BECOME A VOLUNTEER
BE PART OF BEACON. Want to get more involved in the community? The Howland Cultural Center is always looking for people who want to lend a hand, meet neighbors, and help make events at this historic building possible. The Howland has been part of Beacon since 1979. We're a volunteer-run nonprofit presenting music, art, theater, dance, film, and community events throughout the year. You don't need an arts background—and you don't have to commit to much. There's a place for people with little time and for those who want to get more involved.
Get started, by simply filling in this form
Or give us a call at 845-831-4988, or send an email [email protected], or stop by the Center.
Gallery Attendant Volunteer
Welcome visitors during open gallery hours on most Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 PM. Work a shift or two a month and interact with the public on behalf of The Center and provide information about exhibits to visitors. The volunteer may be responsible for opening and closing the gallery at designated hours. They may also assist visitors who would like to make purchases from our gift shop or purchase artwork on display.
Gallery Exhibition Volunteer
Assist in the installation and de-installation of work in gallery, this includes preparatory tasks (layout, hanging), collection management and registration tasks (documenting), as well as curatorial tasks (assisting with the placement and interpretation of works).
Special Events Volunteer Positions: 1-3
1. Front of House Volunteer (FOH) helps with ticketing.
These volunteers staff the door through which the public enters. Supervisor: Front of House Leader
- Greeting guests
- Keeping doors open/closed as conditions warrant
- Checking in will-call "ticket" holders.
- Selling admissions to "at the gate" customers, if seats are available.
- Operating Square system and cash drawer to make sales.
2. Middle of House Volunteer (MOH) helps with hospitality.
These volunteers staff the hospitality table and serve as ushers. Supervisor: Middle of House Leader
- Setting up coolers with selection of beverages and snacks
- Setting up tables with samples, signage, cups, etc.
- Serving guests and encouraging donations
- Making change and keeping cash donations secure
- Operating Square system and cash basket to facilitate donations
- Maintaining sanitation and cleaning spills, etc.
- Breaking down the setup and returning leftovers to storage.
- Counting monies received and turning over to Production Coordinator
3. Back of House Volunteer (BOH) helps with lighting and sound.
These volunteers set up and strike all systems as needed for performers or presenters. Supervisor: Back of House Leader.
- Greeting talent or presenters, advising and helping them on placement of clothing, gear, cases, etc.; showing them the Green Room; helping them with personal needs
- Setting up sound system; striking (members of designated sound crew)
- Operating sound system, or assisting operators provided by performers
- Setting up stage, moving pianos and other furniture to fit the event plan, striking
- Setting up and arranging chairs, tables, etc.; striking
- Setting up projection or video equipment, striking
- Operating projection if needed, or assisting operators provided by performers; guiding camera operators to safe equipment positions
- Assisting performers or presenters with props, set pieces, etc. if/as needed
- Setting up stage lighting system, working with lighting director, performance director or band leader, etc.
Administrative Volunteer
Assist in clerical duties including data entry, filing, preparing mailings, answering phones, and updating documents.
Buildings and Grounds Volunteer
Help us maintain and preserve the architectural gem inside and out.
Join our Board
The Centers working board is responsible for the governance, strategy, and accountability of this organization.
Howland Cultural Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3), run entirely by volunteers with no paid staff.
To get started, please give us a call at 845-831-4988, email [email protected], or stop by the Center.