Volunteer

Arvada Center Volunteer Positions

The Arvada Center is the largest multi-disciplinary cultural center in the United States.  Because of the many offerings available at the Arvada Center, the Volunteer Program provides many opportunities for volunteers to be involved in their areas of interest and utilizing their skills and abilities.  Since the Arvada Center has opportunities available days and evenings, weekdays and weekends, most volunteers can find a schedule that meets their needs.  The primary volunteer programs are briefly defined below so that you can help decide on the area that best meets your desire for volunteering, and best utilizes your qualifications.   ALL volunteers are required to pass a background investigation prior to being assigned to a position within the Arvada Center. 

Anyone interested in joining the Arvada Center Volunteer Program, please e-mail your name, mailing address, and telephone number to the Arvada Center Volunteer Coordinator, Shari Ortiz, at sortiz@arvadacenter.org.  Interested candidates without access to e-mail may call 720-898-7211 and leave a message with name, mailing address, and telephone number.  Application packets will be mailed to interested candidates.

ARTS DAY - Volunteers assist school children by meeting and greeting the buses, and helping school groups to get from one scheduled workshop to another.  Usually, while a group is in a workshop, the volunteer will have a period of down time until the group is ready to move on.  However, this volunteer is often called upon during such times to assist with various needs from instructors or other Arts Day faculty.  This volunteer should be comfortable with children of varying ages, as well as children with special needs/disabilities.  A preferred volunteer should enjoy assisting children with craft projects. Arts Days typically run from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Friday during the school year.  However, this program is expanding and other weekday times may become available in the future.  Volunteers are required to volunteer for at least two shifts per month during the school year.

CLERICAL/ADMINISTRATIVE - Clerical volunteers work weekdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and sign up for shifts in advance.  Tasks may be many and varied, including serving as a receptionist and helping visitors; computer tasks (such as data entry, spreadsheets, mailing labels), assisting with bulk mailings, copying, or other office tasks; and occasionally performing on-line research.  Volunteers interested in clerical positions must have computer knowledge.  Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel are preferred.  Must be available by e-mail.  Volunteers with experience in an office setting preferred.

DOCENT - Volunteers provide tours of Gallery and Museum exhibits to both children and adult groups and individuals.  They also provide tours and special activities for the Arts Day program.  All tours are given during normal work hours except on special occasions.  Continuous training and research are a big part of the Docent program.   Docents sign up to lead tours as required, including days, evenings, weekdays, and weekends.  They are required to consistently attend scheduled meetings and volunteer at least six shifts per year. Docents are asked to attend a weekly meeting each Monday morning at 9 a.m. to learn about exhibitions.  Outside tours and other teambuilding events are held each year. Special training is provided on how to lead tours, engage patrons, etc.

FRONT DESK WILL CALL - Volunteers hand out will call tickets to theater patrons.  Volunteers sign up for scheduled shifts held during the approximately 35 weeks that theatrical productions are open.  Shifts are available evenings Tuesdays through Sundays.

GALLERY GREETER - Volunteers greet visitors in Arvada Center galleries or the Arvada History Museum.  Assignments will be in one of four art galleries or the museum depending on the exhibition and the need for greeters.  Monitor the gallery in order to keep the art work secure. Volunteers will be provided with some information on each exhibition in order to answer questions from visitors.  Volunteers sign up for scheduled shifts and are required to work a minimum of two shifts per month.  Volunteers will attend periodic information sessions on the exhibitions.  Volunteers will be trained on how to monitor security in the gallery or museum.

GIFT SHOP - Volunteers sell merchandise of artists on consignment, check and receive inventory, dust and straighten shop, displays items, and assist customers with questions about artists and merchandise.  Gift Shop volunteers must be willing to work with money and cash register. Volunteers sign up for scheduled shifts and are required to work two shifts per month. 

HOSPITALITY - Volunteers provide refreshments prior to curtain and during the intermission of theatre events.  Refreshments include: coffee, tea, sodas, candies, and assorted cookies made by the Banquet Division. Volunteers sign up for scheduled shifts held during the approximately 35 weeks that theatrical productions are open.  They may also be asked to work other special receptions or events, or summer amphitheater concerts.

SAFETY MONITOR – Volunteer Safety Monitors patrol and monitor activities during special events and concerts.  Volunteers check coolers and bags during amphitheatre events. Volunteers are required to work flexible shifts as assigned by the Security Officer primarily in the summer concert season.

NOTE:  The Arvada Center Usher Program is currently being reorganized.  Usher positions will not be available for assignment until late Spring 2010. 

USHERS - Volunteer ushers meet and greet patrons attending theatre events, and assist and direct attendees to their designated seats.  Other duties of volunteer ushers include taking tickets, handing out programs, and during amphitheater event checking coolers, and chair rental.  For Children’s Theatre, ushers help with traffic flow problems as up to five hundred children and adults attend each performance.  Volunteers must sign up in advance for usher opportunities in both the MainStage and Black Box Theaters, as well as the Amphitheater Concerts in the Summer.  There are opportunities for both daytime events (generally Children’s Theater and Matinees), and evening performances.  Ushers are required to volunteer for at least three performances of each theater production throughout the year.