learn some basic carpentry skills. We will provide training, but collaborative effort, initiative, and an ability to follow instructions are required.
Assist with a variety of areas during load-in and load-out. During the performance, stagehands stay backstage on a headset to communicate with the booth. You may also assist with set changes or props. Perfect for someone who wants to experience what happens behind the scenes. Commitment to teamwork, the ability to work under pressure, and effective communication skills are necessary for this position.
No significant sewing skills necessary! Wardrobe volunteers will focus on general laundry needs, hanging up costumes, and possibly minor mending. You may also serve as a Dresser who helps actors make quick costume changes during performances.
Props are the handheld, portable items used in a play. You will assist with unpacking, placing, and re-packing the props, with guidance from the Touring Company. We may also ask you to give Set/Carpentry a hand.
Guest Services and Front of House
We ask all Guest Services and Front of House volunteers to attend a training session. The training will take place before your first shift.
This is a fantastic volunteer opportunity for “computer people” who are also “people people!” Greet your friends and neighbors and sell tickets the hour leading up to a performance. You’ll also direct patrons to the correct door as needed.
Greeters are stationed at the lobby entrance to answer guest questions and direct them, as needed, to the ticket desk, Coffee and Conversation reception, or auditorium. Greeters may also help with the reception before the show starts.
Scan tickets at the doors and hand out programs.
Help patrons find their seats.
Volunteer with your Service Organization!
We also greatly appreciate community groups who volunteer during our professional show days! Students with the Kiwanis Club of Oskaloosa regularly are found scanning patrons’ tickets in the lobby while Rotary Club members sell tickets. Other community volunteers often serve as Crew Chiefs and can become role models to their crew members.