What skills do you have that you can share with us?

Lots of exciting things are happening at Lawrence Opera Theatre! Our season involves many people to make the magic happen; Every year over 50 people volunteer their time and talents to keep Lawrence Opera Theatre running. Whether your talents lie on stage or off, we think you’ll find that Lawrence Opera Theatre is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

Interested in volunteering? Fill out Volunteer Interest Form to sign up directly:

Singers
Unleash Your Voice on our stage! Singers delve into staging, music memorization, character development, and ensemble collaboration. Stay tuned for audition notices through our volunteer mailing list, website updates, and social media channels. Those auditioning will be asked to prepare at least one aria or art song and one musical theatre piece. Rehearsals generally run the first three weeks in August, Monday through Sunday; chorus rehearsals are generally in the evenings, with most principal rehearsals happening during the daytime hours.

Assistant Director/Stage Managers
Assistant Directors and Stage Managers orchestrate seamless productions, from auditions to the final bow. Responsibilities span organizing rehearsals, noting actor blocking, setting up the stage, and overseeing backstage operations. These pivotal roles demand dedication and are crucial to our theatrical endeavors. The stage manager is often the first one in the building and the last one to leave. These are critical and demanding volunteer roles.

Running Crew/Dressers
Step into the backstage realm with Running Crew/Dresser roles. The Running Crew consists of volunteers who execute all of the backstage changes during a production. Running Crew volunteers work each night of a production. The Running Crew is supervised by the Stage Manager and works closely with the actors. Some crew may be assigned to oversee the costumes during a preformance run. They may help with quick changes or emergency repairs.

Photographer
Seize the opportunity to be the eye behind the lens, capturing the essence of live performances. As our dedicated photographer, you’ll freeze moments in time, from the actors’ emotional highs to the intricate details of set design. Your work will weave stories that linger beyond the final curtain call, creating a visual legacy for our theater.

Follow Spot Operator
Illuminate the stage as a Follow Spot Operator, adding precision and good timing to our performances. The spotlight is your instrument, and your role is crucial for a captivating show.

Projection and Supertitles Coordinator
Run projections of supertitles translations during operas, enhancing the audience’s understanding of the performance. This critical role merges technology with the art of opera, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for all.

Light Board Operator
Take command of the Light Board, manipulating the theater’s entire lighting scheme. The Board Operator follows the script, moving pre-programmed controls, working closely with the lighting designer, director, and stage manager.

Sound Board Operator
The sound is controlled from the sound booth facing the stage. Sound operators insert recorded sound effects using a computerized theatrical cue program using a digital audio mixing console. The sound operator works closely with the sound designer and stage manager.

Make-up/Hair Crew
Contribute to the artistic vision as part of the Make-up/Hair Crew, assisting actors with special make-ups and period styles.

Set Construction
If you like to tinker with projects or work with your hands, this position is for you! These volunteers help build, cover, and repair the scenery. Set construction encompasses a wide variety of construction techniques and materials. Projects depend on the degree of experience of the volunteer. Most projects are accomplished in teams and there is lots of room for on the job training.

Scene Painting
Try something new! Many painting techniques in the theatre are easy to learn. You can learn to paint scenery to look like brick, stone, marble, plaster, stucco, foliage, wallpaper, or a variety of wood grains. You can master such techniques as spattering, sponging, rag rolling, and dry brushing.

Properties Coordinator
Properties, or “props,” are all of the small pieces on the set or carried on by actors in a production such as books, housewares and food. The properties coordinator collects or constructs props during a show’s rehearsal period and attends Tech Week rehearsals to make sure all the props are ready for the performance run.