VOLUNTEERS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE MAY PERFORMANCE

​Each May, our dancers take the stage for a performance representing months of dedication, growth, and creativity. What many people don’t see is the tremendous effort it takes behind the scenes to make that moment possible. That’s where our incredible volunteers come in. Volunteers play an essential role in ensuring the show runs smoothly, from being part of the technical crew to supervising dancers in the balcony and helping with backstage logistics. If every family works one volunteer shift, our show can run safely and smoothly. Simply put, we couldn’t do it without you.

Here’s why volunteering matters:
  • Supporting the Performers: Volunteers create an organized and supportive environment that allows dancers to focus on giving their best performance.
  • Enhancing the Experience: Your help ensures the show feels seamless and professional, leaving a lasting impression on dancers and audience members.
  • Building Community: Volunteering is a great way to see behind the curtain and strengthen your connection with the CD&FS community. It’s not just about helping out—it’s about being part of something meaningful and supporting the dancers as they live their dreams onstage. ​
  • Guaranteeing Safety: There are many moving parts in our show, and with over 150 students, things can go awry quickly. Having sufficient support and supervision is essential to keeping everyone safe and calm.
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Tier 1
• $25 discount on Performance Fee
• Early access to ticket sales
• Verbal thank you at performances
• Name listed in the online program

Volunteers in this tier signed up at the August Open House event.
Tier 2
• $15 discount on Performance Fee
• Early access to ticket sales
• Verbal thank you at performances
• Name listed in the online program

​Volunteers in this tier signed up during the Observation Week Volunteer Drive for 2 to 3 volunteer slots. 
​Tier 3
​Tier 4
• $5 discount on Performance Fee
• Early access to ticket sales (Observation Week only)
• Name listed in the online program

​Volunteers in this tier signed up during the Observation Week Volunteer Drive for 1 volunteer slot or during the April Volunteer Drive for 2 to 3 volunteer slots.
• Name listed in the online program

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​Volunteers in this tier sign up during the April Volunteer Drive for 1 volunteer slot. ​
Interested in volunteering for our 2026 May Performance? We would love to have you! Please read below for job descriptions and use the following link to sign up.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
*NEW THIS YEAR!* LOW LIFT TASKS
​We've added more options so families can choose a role that fits their time and comfort level. In addition to backstage support, we now offer low-lift tasks in the days before the show. Such as costume labeling, costume organization, steaming costumes, program folding, and lobby set-up. 

Job considerations - Some jobs may be done at home, while others may require you to be at CD&FS studios or the Barre Opera House.
HEADSET
Volunteers are stationed upstairs in the central dressing room area, downstairs by the stage stairs, backstage on stage right, and in the chambers. Upstairs, Downstairs, and in the Chambers, they listen to the Stage Manager (Isadora), lighting designer, and sound designer over headsets. They keep track of what dance is currently onstage, respond to questions, and line up dancers to send them backstage. On stage right, volunteers assist dancers entering or exiting from stage right as needed, help with props, or respond to a request from the Stage Manager.

Job considerations - The headset operators must stay on headset for the duration of the show and are not able to leave their post. 

backstage helpers

DRESSING ROOMS
BALCONY MONITORS
​Volunteers help in a variety of ways, depending on who and where they are helping. For our littlest dancers, their dressing room volunteers keep them entertained and quiet when not performing, assist with hair and costumes, and escort them to and from the dressing rooms and backstage area. Dressing rooms volunteers for older students have similar duties. They may be asked to assist with hair, checking to make sure students have removed jewelry, helping with costumes questions and quick changes, rounding up dancers to line up backstage, and -very importantly - helping to maintain quiet and order in the dressing rooms. 

Job considerations - Volunteers must be comfortable working with children, helping dancers change, and rolling with the flow of a lot of controlled chaos. 
Monitors sit with performers in the audience before or after they perform. They escort dancers from the Balcony to the stage at Intermission or vice versa. They help maintain quiet and order while dancers are members of the audience and during transitions between spaces. 

Job considerations - This is the only volunteer job that allows you to see the show for free.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?

Parents, family members, and friends of dancers. All volunteers must be a minimum of 15 years old. 

TRAINING

We want to make sure that you feel confident in your job. All volunteers will receive a video orientation to familiarize themselves with the Barre Opera House. Any additional trainings will take place during Tech Week. ​