rialto Square Theatre
Volunteer Opportunities
The Rialto Square Theatre is interested in finding people who are able to assist with all sorts of volunteering opportunities ranging from, but not limited to, ticket taking, ushering, & fundraising. Volunteering opportunities are open to people 16 years of age and older. School service hours will be reported upon request. We are not able to accommodate court ordered community service hours.
“The mission of the Rialto Square Theatre Volunteers is to preserve, promote, and revitalize our historic theatre as a vibrant cultural center for the community. We are dedicated to honoring the legacy and architectural significance of the venue. Through stewardship, advocacy, and collaboration, we aim to ensure the theatre remains a cherished landmark and a source of inspiration for generations to come.”
What is a Rialto Volunteer?
Is one who, under staff direction and supervision, assists in a service function of the theatre and is trained to give exceptional service to our patrons. The primary function of Volunteers is to serve the theatre where needed. By volunteering, you are not guaranteed to see a performance.
The volunteer should:
- Not request volunteer service due to court ordered community service.
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Have a desire to volunteer.
- Have a sincere desire to be of service and the ability to devote time to volunteer service as needed.
- Make every effort to meet your event commitments.
- Be physically able to do service in the theatre including climbing stairs and standing for long periods of time.
- Have personal integrity, sincerity, neatness and pride in service.
- Be one who serves the theatre without salary.
- Be one who never doubts the importance of service and knows a sense of duty.
- Be one who will consult with the Event Manager if there is any criticism of the theatre, the procedures or the personnel.
- Be one who can further the public relations of the theatre.
PLEASE NOTE: Being a Rialto Square Theatre Volunteer may be physically demanding. We do not and cannot accommodate potential or current volunteers in either sedentary or stationary positions.
“WANT TO BE PART OF SOMETHING COOL?”
Watch our recruiting commercial and become a part of the Rialto Volunteers!
Volunteer Roles
- Arrive at least 90 minutes before each performance
- Knowledge of theatre layout (seats, emergency exits, bathrooms, bars, box office, merchandise counter, etc.)
- General knowledge of show (runtimes, intermission, subject matter, rating, etc.)
- Greet patrons
- Stuff and pass out programs
- Guide patrons to the correct row and seat number
- Enforce and demonstrate theatre etiquette
- Ensure positive patron experience
- Enforce policies (photo, video, food, late seating, etc.)
- Manage booster seats
- Keep theater tidy
- Respect patrons, staff and fellow ushers
- Follow and respect usher program guidelines set by management
Volunteer Dress Code
To attain a professional appearance, volunteers must adhere to the dress code. The dress code will be strictly enforced. The impression each volunteer imparts to patrons must be a positive one.
Nametags:
- All volunteers are required to wear their nametag at any show, event, or wedding ceremony/reception.
- Nametags must be worn over the right breast.
Women must wear:
- Solid white collared dress blouse that buttons down the front (No Polo-type shirts). If appropriate, blouse must be tucked into pants. If untucked, blouse may not be longer than blazer.
- Solid black slacks. Knit, or stretch pants, leggings / jeggings, capri’s, cropped pants or black jeans are not permitted.
- Solid black blazer must be worn. Vests are not allowed. Sweaters of any kind are not allowed.
- Comfortable black shoes. For safety reasons, open toe or open heel, flip flops, boots, or high heels are not permitted.
- Jewelry and other adornments should be kept to a minimum as to maintain a professional appearance.
Men must wear:
- Solid white long sleeved dress shirt.
- Black bow tie.
- Solid black dress pants. Docker-type pants are not allowed.
- Solid black vest.
- Comfortable black shoes.
- Solid black socks.
The House Manager and/or Manager of Event Services reserves the right to prevent any volunteer from working if he/she deems the volunteer’s dress is in any way improper.
VOLUNTEER DRESS CODE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
To attain a professional appearance, volunteers must adhere to the dress code. The dress code will be strictly enforced. The impression each volunteer imparts to patrons must be a positive one.
Nametags:
- All volunteers are required to wear their nametag at any show, event, or wedding ceremony/reception.
- Nametags must be worn over the right breast.
Women must wear:
- Solid white collared dress blouse that buttons down the front (No Polo-type shirts). If appropriate, blouse must be tucked into pants.
- Solid black slacks. Knit, or stretch pants, leggings / jeggings, capri’s, cropped pants or black jeans are not permitted.
- No vests or sweaters.
- Comfortable black shoes. For safety reasons, open toe or open heel, flip flops, boots, or high heels are not permitted.
- Jewelry and other adornments should be kept to a minimum as to maintain a professional appearance.
Men must wear:
- Solid white long sleeved dress shirt.
- Black tie.
- Solid black dress pants. Docker-type pants are not allowed.
- Comfortable black shoes.
The House Manager and/or Manager of Event Services reserves the right to prevent any volunteer from working if he/she deems the volunteer’s dress is in any way improper.
Volunteer Parking
- Two hour free parking is available on the street
- Ushers are allowed to park in the BMO Harris Parking Lot AFTER 5PM M-F and AFTER 12PM on Sat.
- For more information on where to park visit here: https://www.joliet.gov/our-city/residents/downtown-parking-transportation/downtown-parking
FAQS
Is this a paid position?
No, volunteer position only
How old do I have to be to usher?
16 years or older
What level of commitment is needed?
At least Four shows per sign up sheet
Is there parking for ushers? If so, is it free?
- Two hour free parking is available on the street
- Ushers are allowed to park in the BMO Harris Parking Lot AFTER 5PM M-F and AFTER 12PM on Sat
- For more information on where to park visit here: https://www.joliet.gov/our-city/residents/downtown-parking-transportation/downtown-parking
How many shows do I have to work at?
At least Four shows per sign up sheet
How late do I have to stay?
Ushers typically stay around 15 minutes after each performance to tidy up the theatre
TESTIMONIALS
How to Volunteer
Please view the welcome letter below, print and fill out the volunteer application and return to the Rialto Square Theatre or, fill out the application online.
Mail-In Volunteer Application Form
For more information
Please contact Leann Hoffrogge
815-726-7171, Ext. 2106
lhoffrogge@rialtosquare.com