Without our team of volunteers (commonly known as ‘Vols’) we could not run such a wide range of events and activities. We have over 50 volunteers at present, who jointly clock up around 250 hours a month.
At present the main job for Vols is as stewards for all our performances, but Vols can get involved in other areas too, such as :-
Projecting films
We have several volunteer projectionists & full training can be given.
Helping backstage
We often need help moving staging and seats etc, or you could get involved with visiting professional productions or in-house performances by The Plough Youth Theatre or Plough Community Theatre. Do you have specific skills in sound and lighting? There are opportunities to develop these and assist with live events alongside our technical team, led by our Technical and Buildings Manager, Carol Vincent-Smythe and our technicians, Marcos Willatts and Andrew Hawkins
Marketing and Publicity
Mailing out and distributing our programme of events is a big job that relies on the help of volunteers. We produce 2 programmes a year and it is our main form of advertising. Vols also help Julie Cooke, our Marketing Manager, with various publicity jobs such as labelling posters and flyers, helping with poster distribution etc.
Fundraising
Over the years Vols have organized various fundraising events, from ‘Speed The Plough’ (A night of great local musicians) to auctions, raffles, cricket matches etc. We are always in need of great fundraising ideas...
Building maintenance
As you look round the building you are pretty likely to have seen some volunteer handiwork, from painting the front and back doors and decorating the auditorium, to carpentry and plumbing jobs. At least once a year we have a maintenance week to tackle some of the jobs we can’t do while we are open – this is usually the first week of January and the voluntary help we get makes all the difference to repairing the wear and tear on the building.
Helping with The Plough Cafe
Clearing tables, selling drinks, serving customers etc.
Helping with Gallery exhibitions
We have a new exhibition each month and some need more help to install than others, particularly the open exhibitions and schools exhibitions – if this is an area which interests you please contact Pippa , our Visual Arts Coordinator.
Lastly, several Vols have become fantastic members of The Council of Management, and often have a more insightful approach to the job after having had some volunteering experience.
If you want to volunteer or are keen to find out more please contact Pippa Jenkins, the Volunteer Coordinator via the box office on 01805 624624 or e-mail mail@theploughartscentre.org.uk