Volunteer
Welcome, and Thank You for Your Interest in Volunteering!
Rainbow Youth Theatre has always been about more than just putting on a show. It’s about building a community, a family, where young people grow in confidence, creativity, and connection. Behind every production is a team of dedicated volunteers who make the magic happen. From costumes and sets to ticket sales and backstage support, it truly takes a village.
RYT is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organization, and we simply couldn’t do this without people like you. Over the years, we’ve had parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbours, and brilliant, big-hearted members of the community step forward to lend their time and talents. Whether it’s sewing costumes late into the night, painting sets on a Saturday morning, or helping kids stay focused backstage, the impact of that support is felt in every corner of the theatre.
The love people have for RYT runs deep, not just because of the shows, but because of the people it brings together and the memories it creates. Volunteering here means becoming part of something bigger. A team that believes in the power of the arts, in lifting one another up, and in building something meaningful together.
Not Sure Where to Start? That’s Okay!
So, you know you want to volunteer somehow, but you’re not exactly sure what that looks like. We’re here to help. Whether you already know what you’re excited to help with or you’re still figuring it out, we’ll work with you to find the right fit.
If you have experience, amazing. We’d love to put your skills to good use. And if you don’t, that’s totally fine. We can teach you what you need to know. There’s absolutely no pressure to be an expert. Just a willingness to jump in and be part of something fun and meaningful.
There’s a place for everyone at RYT, and we’re happy to help you find yours.
Production & Rehearsal Support
Producer: Handles the behind-the-scenes planning. Manages the budget, makes schedules, coordinates departments, and makes sure everything stays on track.
Stage Manager: Makes sure rehearsals and performances run smoothly. Communicates between the director and tech crew, gives cues during shows, and keeps everything organized.
Assistant Stage Manager: Supports the Stage Manager backstage. Moves props and set pieces, helps actors with cues, and keeps things running during the show.
Rehearsal Assistant: Helps the director and stage manager during rehearsals. Takes notes, tracks changes, prompts actors with lines, and helps with small jobs.
Backstage Crew: Works behind the scenes during the show. Moves set pieces, handles props, and helps actors with costume changes if needed.
Quick-Change Assistant: Helps actors quickly change costumes during the show. Makes sure everything is in place and helps return items afterward.
Backstage Child Wrangler: Keeps kids safe and focused backstage during shows. Helps with costumes and makeup, and makes sure they’re ready for their scenes.
Rehearsal Child Wrangler: Watches over the kids during rehearsals when they’re not on stage. Keeps them quiet, safe, and ready to go when called.
Design & Construction Crew
Set Designer: Creates the look of the stage. Draws plans or models and works with the director to make sure the set matches the story.
Lead Builder: Leads the team that builds the set. Follows the designer’s plan and makes sure everything is safe and ready on time.
Set Builders: Helps build the set pieces. Uses tools to cut, assemble, and paint parts of the set under the Lead Builder’s direction.
Set Strike Crew: Takes the set apart after the last show. Helps clean up, pack up, and carry everything out of the theatre.
Lead Set Painter: Plans and manages painting the set. Makes sure the colors and designs match what the director wants.
Set Painters: Paints the set pieces. Adds base coats, details, and textures to make everything look great on stage.
Lead Prop Person: Organizes and creates the props. Works with the director to figure out what’s needed and makes sure it’s all ready.
Props Helper: Helps the Lead Prop Person by finding, making, or organizing props.
Technical Crew
Lighting Designer/Technician: Designs and sets up the lighting for the show. Programs lighting changes and runs the light board during performances to match the mood and action on stage.
Spotlight Operators: Runs the spotlight during the show. Follows specific actors during key scenes and makes sure they’re clearly lit.
Sound Technician: Sets up and runs microphones, music, and sound effects. Makes sure the audience can hear everything clearly and at the right time.
Mic Wrangler: Helps with cast microphones. Distributes and collects mics, checks batteries, and assists with quick mic swaps during the show.
Costume & Makeup Department
Hair & Makeup Team: Styles the cast’s hair and applies makeup. Helps bring characters to life visually and supports touch-ups before and during shows.
Costume Coordinator: Oversees all things costume-related. Pulls, fits, organizes, and tracks all costume pieces.
Costume Helper: Assists with fittings, sewing, alterations, and keeping costumes organized and show-ready.
Costume Washer: Washes costumes after the show. Follows care instructions and returns items clean and ready for storage.
Costume Move Out Crew: Gathers all costumes after the final performance and prepares them to be cleaned and stored properly.
Quick-Change Assistant: Helps actors change outfits quickly backstage. Makes sure everything is prepped and resets costumes afterward.
Marketing & Publicity
Marketing Director: Oversees all publicity for the show. Creates strategies, supervises the marketing team, and makes sure the community knows about RYT.
Graphic Designer: Designs posters, flyers, social media graphics, and other visuals for print or online promotion.
Program Designer: Designs the show program. Formats bios, credits, ads, and thank-yous into a polished booklet for the audience.
Promotion Distribution Crew: Delivers posters, tent cards, and flyers to schools, cafes, shops, and community boards around town.
Social Media Manager: Runs RYT’s social channels. Posts updates, cast features, rehearsal photos, and countdowns to build buzz.
Photographer: Takes photos during rehearsals and performances. Captures headshots, behind-the-scenes moments, and promo images.
Videographer: Films the show for archival purposes. May also record behind-the-scenes content for marketing or social media.
Front of House Operations
Front of House Manager: In charge of everything the audience sees. Coordinates ticket takers, ushers, and handles any issues before the show.
Ushers: Greets people at the door, checks tickets, and helps the audience find their seats.
Concession Manager: Runs the snack table. Makes sure food is stocked, keeps the area organized, and helps manage volunteers.
Concession Workers: Set up, sell snacks during intermission, and clean up afterward.
Bakers: Bake and package goodies at home to be sold at the show. Drop them off before the performance(s).
Treat Contributors: Bring snacks or baked goods (homemade or store-bought) to be sold at the concession stand.
Ticket Sales Coordinator: Manages ticket sales at the door. Takes payments and checks people in.
Artistic Team
Director: Leads the show creatively. Decides how each scene looks and feels, tells actors how to move and speak, and works closely with the music and dance leaders to bring the story to life.
Vocal Director: Teaches all the songs to the cast. Helps soloists feel confident, leads group singing rehearsals, and makes sure everyone sings clearly and in tune.
Choreographer: Creates and teaches all the dances. Adjusts movement based on cast ability and helps everyone feel confident performing on stage.
Board Members
President: Leads the board and the organization as a whole. Supports other board members, helps with planning and big-picture decisions, answers questions, and keeps everything moving forward.
Vice President: Supports the President and steps in when they’re unavailable. Helps with leadership tasks, communication, and organizational planning.
Treasurer: Handles all things money. Tracks income and expenses, pays bills, manages budgets, and helps prepare reports for grants or meetings.
Recording Secretary: Takes notes at meetings and keeps track of important decisions and documents. Helps with communication and makes sure everything stays organized.
Marketing & Communications Director: Manages how RYT shares information with the public. Coordinates posters, social media, newsletters, and works to build excitement for shows and programs.
Fundraising Chair: Helps bring in money to support RYT. Reaches out to sponsors and donors, looks for grant opportunities, and may help plan fundraising events.
Volunteer Coordinator: Helps find and organize volunteers for shows and events. Keeps track of who’s doing what and checks in to make sure everyone has the info and support they need.
Youth Member(s): Offers a youth perspective on the board. Shares ideas from the younger cast and crew and helps make sure RYT stays connected to its youth audience.
Member(s) at Large: Flexible support roles. Jumps in where needed, planning, organising, problem-solving, or helping other board members with their projects.
The roles listed above cover many of the areas where we regularly need help, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. If you have a skill you’d love to share that isn’t mentioned here, we would love to hear about it. Rainbow Youth Theatre runs on passion, creativity, and community. It truly takes a village to make these productions happen.
If you’re ready to jump in, or even if you’re just curious, please fill out the form below. Our Volunteer Coordinator will follow up with you as soon as possible to help find the perfect spot for you or your youth to get involved.
We’re so grateful you’re here. Welcome to the RYT family.