Pickering's Kirk Theatre Seeks Volunteers to Keep the Show Going

Thursday, 20 February 2025 06:00

By Matthew Pells

The Kirk Theatre in Pickering is appealing for new volunteers to join its dedicated team.

The theatre, a converted Wesleyan Methodist Chapel purchased by Pickering Musical Society (PMS) over forty years ago, relies on volunteers for its day-to-day operations.

The theatre is run, managed, and maintained by the PMS management committee, a theatre manager, an assistant theatre manager, and many volunteers. According to the theatre, it is a tradition that all aspects of the theatre are run solely by passionate volunteers who give their time to ensure the theatre keeps going.

Volunteers can contribute in various roles, both behind the scenes and in customer-facing positions. Opportunities include:

Backstage crew
Set building
Make-up
Box office
Front of house
Raffle and programme sales
Ice cream sales
Bar and sweet shop
Stage hands
Technical staff
Prop makers
Hairdressers

No prior experience is required, and the theatre is simply looking for enthusiastic individuals who want to contribute to the arts and local community.

The theatre says that volunteers should love being part of a team and be committed to making the theatre a vibrant place. By volunteering, people will get to meet new people, learn new skills and help their local theatre. The theatre currently has over 50 volunteers who donate their time and skills to enable the theatre to run and provide hours of entertainment annually.

The Kirk Theatre hosts a season of events, including performances, talks, and live music. Theatre Manager Luke Arnold says the theatre is

"thrilled to share an exciting season of events filled with unforgettable performances, inspiring talks, and live music that offers something for everyone and welcomes long-time supporters and first-time visitors to the heart of Pickering’s vibrant arts community."

"This season begins with endurance cyclist Emily Chappell on 27th February, sharing remarkable stories of adventure and resilience from her global journeys.

In March, immerse yourself in live music with The Supermodels on the 1st, followed by the captivating folk melodies of the Saltburn Smugglers on the 14th.

Later in the season, gardening enthusiasts will enjoy An Evening with Joe Swift – Man About the Garden, while jazz lovers will revel in the brilliance of The Jazz of Dudley Moore. In June, we present the charm of the classic musical Hello Dolly — one of my personal favourites—running from the 10th to the 14th.

With a blend of captivating performances and engaging events, we invite you to join us for a season of entertainment and community spirit."

Those interested in volunteering can contact the theatre at info@kirktheatre.co.uk

Additional information can be found on the Kirk Theatre website at https://kirktheatre.co.uk/volunteer/

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