1 Volunteer Handbook 2018 Edition 2 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 3 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 4 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! 5 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* 6 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) 7 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 8 Benefits/Privileges