IndyFringe Volunteers
Fringe Volunteer Jobs
If you would like to volunteer or have questions about volunteering, e-mail us at: volunteers@indyfringe.org. Hundreds of people volunteer for the Fringe every year. Most of our volunteers work during shows as “front-of-house” staff.
There are many ways you can help out, including:
Home Box Officers
Sell tickets to shows and reconcile the box office after each show. Box officers should be comfortable handling cash, multitasking and working in a fast-paced environment.
House Managers
Lead a 3-person front-of-the-house team. Help audiences move through the ticket buying, ticket taking, and seating process so the shows will remain on schedule. Assist with special seating requirements and other customer services.
Ushers
This is a front-of-the-house meet-and-greet position. The User takes tickets, reminds people to turn off their cell phones, and assists the House Manager to keep the program on schedule.
Traveling Box Office
Travel to theaters after the shows to help reconcile and trouble-shoot. Distribute information needed to set-up for the next show. Math and logic skills would be extremely useful for this position! In between shows work headquarters and help organize information going back and forth between the venues and the main office.
HQ Concierge
Meet and greet visitors to HQ Office at the Beilouny, answer telephones, sell Fringe merchandise, and be able to answer questions about the Fringe as well as questions about the downtown area.
Visual Fringe Gallery
Mingle with patrons of the arts and answer questions about the art and artists. Training will be provided.
How to Volunteer
Volunteering for the Fringe is easy, and we work hard to make sure everyone has a great experience when they help us out. Most volunteer shifts are 3 hour blocks . (On-call Box Officers are 4 hour blocks and some end-of the day shifts are only 1.5 hours.)
3 shift minimum
We ask that all volunteers be able to work at least three shifts during the festival.
Two shifts in a row are great
If you can work more than one shift consecutively at the same venue, that is great!
Orientation and Training
Every volunteer is asked to attend an orientation/training session before the festival. Since some of our policies and systems change year to year, returning volunteers should plan on attending. Orientation takes approximately 90 minutes and will include Box Office/House Manager Training.
General and Box Office Orientation
Orientation is held at Fringe Central. Times and dates will be announced soon. Visual Fringe Orientation will also be announced soon.
Our Volunteer Manual
This is the book that explains everything. There's a copy for each venue (and you'll get your own).
What You Get When You Volunteer
1. One coupon for a free ticket for every three (3) shifts that you work. The coupon is good for a ticket to any show in the festival (you must exchange the coupon for a ticket at the box office and you are not guaranteed a seat). Unlike most theater volunteering, you will want to volunteer for shows you DO NOT want to see. Then, use your coupon to get a ticket to a show on your must-see list.
2. Invitation to our exclusive Volunteer Appreciation Party. Held after the Fringe, this party has become one of the highlights for Fringe insiders. Come join us for food, drink, prizes and our thanks.
3. Learn something new. Find out all about IndyFringe, learn a new skill and get to know your fellow Fringers.
Other Volunteer Positions
In addition to the theater positions, Fringe needs many volunteers during the festival for a variety of other tasks, including:
1. Distribute programs
2. Help with FringeNext dedicated Youth Theatre at ComedySportz
3. Help at Fringe Opening and Closing night parties
4. Help in the office (including database work)
5. ...and anything else that comes up!
Ready to Sign Up?
Call the Volunteer HotLine at 317-869-6660, or e-mail us at: volunteers@indyfringe.org. We will contact you as soon as we can. Thank you!
FringeFriday Last Friday Each Month
The next FringeFriday will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2008, with details to be announced shortly. This is a free event open to the public. RSVP to indyfringe@gmail.com.
FringeFriday is held on the last Friday of each month at various venues in the Massachusetts Avenue Arts and Cultural District. FringeFriday features special performances by current and past IndyFringe performers, skits, live music occasionally, and other surprises. FringeFriday typically includes a cash bar and hors d'ouevres, and admission is free.
FringeFuture: 5th annual IndyFringe: Aug. 21-30, 2009
