Volunteer Handbook 2018 Edition

Home , Angela Lansbury, Robert Redford

Table of Contents

Welcome ...... 3

Our Mission ...... 4

About Bucks County Playhouse ...... 4

Opportunities ...... 5

Requirements ...... 6

Dress Code ...... 7

Commitment ...... 7

Benefits/Privileges ...... 8

Volunteer Ambassadors ...... 8

General Information ...... 9

3 Strike System ...... 9

Emergency Procedures ...... 9

Parking ...... 10

Bucks County Playhouse Trolley ...... 11

Contact/Registration Information ...... 11

Code of Conduct ...... 12

Welcome, Bucks County Playhouse Volunteers!

We welcome you to the Bucks County Playhouse (BCP) family. We have an excellent team that is devoted to presenting the best possible entertainment to our audiences and creating a unique and inviting work environment for our artists. Since reopening in 2012, our volunteers have donated indispensable time and energy to make the Playhouse experience as welcoming and professional as possible. Those efforts have been invaluable to our operations, and we are so grateful to each person involved. Your dedication has allowed BCP to succeed in its mission, and we sincerely thank you for choosing to dedicate your precious time, skills, and enthusiasm to BCP. As we continue to grow and move forward, you will play an integral role in enhancing the BCP experience.

In addition to providing valuable support, you are also representatives of BCP. You will often be the face that audience members and artists associated with their visit to our theater, and the quality of your interactions will leave a lasting impression. To ensure the highest quality service as a volunteer, we have assembled the following handbook. Here you will find resources, policies, guidelines, and contact information, to which you can refer. We have attempted to cover all potential aspects of volunteering, but feedback is always welcome. We value all that you do for us, and we hope your time at BCP is enjoyable and enriching.

Thank you once again for volunteering and we look forward to seeing you at the Playhouse!

Warmly, The Bucks County Playhouse Staff

Our Mission

Bucks County Playhouse inspires, entertains, and engages audiences with professional theatrical productions of new and classic plays and musicals featuring leading artists from stage and film. We provide innovative arts educations and community programs that celebrate the performing arts.

About Bucks County Playhouse

The original structure lies on the site of Hope Mills, a grist mill which had burned down and was rebuilt in 1790 by owner Benjamin Parry. Facing demolition in the 1930s, the site was saved by a small band of artists, including Broadway playwright and Bucks County resident, Moss Hart. Hart rallied up the local community to renovate it as a theater, with a production of Springtime for Henry, featuring Edward Everett Horton, in 1939. BCP quickly became “America’s Most Famous Summer Theater”. Performances by American theatrical royalty includes Grace Kelly, Eli Wallach, Angela Lansbury, Dick Van Dyke, Robert Redford, Rob Reiner, Kevin Kline, and many more. BCP remained in continuous operation until December 2010.

Thanks to the Bridge Street Foundation, the non-profit family foundation of Kevin and Sherri Daugherty, the beloved theatrical landmark was beautifully renovated and re-opened in July 2012. The Bridge Street Foundation helps support the local community through the acquisition of important historic landmarks and aiding in their transition into self-sustaining contributors to the community.

Then Producing Director, Jed Bernstein, revitalized BCP with the return of professional Equity productions and special fundraising events. In January 2014, Broadway producers Alexander Fraser and Robyn Goodman enthusiastically stepped into the leadership roles of Producing Director and Executive Producer, respectively, replacing outgoing Producing Director Jed Bernstein.

Currently, BCP operates 12 months per year, with its own production season running April- December and a Visiting Artist series hosted at the Playhouse January-March. Additionally, BCP manages and operates the New Hope Visitors Center year-round as well as a remote ticket office at Peddler’s Village which is open seasonally. We also host our Education Departments programming for children, teens, and adults at Lambertville Hall. Join us as we celebrate over 75 years of performances and embark on a new period of creative development and theatrical memories for future generations to enjoy!

Opportunities

Front of House Volunteers (FOH)

FOH Volunteers perform duties at the Playhouse before and during performances and are the first and last impression patrons will have of BCP. They must always reflect the BCP standards of professionalism and theater etiquette. Specific duties of FOH Volunteers are ticket scanners, ushers, and greeters.

Visitor Center Volunteers (VC) **Weekend shifts only**

VC Volunteers are responsible for maintaining a friendly and helpful atmosphere to visitors of New Hope while providing them with the necessary resources to enhance their time in the Borough.

Artist Hospitality Volunteers (AH)

AH Volunteers help the Company Management team provide a warm and inviting environment for visiting artists, cast, and crew. Opportunities include company dinners, tech week snacks, greeters (some driving may be required), and assembling welcome baskets.

Marketing Volunteers (MK)

MK Volunteers assist in the promotion of upcoming events in local communities by means of hanging posters and passing out newsletters/postcards to schools, organizations, and other local businesses. May also help with call campaigns and other promotional events.

Administrative Volunteers (ADMIN)

ADMIN Volunteers assist our box office staff with call campaigns, stuffing mail outs, programs and other materials for guests and patrons, on an as-needed basis. May also help with call campaigns.

*To cross-train in more than one volunteer opportunity, minimum requirements must be met, and you are required to complete training for each opportunity of interest*

Requirements

ALL VOLUNTEERS: - Positive, upbeat attitude - Good communications skills - Must have email and utilize email MUST HAVE and utilize EMAIL

Front of House Volunteers (FOH)

Minimum requirements: - Able to stand for long periods of time (3-5 hours) - Must be able to read and comprehend ticket info - Able to lift at least 35 lbs. - Comfortable with technology - Knowledge of seat numbers, rows, and sections

Visitor Center Volunteers (VC) **Weekend shifts only**

Minimum requirements: - Able to hand out informational material - Knowledge of local surroundings is a plus

Artist Hospitality Volunteers (AH)

Minimum requirements: - Knowledge of appropriate behavior when interacting with VIP’s - Valid driver’s license if driving is required

Marketing Volunteers (MK)

Minimum requirements: - Comfortable driving, and walking around town - Valid driver’s license if driving is required

Administrative Volunteers (ADMIN)

Minimum requirements: - Able to perform basic administrative duties (stuffing programs/envelopes)

Dress Code

When you volunteer, your appearance is a reflection not only of yourself but of BCP as a business organization. All volunteers must comply with the provided dress code, otherwise, you may be asked to join us another time.

FOH Volunteers: Discreet is the name of the game for our FOH volunteers!

• Black dress shirt • Black dress pants/ dress/ skirt (no shorter than 2 inches above the knee) • Black close-toed walking shoes (no loud heels) • Red BCP vest • Volunteer name tag

Admin, Artist Hospitality, Marketing, & Visitor Center Volunteers: • Business casual • Volunteer name tag

**Please make sure you arrive at the theater for your assignment properly dressed, otherwise you may be asked to join us at another time. **

Commitment

To be considered an Active Volunteer, the following minimum requirements must be met: • Read & sign Volunteer Handbook • Complete training session for specific opportunity • 1 volunteer shift per month for a period of at least 6 consecutive months (average shift= 3-4 hours) • 16-years of age or older

Benefits/Privileges

BCP thanks our active volunteers in a variety of ways:

• Occasional invitations to dress rehearsals • Complimentary coffee or tea during your shift • Staff rate tickets (when available) • Monthly drawings

Volunteer Ambassadors (VA)

For those of you who would like to be more involved in the volunteer program. A Volunteer Ambassador is a reliable person who embodies the spirit of a BCP volunteer. They will help shape the future of the volunteer program here at BCP.

They will: • Assist in recruiting & training new volunteers • Receive added recognition & benefits throughout the year

To be considered a VA, the following minimum requirements must be met: • All requirements of an Active Volunteer • Outstanding customer service skills • Respectful & dedicated to the volunteer program • Actively seeks to improve the experience of patrons • Reliable & ready to be a helpful as possible

General Information

• When arriving for your shift, check in/out with management. • Report for your shift at the following address: 70 S. Main Street New Hope, PA 18938. • Must arrive on time to pick up a name tag, along with any instructions specific to the tasks required for the shift. • All personal belongings are to be stored in a locker in the usher room, you may bring your own lock. • Shifts are typically 3-4 hours in duration.

3 Strike System

We operate on a 3 strikes system. Failure to meet our code of conduct on 3 separate occasions may result in being removed from the volunteer list.

• STRIKE 1: Receive an email OR HM will speak with you • STRIKE 2: Receive an email AND HM will speak with you • STRIKE 3: A formal reassignment to another volunteer area or mandatory re-attendance of training sessions (failure to re-train will result in termination)

Emergency Procedures

As a BCP volunteer, you are responsible for assisting BCP staff members in the event of an emergency. The safety of our patrons is the highest priority when they are in our theater or attending one of our events. Emergency procedures will be covered during training sessions for each volunteer opportunity.

Parking at BCP and New Hope

Parking in and around town is limited. Please give yourself plenty of time to find parking, especially on weekends!!

1. Bucks County Playhouse Parking Lot • *Not Guaranteed* (fills up quickly around show time) • Meter hours of operation- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • Rate= $3 per hour or $20 Flat rate for full day (exact change preferred, accepts coins, bills & credit cards)

2. Bucks County Playhouse Valet Parking Available 1.5 hours prior to curtain and will close 30 minutes after Rate: $20/car (cash or CC accepted) • Available when pulling up in front of the Playhouse entrance • Tuesday-Sunday (attendance based)

3. Alternative Parking Locations Additional lots and parking spaces are available throughout New Hope • Union Square - $1.50/hour (cash & CC) • Municipal Lot on New Street - $0.75/hour (cash & credit) • On street parking is .75 cents an hour • Park Mobile is available in BCP lot and at the meters in town • Logan Inn on Ferry Street, rate fluctuates depending on day of the week and time of the year

4. Free Parking Locations: New Hope Solebury School Lot

**BCP cannot provide free or discounted parking for volunteers**

Bucks County Playhouse Trolley

BCP recently acquired a trolley our patrons can use before and after shows to get around New Hope. The trolley used to run along the boardwalk (not on the boardwalk) in Wildwood, New Jersey. It was purchased and refurbished by Great American Trolley Company based out in Cape May, New Jersey.

Now its new home is here in New Hope with BCP! Volunteers are welcome to use the trolley. Since it is a new operation, be sure to call the box office to make sure the Trolley is running according to schedule. Box Office phone #: (215)862-2121

Cost: FREE Start Time: 1.5 hours before performances End Time: Half hour after performances

Route/Stops: It will travel from the New Hope-Solebury High School through New Hope and will stop at the following locations:

1. High School 4. American Legion Lot 2. Perry Mansion (on Main) 5. Nina’s Waffles 3. Visitor Center 6. Union Square (on Bridge St. will not go into parking lot)

Contact/Registration Information

3 step volunteer registration process:

Step 1- Visit our website: http://bcptheater.org/ Step 2- Click on CONTACT Step 3- Click on VOLUNTEER, there you will find the link to the registration form For scheduling, and other information e-mail: [email protected]

*do not call the box office*

Bucks County Playhouse BCP Administrative Office 70 South Main Street 12 West Mechanic Street New Hope, PA 18938 New Hope, PA 18938

Lambertville Hall New Hope Visitor Center 57 Bridge Street, 1 West Mechanic Street Lambertville, NJ 08530 New Hope, PA 18938 12

Code of Conduct

Our code of conduct outlines the standards to which our volunteers will be expected to adhere to always.

As a volunteer, you directly represent BCP. Patrons and visitors will associate your behavior with the Playhouse. You are sometimes the only person a patron/visitor will remember from their visit.

Volunteer expectations: 1. Be actively working throughout your shift (including inside the house during performances, for our FOH volunteers). 2. No smoking or drinking alcohol while on duty or wearing a BCP vest. 3. Arrive on time for your shift and have all parking arrangements settled prior (let management know ASAP if you are unable to make your shift or if you are going to be late). 4. Dress appropriately for shifts (see dress code section for more info). 5. Refrain from using mobile devices; if you have an emergency please let management know and remove your name tag and vest to step out and take care of the issue. 6. Always put patrons first. 7. Be considerate of staff members and patrons and their personal space; do not be the “handsy” volunteer. 8. Maintain theater etiquette while in the Playhouse. 9. Leave all personal belongings at home, in your car, or in a locker. 10. If you are not scheduled for a volunteer shift, please refrain from entering Employee only areas (i.e. Box Office, Balcony, Backstage, basement). 11. Never, under any circumstances, voice complaints about a show/event to cast, crew, audience members or fellow volunteers. We take your complaints seriously and care about your opinions, but we ask that you voice them to management.

*Please keep in mind the intimate setting at the Playhouse and know your voice can be heard in your surroundings*

Volunteer Acknowledgement of Handbook

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and comprehend the contents of the Volunteer Handbook in its entirety and agree to the terms of the Volunteer Code of Conduct:

Printed Name: ______

Signature: Date: ______