I volunteer because I love to serve others and I love the Arts. My most rewarding experience was ushering at Tattoo on the night designated for special populations. It was humbling and rewarding. My favorite performance was Chris Botti. It was a sold out performance so I wasn't expecting to see the performance. When I was allowed to have a seat and listen to my favorite musician perform, I was ecstatic and felt like I was in Heaven.
Evelyn L.
Volunteer Opportunities
It takes community spirit to put on a World Class Arts Festival
We invite you to join the Virginia Arts Festival through volunteering to give back to our community and assist us in fulfilling our mission to bring world-class performing arts to our citizens and visitors, and impact the lives of students through outstanding educational programs. We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available during the Festival that are filled by hundreds of supportive Hampton Roads community members who provide countless hours of their time during the Festival. We’d love to have you join us!
All volunteers enjoy an array of benefits that come with giving to the Virginia Arts Festival. Regardless of why and how you decide to give, please know that you are making a meaningful difference in our community. Spend time behind the scenes helping deliver arts and education opportunities for thousands of people each year by volunteering.
There are a variety of volunteer positions that will accommodate the busiest of schedules and also provide opportunities for the young to the young-at-heart. Groups and families can volunteer together. Most of our positions are for 18 years of age and older; however, we have a few positions for families and those who are 13 years of age and older.
Interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities? Contact Sandy Miller at smiller@vafest.org or call 757-282-2800.
Volunteer Perks!
Making wonderful memories is just the beginning. Volunteer Perks! may include;
- Listing in playbills and Social Media
- Parking Passes
- Letters of appreciation
- Food and Drink
- Volunteer Only Special Events
- T-Shirts
- Rewards for recruiting your friends and family
Donate your skills or try something new...
Front of House at Performances – Enjoy interacting with people? During the Festival season volunteers assist with ushering, ticket taking, and selling merchandise before, during and after performances. Indoor and Outdoor opportunities available.
Publicity – Have time to canvas the neighborhood with friends? Street teams of volunteers post advertising at local business, museums, restaurants, and medical facilities.
Festival Office Support – Have a few hours during the week to volunteer? Year round weekday volunteers are welcome to assemble packets and mailings. If you are organized and detail oriented data entry and filing opportunities are available.
The Tattoo is a massive performance featuring a cast of 900+ from around the world. Performing groups include military bands, bagpipers, drill teams, dancers, choirs and more. The Virginia International Tattoo is the largest tattoo in the United States and thrills and inspires audiences young and old each spring.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Individuals, Families and groups welcome
VAF Tattoo Crew – it takes an entire Crew to transform Scope Arena. Join us behind the scenes! Here are just a few of the projects where you can help.
Prop Builders – Work with a team of Tattoo staff and volunteers in building various props, platforms, and stands to be used during each performance.
Arena Dresser – Enjoy decorating? There are miles and miles of fabric, flags, banners, and curtains that need to be ironed, mended and hung around the arena.
Stage Hands/Curtain Pullers – Ever wanted to be a stage hand? This is your chance to operate curtains as required for performers entering/exiting floor during public performances. You will also assist with moving props and equipment on and off stage
Backstage Setup – With more than 1000 performers there are always tables, folding chairs, and pipe and drape curtains, boxes and other items that need to be set-up or moved backstage.
Breakfast Servers – A great way to experience the Tattoo behind the scenes is helping with set up, serving and cleaning up of breakfast service. If you want to meet and get to know some of our international performers, this is the place to be.
Drivers/Liaisons – for a truly unique experience get immersed in a new culture. Each International group is assigned a team of volunteers. This team is responsible for the transport of performers and equipment via 15 passenger van or box truck to and from performances/lodging/meals; pick up/drop off rental vehicles. Our driver/Liaisons make lifelong friends after a week together with performers.
Hullabaloo & Pipe Band – Outside on Scope Plaza
VAF Hullabaloo Crew – So much happens outside on Scope Plaza. So many projects to be done before the music, food and pipe band championship can begin. Be part of the crew for set up and breakdown of tables, chairs, flags and signs. Plus assist food and merchandise vendors during load in/out daily.
Hullabaloo Education Tent – Are you Crafty? Enjoy working with kids? The Hullabaloo kid zone area is fun and fast paced.
Hullabaloo Information Tent - “What’s Hullabaloo?” In the information tent volunteers answer questions, hand out maps of Hullabaloo, assist with signage for stage performances and are keepers of the Lost and Found.
Volunteer Perks!
8 hrs. = Invitation to Cast Party
12 hrs. = Invitation to Cast Party + 2017 Tattoo pin
16 hrs. = Invitation to Cast Party + 2017 Tattoo pin + Cast Shirt
20 hrs. = Invitation to Cast Party + 2017 Tattoo pin + Cast Shirt + ONE complimentary ticket
24 hrs. = Invitation to Cast Party + 2017 Tattoo pin + Cast Shirt + TWO complimentary tickets
The Virginia Arts Festival offers unparalleled opportunities to explore the beauty and power of the arts through WorldClass® Education.
Student Matinee – volunteers greet and assist during school field trips with parking buses and escorting students from bus to theater.
Masterclass and In-School Performances – volunteer liaisons escort artists to and from schools for weekday performances.