How To Get Involved In Houston's Theater Community

Love the theater and want to become more involved? Have a student that might want to give Broadway a try after school? Houston's thriving performing arts scene doesn't need to only be a place where you watch productions on occasion. There are many ways for you to get involved with a variety of theater organizations on many different levels. This way, you can get as much theater in your life as you could ever want – and maybe get a bit of a hint as to what it's like being on stage yourself!
Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center
2501 S. Mason Road, Suite 290
Katy, TX 77450
(281) 829-2787
www.kvpac.org

There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center, or KVPAC. In addition to traditional theater productions, this group also runs theater camps and classes for children of all ages, which culminate in a theater production of their very own. Additionally, the center has visual art courses and events for people who enjoy drawing and painting as well as theater. They are always looking for volunteers in a variety of capacities, including concessions managers, office support staff, event photographers and production assistants. If you know how to sew, you can help with costumes for a show. If organization is more your thing, offer to help in the marketing department with mailings and other paperwork. All volunteers must be 16 years of age or older and pass a background check if they are to be working directly with students.

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston
Houston, TX 77274
(281) 724-8363
www.hgns.org

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston is an all-volunteer group of light opera lovers who work together to produce a high-quality production of one of Gilbert and Sullivan's operas at the Wortham Theater Center each summer. Since the Society is all-volunteer, there is something for everyone's taste in terms of volunteer options. The Society has a successful scholarship program, so if you are interested in music education, you can help let current students know how to apply and where to find the paperwork. The cast for the summer is all volunteers as well, so if you enjoy singing and performing, attend auditions in March. For those who are not fans of being on stage, there are opportunities throughout the year to volunteer on special projects for marketing, merchandising and fundraising. To volunteer, visit the website and fill out the form with your volunteering interests.

Alley Theatre
615 Texas Ave.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 220-5700
www.alleytheatre.org

Every theater production has people who work on it without being on stage or behind the scenes – the ushers! All of the ushers at the Alley Theatre are volunteers from around the area who love helping people and great theater. If you'd like to be a part of one of the oldest theater groups in Houston, fill out an ushering application on the Alley's website and one of its employees will be in contact with you shortly. The theatre requests that its ushers work at least one performance of every Hubbard stage production in a season and at least one Neuhaus stage show, for a commitment of approximately 10-12 shows per season. Ushers are also needed for student matinees of select performances, so this is a perfect way for a retiree to get involved with the theater community.

Related: Top Spring 2014 Theater Productions In Houston

UpStage Theatre
1703 Heights Blvd.
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 838-7191
www.upstagetheatre.org

This theater company has been producing family-friendly shows in the Heights for more than a decade. To perform and produce so many different shows throughout the year, UpStage relies heavily on volunteers to help ensure everything runs smoothly. Volunteers who love theater can work in the box office and help sell tickets to the productions, usher during the performances or even be on stage. If you love to work with tools, you can help with set construction or stage management. Give UpStage a call to see where your talents could be used.

Theatre Suburbia
4106 Way Out West Drive
Houston, TX 77000
(713) 682-3525
www.theatresuburbia.org

Those who really like the technical aspects of theater should call up Theatre Suburbia to volunteer. It is always in need of handymen to help with set construction and other technicians to help with lighting and sound. Even if you don't have much (or any) experience, but you're interested, give it a call. The theatre is always looking for more trainable help.

Related: Top Volunteer Opportunities For Art Lovers In Houston

Gillian Kruse is a freelance writer living in Houston. She graduated from Rice University with a great love for all performing and visual arts. She enjoys writing about arts and cultural events, especially little-known ones, to help Houstonians learn about what's going on in their city. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.