Volunteering at Shakespeare & Company

Our Volunteers are the Stars of the Show!

Our volunteers love what they do and they make a difference! If you enjoy theatre, have an interest in beautiful language, effective education and a love of community, we invite you to become involved in one of the world’s premiere Shakespearean companies. Our premiere volunteer organization can use your imagination, energy and talents.

You’ll not only be an important part of a wonderful volunteer organization and theatre company, you’ll touch the lives of thousands, from audiences to youth groups and actors in training, in your community and around the country. Shakespeare & Volunteer Company will put your skills, knowledge and life experience to good use and you’ll play an active role in the Company’s mission. Our approximately 300 volunteers come from diverse locations, backgrounds and lifestyles. We support the work of Shakespeare & Company year round, save the Company thousands of hours, and have a lot of fun in the process. It’s an enriching, rewarding experience. You’ll see great theatre, meet fascinating people, make new and reconnect with old friends. We’re proud to say this is the spirit of volunteerism at its best.

Volunteer Opportunities

Staff Support - Help with mailings, research, posting flyers.

Company Events - Assist S&Co staff at Company events for patrons.

Company Hospitality - For artists and staff

• Bake - breads, coffee cakes, muffins for artists and Fall Festival.
• Host Artists – when there is no available housing for visiting artists/guests. Visit may be from a few days or occasionally longer. Volunteer may provide breakfast.
• Redecorate housing for artists – by painting, hanging draperies, stocking kitchen, rearranging furniture.
• Make suppers for cast/crew – make dinner items and then eat with the casts.
• Provide transportation – pick up artists at airports/train stations. Provide rides to stores.

Development - Assist Development Office with fund raising.  Office work, telephone calls.

Gardener - Join the merry band of volunteer gardeners who maintain the plantings in the Shakespeare Garden, and around the Packer Playhouse, St. Martin’s and Miller Building.  Research and participate in interpretive programs focused on the natural landscape and gardens and their special place in Shakespeare’s world and work.

Gift Shop Sales Associate

Oral History and Archive Office Support 

Tours - Assist with scheduled tours beginning at 10:30 am on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  Answer questions, keep participants moving and engaged in the tour. 

Usher - Report to the House Manager at Tina Packer Playhouse or Elayne Bernstein Theater one hour before show time. Welcome patrons, scan tickets, offer assistance before show and during intermission, stuff and distribute programs, help patrons locate their seats.  Assist at the Gift Shop during intermission when needed. Collect programs at the end of the performance.  

Volunteer Benefits

• Earn tickets to plays and special programs at Shakespeare & Company in return for your time and talent.
• Earn Community Service hours that count toward honors programs, college applications and inclusion on resumes.
• Make new friends and have fun.
• Learn the workings of one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the country.
• Meet a dynamic and diverse group of volunteers and professionals who truly appreciate   the effort extended in support of Shakespeare & Company. 

How to Join the Volunteer Company

• Call the Volunteer Office at 413-637-1199, ext 177. Leave your name and phone number and a Membership Committee member will contact you.
  
  
• Email Us