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The Woodland Opera House Guild is a dedicated group of volunteers who want to ensure the success of the historic theatre by volunteering their time and services. Guild members are one of the primary contacts with Opera House patrons, and enhance their experience by ushering performances, giving tours, acting as docents for special events, selling concessions and merchandise, and representing the Opera House in the community. The Guild plays such a critical role in supporting the Woodland Opera House, that the show literally cannot go on without us!
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Guild Membership:
We would love to welcome you as a new or returning Guild Member! Annual individual or family memberships are a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to spend time together supporting the Opera House. Anyone over the age of 16 may join, and teens ages 12-15 may join when they are sponsored and accompanied by an adult member. |
Benefits of Guild Membership:
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FAQs
How much does it cost to become a member?
The annual dues for an Active Member are $25/year. We also have a Family Membership for $90/year that is ideal for families of 4 or more that reside at the same address. If you wish to join, but do not feel you can work regularly, or not at all, you may join as an Associate Member for $40/year. Our annual membership year matches the seasonal theatre calendar: July 1st through June 30th.
Why do I have to pay membership dues to be a volunteer?
Please note that while it is always free to volunteer for the Woodland Opera House, membership to the Guild provides unique opportunities only available to Guild members. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, separate from Woodland Opera House, the Guild incurs costs of doing business including: federal/state/legal fees, member nametags, communications, supplies, and member appreciation to name a few. Funds raised beyond what is needed to cover operating costs are gifted back to the Woodland Opera House. And, when you volunteer as an usher you get to see the performance for free, so you are able to pay yourself back for your dues after working just a few shifts!
How often do I have to volunteer/work?
Active and Family Members are requested to help out at least 6 times a year, and many members enjoy serving much more than that. With a slightly higher fee, Associate Members are not required to work, but their participation is always welcome. All members will receive sign-up links by email and may volunteer for any event, performance, or concert as they wish.
How will I get trained as an usher or docent?
There are several focused training opportunities each year, but you don’t have to wait for one of those sessions to get started! At each ushering shift, the House Managers will spend time at the beginning of your shift giving announcements, assignments, safety reminders, and training when needed. New ushers are welcome and will be supported by the other ushers at that shift. Docent training is a little more involved, and includes training sessions, materials, videos, and tour shadowing opportunities.
Are there lots of meetings?
Our goal is to have 1-2 member events each year that would include training, a membership meeting, and appreciation (attendance optional). The Guild Board meets once a month, and those meetings are open to any member.
What is the difference between being a volunteer for the Woodland Opera House, and Being a Guild Member?
While anyone may volunteer for a backstage position, or audition to volunteer as a cast member for free, membership to the Guild gives individuals and families a broader range of volunteer opportunities and preferred access to hospitality volunteer opportunities. Additionally, Guild memberships come with some nice perks that are not generally available to non-Guild volunteers, and Guild members are held to a higher standard of commitment and accountability. It is important to note that many Guild members also volunteer with the Woodland Opera House as a cast or crew member, and being in the Guild is not mutually exclusive with volunteering for the Woodland Opera House.
