People with a passion for performing arts, dance and music are being urged to join the team of friendly volunteers that help to stage the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts.
The South West's largest community arts festival is looking for people from all walks of life and backgrounds, aged 18 years and over, who would be prepared to welcome audiences to this year's Festival and announce performers before each class.
"The Festival is run almost entirely by volunteers and the friendly welcome that participants and audience members receive is what people remember about our Festival," said Festival Chairman Rod Davis.
Members of the volunteer front of house team will be able to get involved in a range of activities including:
• Welcoming audiences and signposting them to specific classes
• Answering questions from members of the public
• Providing information on the Friends' of the Festival scheme
Volunteer class announcers play a vital role in the smooth running of the Festival by:
• Welcoming participants and ensuring they are announced on stage
• Ensuring that class sponsors are acknowledged and that adjudicators are able to provide feedback to participants.
The front of house rota is scheduled well in advance of the Festival so that volunteers can make time to see classes at the Festival as well as managing their other everyday commitments. Volunteers are able to watch any of the Festival performances, even on the days when they are not volunteering, free of charge.
An experienced member of the front of house team will mentor new volunteers and ensure they understand what is expected of them. Volunteers will need to be able to volunteer for four-hour shifts between 9am – 1pm, or 1pm – 5pm or after 5pm until the Festival ends, normally around 7pm.
Volunteer shifts are available at weekends and evenings for people who normally work during the week.
"Volunteering as part of the Festival's front of house team is a flexible way of demonstrating your support for one of the oldest community arts festivals in the South West," said Front of House Volunteer Co-ordinator Christine Pringle.
"It is an excellent way of learning more about how events of this kind are organised and our volunteers have the satisfaction of knowing they are playing a part in the success of one of Cheltenham's most popular community events.
"Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood has volunteered for the Festival in the past which proves that even people with busy schedules may be able to support us," added Mrs Pringle, who herself has volunteered at Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts for more than seven years.
A drop-in coffee morning has been organised for existing and would-be front of house volunteers at Christchurch Hall, Malvern Road, Cheltenham between 10.30am – 12 noon on Saturday April 13.
Prospective volunteers can come along and find out more about what is involved in volunteering at this year's Festival and meet the team.
To register your interest in attending the coffee morning email annatreasure@cheltenhamfestivalofperformingarts.co.uk or telephone Christine Pringle on 01242 770072.
