If you’re one of the over 500 people who volunteered last season at GREAT,
Thank you! We’re always working to make volunteering fun & valuable. We
conducted some volunteer surveys, visited Rochester Civic Theatre for a day
(they utilize tons of volunteers) and talked with some of our most dedicated
volunteers.  While nothing will ever be 100% perfect for every volunteer. we
think we have some new ideas to make it easier, certainly more fun (if you
like parties and surprises) and MUCH more valuable to volunteers AND GREAT!

1.       Starting with WONKA we will ask all cast families to volunteer one
rehearsal each week.  You pick which day and sign up for sets, costumes,
mailings etc.-you can do the same day each of the six weeks OR pick a varied
schedule.  This way GREAT knows how many volunteers are coming so we can
have the right number of projects ready to be worked on and we can spread
the volunteers out over the whole week. (The scene shop & costume shop will
be open even more rehearsals!)

2.       We want to make it clear that we NEED overall GREAT volunteers.
People/families who help even when their family is NOT in a show.  You can
sign up to be notified via email OR Facebook starting in September of
opportunities.  These hours will work towards a show you MIGHT be involved
in later!

3.       Did you notice we put all volunteer names in our program? Well,
we’re going to do even more to celebrate our volunteers including little
surprises throughout the year (did you know Set volunteers who give over 150
hours get a special shirt with their name on the back.cool huh!) and we’ll
culminate the season with a huge VOLUNTEER PARTY BLOW-OUT for everyone who
gives of their time during the 09/10 season.  This exclusive event will be
volunteers only!

4.       And a big change. being CAST in one of our shows.that makes you a
VOLUNTEER TOO!  Duh! Hundreds of volunteer actors donate their time each
season. so beyond pizza, parking and donuts. we may surprise our actors too.
Hmmm. what to do, what to do?

We know everyone is super busy.  AND we know that volunteers have helped
shape GREAT into the THIRD LARGEST CHILDREN’S THEATRE in the STATE OF
MINNESOTA.   AND we know that working together we can all create some
magical theatrical moments.  Thank you for your past volunteering, thank you
for your future volunteering and if you have suggestions, email me directly
Dennis@GreatTheatre.org.

-Dennis Whipple