Over 500 volunteers a year spend thousands of hours of their precious spare time on ACO activities. They act, they paint, they usher. They hang exhibits, they raise money, they prepare mailings and answer the phone. They work in the scene shop, the costume shop, the office, and on the grounds. They support and share in the excitement that fuels this busy home to so many arts. We couldn't do it without them — or YOU!

"Friends of the ACO" is our official volunteer organization. They meet the third Monday of each month in the ACO gallery, usually sharing a terrific potluck dinner, beginning at 6:30 pm. You don't have to come to the meeting to be a volunteer, but the food is great and the fellowship fun, and we even do a little work there too. All ages are welcome (and put to work).

You or your family can be put on the Volunteers list in your chosen areas just by calling the ACO office at (479) 751-5441 or by emailing us. We need you, we want you, we welcome you to the ACO.

Following are the many areas in which you could make a difference, and have a terrific time.

Actors/Singers/Dancers
Needed to produce and perform the outstanding theatrical productions for which the ACO is known statewide. All performers are volunteers who may have previous experience, or none at all, and will perform under the direction of Harry Blundell, ACO director of theatre. There's a place for everyone. Six mainstage shows are produced each year, including Broadway musicals, dramas, comedies, mysteries and musical revues. Auditions are open to all, and feature cold readings. Rehearsals are held primarily Monday through Friday nights 7-9 pm for 4-6 week periods depending on the show. Click here for auditions dates and production schedules. Scripts available for 24 hour checkout prior to auditions, with a $5 deposit. Adults, teens, occasional children.

The ACO Chorale

a vocal ensemble for adults also recruits volunteers. This 65 member group performs two major concerts per year plus other activities. Rehearsals are held on Monday nights 7:30-9:30 September through April. Auditions are held in August and in January for new recruits.

Set Construction/Painting Crew
Needed to help build and paint sets for theatre productions. Training available in specific techniques. Daytime Monday through Friday 9-4, occasional evenings. Adults and teens.

Lighting/Sound Crew
Needed to run computerized light board and sound board during ACO theatrical shows and other events. Training available. 3 Technical rehearsals plus performances, mostly weekend evenings and Sunday afternoons. Adults and teens.

Seamstresses
Needed to sew costumes for ACO theatre productions. Ranges from easy sewing to challenging sewing to handwork to cutting to trimming to millenary work. You choose. Sew at the ACO during evening rehearsals or during the day, during production time.  Monday through Friday 9-4 or sew at home. Adults and teens.

Wardrobe Crew
Needed during the run of theatre productions to help change clothes, do hair, backstage organization, costume storage upkeep. Costume storage work daytime Monday through Friday 9-4. Show work on production evenings and matinees plus 3 technical evening rehearsals.

Properties Crew
Needed to gather or make hand properties for theatre productions and /or run props backstage during performances. Make/gather during daytime Monday through Friday 9-4 or your time; run props during weekend evenings and matinees of productions plus 4 technical evening rehearsals.

Ushers/Concessionaires
Needed for a variety of ACO events. Evenings and Sunday afternoons. Distribute programs, direct patrons to reserve seats, sell soft drinks and brownies. Free seats at the performances. Adults, teens, mature late elementary.

Office Help
Needed to help answer phone, make phone calls and faxes, prepare mailings, assist with box office duties, possible computer work, and more. Duties according to skills and interests. Daytime Monday through Friday 9-5. Adults, teens.

 

Mailing/Stuffing Crew
Needed to prepare major mailings by stuffing, folding, labeling, sorting etc. during the day (or at Friends evening potlucks), often on a monthly or more frequent basis, and to stuff performance programs with inserts prior to each event. Some mailing or folding projects could be done in your home. Adults, teens, late elementary.

Gallery Exhibition Crew
Needed to assist with hanging and dismantling of gallery exhibitions. Days, evenings, or occasional weekend work according to exhibition dates. Assist with gallery receptions, evenings or afternoons. Adults, teens.

To volunteer, e-mail the ACO or call (479) 751-5441.