Volunteering for Vancouver Opera
Dedicated – Valued – Involved
Vancouver Opera Volunteers are a valued group of the opera family. Last year, approximately 100 volunteers contributed over 6000 hours to Vancouver Opera and found the wide variety of assignments in the office, at the theatre, and throughout the community both fulfilling and rewarding.
Vancouver Opera Volunteers support the marketing, public relations, fundraising and educational efforts of the company. These volunteers work to build a broad base of support for the artistic activities of Vancouver Opera. There are many different volunteer opportunities.
Download the Volunteer Application Form
Completed forms can be submitted by email to Mercedes Dunphy, Development Assistant or by mail to:
Vancouver Opera
Attn: Mercedes Dunphy
1945 McLean Drive
Vancouver, BC
V5N 3J7
Vancouver Opera is a partner of the Arts Volunteer conference
Volunteer Job Descriptions:
Ambassador: Welcomes patrons at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre during productions. Ambassadors are available to answer questions, provide information and receive feedback from Opera patrons. Training sessions are required for new Ambassadors.
Backstage Tour: Once familiar with the theatre, volunteers may be asked to help at backstage tours. Assist tour guides, as well as help set up and clean up for receptions.
Chaperone: Several productions include a children's chorus. The volunteer chaperones are responsible for supervising children at rehearsals and at the theatre during productions. A police check is required in order to ensure safety of the children.
Info Services: Vancouver Opera has a volunteer program that provides information to the public about Vancouver Opera, as well as information about what is happening in the world of Opera.
Light Walker: This volunteer activity provides a unique opportunity to be backstage, and onstage during the week prior to opening night. Lightwalking requires volunteers to be onstage as a stand in for lighting during Tech Week before productions.
Lottery: Vancouver Opera has four lotteries each year that raise money towards our education programmes. Volunteers that help with the lottery have numerous responsibilities, from selling tickets and handing out brochures at productions, to helping with the clerical work in the office associated with the lotteries.
Special Events: Vancouver Opera hosts a number of special events throughout the season, from large gala fundraisers, to smaller receptions and performances. Volunteers for special events are required to act as greeters, ushers, ticket sales, ambassadors, as well as reception set up and clean up.
Opera Speaks: Opera Speaks is a series of public forums held at the Vancouver Public Library. Volunteers at Opera Speaks are required to hand out information, help with contest information, as well as help set up and clean up.
Office Reception: Volunteers are required to cover for the office receptionist during lunch hour, as well as on occasion for holidays or sick days. This position requires knowledge of a switchboard, as well as basic office duties.
Office Duties: There are a number of other volunteer opportunities at the Vancouver Opera offices. These vary from filing, photocopying, to general help around the office.
