2004 marks the 30th anniversary of the Seattle International Film Festival. Last year, over 600 volunteers contributed over 12,000 hours of their time for the festival. The need is even greater this year. The following guidelines will help enhance your volunteering experience.
Abbie Hoffman said it best: "It's time to become a life actor."
We are looking for several hundred volunteers who want to help us organize and operate an exciting film festival. We are looking for volunteers with many different skills, interests and backgrounds.
This year's festival runs from May 20 to June 13, 2004. We will screen over 300 films at five venues; 240 of them feature films. There will also be several forums, galas and special events. Over 150,000 moviegoers will walk through our turnstiles. SIFF volunteers help us ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Our largest need is for ushers to help operate our five venues: the Egyptian, Harvard Exit, Cinerama, Pacific Place Theatres and Broadway Performance Hall. As an usher, you rip tickets, seat patrons, direct the flow of traffic, help keep the theatre neat and operate the merchandise and Will-Call tables. It's an easy way to rack up vouchers for free SIFF movie tickets. All you need to be an usher is to be responsible, dependable, confident and able to follow basic instructions.
We also need help with special events and gala operations (bartenders, caterers, set-up, etc.); guest relations; corporate relations and marketing; publicity and promotions; box office (info booth help); membership drives; front office operations and more. Previous experience and other qualifications may be required for some of these positions.
For ever two hours that you volunteer, you will receive a voucher for a free festival film. In addition, five earned vouchers can now be redeemed for Cinema Seattle membership, a $35 value.
You'll also have the chance to work with your friends, and meet members of the local film community who are also volunteers. It's a great social opportunity. Many volunteers strike up new friendships at the festival.
Ultimately, what you get from volunteering is what you put into it. If you want to help organize a great film festival, give back to the community, and have a good time, you'll accomplish all of those goals as a SIFF volunteer.
More questions? See our FAQ.