Volunteer at Portland Opera

Volunteer

The Impact of Our Volunteers

Volunteers are a valued and integral part of Portland Opera and play a vital role by helping our artists, supporting productions, reducing costs, and providing skilled assistance in virtually every department. Their hard work and generosity keeps the beauty and passion of opera alive.

Over the past two seasons, we've been honored by 150 active volunteers, working 5,000 hours, doing a variety of jobs—from selling raffle tickets at our gala, to making coffee and tea for the orchestra, to welcoming our guests and patrons for opera performances, and assisting with administrative projects.

*Uani Tillmon volunteers at the 2017 Big Night concert* | Photo by Garrett Downen

*Volunteers and Portland Opera company members celebrate at our annual gathering in 2018* | Photo courtesy of Portland Opera

*Volunteers welcome audience members to a performance at the Hampton Opera Center* | Photo by Trace Downen

*Volunteer Sidne Lewis welcomes patrons to the Keller Auditorium* | Photo by Garrett Downen

*Volunteer Shelley Ashford snaps an opera photo for patrons in the lobby of the Keller Auditorium* | photo by Trace Downen

Volunteer Opportunities

Below, you will find a number of different opportunities.

Production

Greeter

Greeters are friendly, outgoing, and welcome all Portland Opera patrons as they enter the theatre on performance nights. In this role, you may be asked to stand for an extended period of time.

Light-Walkers

Imagine you are an opera star, standing-in on stage for artists and/or scenery, while the lighting designer and technicians adjust and focus the lights. You may be asked to sit, stand, kneel, lay, and/or hold props for an extended period of time.

Backstage Beverage Service

Experience an opera from behind-the-scenes, hosting our complimentary coffee canteen service for the artists, choristers, musicians, and production staff, during opera rehearsals and performances at Keller Auditorium. For this role, you may be asked to do some lifting, go up and down stairs, and move quickly.

Will Call

Join our Patron Services team in the box office on performance nights to find the Will Call tickets for patrons! For this role, you may be asked sort through tickets quickly to keep the line moving.

Education & Patron Events - Various Locations

Various roles and locations

Outgoing and friendly volunteers are needed to help us share the magic of opera with young people, and thank those that support us at various special events.

Behind-the-Scenes - The Hampton Opera Center

Office and Administrative Support

Throughout each season, Portland Opera's staff needs assistance with mailings, collating documents, data entry, and filing.

How can you get involved?

Thank you for your interest in sharing your time and energy with Portland Opera! Please contact the Development Department at giving@portlandopera.org to get more information about how to become a volunteer!