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Get Involved in the Arts!

Discover Rewarding Volunteer Opportunities in Naperville, IL

Are you passionate about giving back to your community? Do you have an interest in theatre, set building, marketing, grant writing, multimedia design, photography, or fundraising? Join us at Summer Place Theatre, where we welcome individuals eager to make a difference. Check out volunteer opportunities below!

Why Volunteer with Us?

Whether you can spare a single night, commit to an entire summer, or contribute an hour now and then, we have a place for you on our dedicated team. We offer a range of volunteer opportunities to match your skills and interests.

Student Volunteer Opportunities

If you're a student in need of volunteer hours, we have opportunities available throughout the year. Make a positive impact on your community while gaining valuable experience.

How to Get Involved

Ready to contribute your time and skills? Reach out to us via email at apply@summerplacetheatre.org or connect with us on social media. We're eager to start the conversation and welcome you to our passionate team.

Make a difference today - join Summer Place Theatre in Naperville, IL!

Paid Artistic and Production Staff Positions

We are looking for help in a variety of capacities for our 2024 season! Below are some posiitons we are looking to fill immediately, but here are some other ways you can get involved.

For our productions of "All Shook Up" and "West Side Story" we could use help in the following areas: Box Office Staff, House Management, Concessions, Set Construction, Running Crew, Costume Crew

Technical Director - "All Shook Up" and “West Side Story”

Location: Summer Place Theatre, Naperville, IL

Job Type: Contract

Duration: Production meetings for both shows will begin in early 2024. Rehearsals for “All Shook Up” will begin in April, Rehearsals for “West Side Story” will begin in May. 

Important Dates:

Set build can begin approximately June 1st. 

Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm

All Shook Up tech week: June 16-20, performances June 21,22,23 28,29, 30. set strike on June 30. 

West Side Story tech week: July 14-18, July 19, 20, 21, 26,27,28, August 2,3,4. Set Strike and Load out will be August 4th and the days after. 

Responsibilities:

Production Planning:

-Collaborate with the Director, Set Designer, and other production team members to understand the technical requirements and design concepts for both "All Shook Up" and "West Side Story."
-Develop and execute technical plans, ensuring all aspects align with the artistic vision and logistical feasibility.

Set Construction:

-serve as Master Carpenter as needed, additional stipend available
-Oversee the construction and installation of set pieces, ensuring safety, stability, and adherence to design specifications.
-Manage a team of technicians and volunteers during the build process.

Technical Coordination:

-Collaborate with theatre management to schedule set builds, and any time someone from the theatre will be in the building
-Work closely with the Lighting and Sound Designers to integrate technical elements seamlessly into the productions.
-Supervise and coordinate technical rehearsals, troubleshooting and addressing any issues promptly.
-Organize and lead Load In/Load Out, as well as coordinating the pick up/drop off of any rentals or purchases from vendors
-Organize and lead set strike, ensuring safety of all involved and the theatre is returned to it's original state prior to load in.

Budget Management:

-Collaborate with the Producers to develop and manage the technical budget for both productions.
-Source and purchase materials within budget constraints, seeking cost-effective solutions.

Equipment Maintenance:

-Ensure proper maintenance and functionality of all technical equipment, including lighting, sound, and rigging systems.
-Coordinate with relevant professionals for equipment servicing and repairs.

Safety Compliance:

-Implement and enforce safety protocols during all technical aspects of the productions. 
-Conduct safety briefings and training sessions for technical crew members.
-Review and approve scenic design to ensure the safety of all artists

Qualifications:

-Proven experience as a Technical Director in theatrical productions
-Strong knowledge of set construction techniques and stage rigging.
-Basic understanding of lights and sound
-Proficiency in AutoCAD or other design software.
-Excellent organizational and project management skills.
-Effective leadership and communication skills to collaborate with a diverse team.

Costume Designer - "All Shook Up" and “West Side Story”
Location: Summer Place Theatre, Naperville, IL

*Note, please indicate if you are applying for “All Shook Up”, “West Side Story” or both

Job Type: Contract

Duration: Production meetings for both shows will begin in early 2024. Rehearsals for “All Shook Up” will begin in April, Rehearsals for “West Side Story” will begin in May. 

Important Dates:
Costume Designer will be required to attend a rehearsal early in the process to take measurements of cast and attend a designer run for both shows, Date TBA.
Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm
To be considered for “All Shook Up”, candidates must be available for each night during tech week June 16-20, for performances June 21,22,23 28,29, 30 and set strike on June 30. 
To be considered for West Side Story, candidates must be available for each night during tech week July 14-18 and performances July 19, 20, 21, 26,27,28, August 2,3,4 and set strike on August 4. 


Responsibilities:

Collaboration:
-Work closely with the Director and other production team members to understand the themes, characters, and overall vision
-Collaborate with the Scenic Designer, Lighting Designer, and other creative team members to ensure a cohesive production design.
Conceptualization:
-Develop costume concepts that enhance the characters' personalities and contribute to the visual storytelling of the production.
Costume Selection, Maintenance and Construction:
-purchase costumes within the budget guidelines or collaborate with costume rental companies, depending on the decision of the production
-Ability to sew strongly preferred to fix costumes during performances. 
-Ensure costumes are laundered, if necessary 

Budget Management:

-Collaborate with the Producer to manage the set costume design budget.
-Source materials and costumes within budget constraints, exploring cost-effective options.

Communication:
-Maintain effective communication with the cast and production team to ensure that costume needs and changes are addressed promptly.
-Attend rehearsals as needed to assess the functionality and comfort of costumes.

Qualifications:
-Proven experience as a Costume Designer, with a portfolio showcasing previous work in theatrical productions.
-Strong understanding of costume construction techniques and materials.
-Creativity and ability to translate conceptual ideas into practical and functional costumes.
-Effective communication skills to collaborate with a diverse production team and cast.
-Ability to work within budget constraints without compromising artistic vision.

 

 

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

Here's a partial list of what our awesome volunteers do:

House Manager
The House Manager would ideally be available for all or most performances for a production or the season. They are responsible for welcoming and assisting patrons before, during, and after the performance, oversee ticket distribution and resolve issues, recruit and manage a team of ushers and other front-of-house volunteers, provide training and guidance to ensure smooth operations during the show, act as a liaison between the audience, production team and theatre management, communicate any important information or announcements to the audience, be familiar with emergency procedures and prepared to assist in case of evacuation or unexepected situations, ensure theatre is returned to its original state after each performance

Usher

Ushers greet audience members at the door of the theatre and pass out programs, point out bathrooms, assist people with the elevator, and help people to their seats as needed. They open the doors at intermission, monitor the bringing of concessions into the theatre (politely remind them to finish their concessions in the lobby), and assist the House Manager as requested. Ushers may watch the show in the theatre once the audience is seated. This is a one-time commitment.

Concessions

The volunteers who sell concessions during intermission will collect cash and return correct change, replenish concessions as needed from the provided supply, and report any food or drink items that need to be replenished to the House Manager. 

Commitment:

These volunteer roles offer flexibility. Whether you prefer a one-time commitment or want to be involved in multiple performances, we welcome your support.

Stage Crew

Stage Crew fills in behind the scenes as requested by the Stage Manager. They may help with loading in to the theatre, move set pieces,  run the light board,  relay instructions from the Stage Manager, and perform other tasks as needed to ensure the show runs smoothly. They often work in very low light and lift heavy objects. The stage crew is committed for tech week and each performance, including assisting with load in and set strike. They may be asked to attend a rehearsal prior to tech week. We are currently looking for crews for both "All Shook Up" and "West Side Story". 

Set Building

Tech Week: Volunteers who help to build the set will work under the Technical Director and/or Master Carpenter to construct, paint, and dress the set. They use power tools, paint set pieces and furniture, and perform other tasks as requested to prepare the stage for the opening of the show. This is a short-term commitment of one or two weeks.

Strike: At the end of the run of the show, the the crew, cast and any volunteers wishing to help will dismantle the set and assist the staff with cleanup so we can vacate the theatre or prepare for the next show. These tasks could include

  • Helping the Lighting Designer unplug and remove or reposition lights
  • Helping the Sound Designer collect and inventory microphones and cables
  • Helping the Props Master collect and inventory props
  • Helping the Stage Manager collect and erase scripts
  • Helping the Costume Designer collect and inventory costumes
  • Helping the Technical Director or Master Carpenter take down the set and set dressings
  • Helping the Music Director dismantle the pit by moving instruments or chairs and music stands
  • Taking set pieces, furniture, props, and costumes to storage

Production Team Volunteers

We need plenty of help to get the show from rehearsal to final curtain. Our production team needs help with costume design, props, operating the sound or light board, assisting the director or the stage manager, and acting or playing in the pit. These volunteers are committed for the run of the show.

Publicity

Publicity volunteers help spread the word about Summer Place Events. They create and post flyers, brainstorm marketing campaigns, post on social media, and perform other tasks as requested by the Publicity Chair. Some other tasks may include:

  • Collecting cast and crew bios and headshots
  • Taking cast and crew headshots
  • Photographing rehearsals, shows, and other events
  • Updating the website with news articles
  • Visiting retirement communities to distribute publicity materials to their program director
  • Posting information about upcoming events on online calendars
  • Sending press releases to local newspapers

Fiduciary Committee

Volunteers on the Fiduciary Committee help to keep Summer Place running throughout the year. They research and write grants, brainstorm and plan fundraisers, balance our accounts, sell ads and solicit donations, and act in the best interests of Summer Place Theatre. These positions can be long-term, or you can join us for a single grant-writing night.

Can you do one of these tasks?

Send us an email:

Email Volunteer@SummerPlaceTheatre.org

Acting Jobs

Follow us on social media, join our mailing list to learn more about upcoming auditions for "All Shook Up" and "West Side Story"

The latest Audition information is on our Auditions page.

Stay Informed

We send out an email when we are in need, or to keep you informed of upcoming volunteer opportunities. 

If you want to be notified, click the button below to add your name to the mailing list.

GET ON THE MAILING LIST

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