How To Get Involved In Atlanta's Theater Community
If you are new to town, or you just want to find a new community of friends, consider joining one of the activities in Atlanta's theater scene. Start by checking out a few shows so you can determine which theaters are most in line with your personal interests. From Broadway to cutting-edge puppetry arts, there is a wide range of theatrical art taking place in the ATL. Whether you are just an audience member or you want to get on stage, there are ways to participate in the scene.
Volunteer as an Usher at the Alliance
Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree St. N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 733-4650
www.alliancetheatre.org/ushers
The Alliance Theatre is Atlanta's most renowned local theater, and it is part of the grand Woodruff Arts Center. By volunteering to serve as an usher, you will get to see several productions, and you will get to see them as many times as you wish. Volunteering requires that you register and attend an orientation class that typically takes place four times per year. You will also meet other people who share your love of theater, and you'll likely see old friends who come to the productions.
Volunteer Behind the Scenes at Horizon
Horizon Theatre Company
1083 Austin Ave. N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 523-1477
www.horizontheatre.com/volunteer
Horizon Theatre is one of Atlanta's more fun local companies, with a devoted subscriber fan base. It can always use more volunteers in a variety of functions, from administrative to hospitality. You can even volunteer on the production side to help with creating or striking sets or helping with props and costumes. Working behind the scenes lets you develop real relationships with your fellow volunteers so you feel like you are part of the production.
Student Volunteers at Atlanta Shakespeare Company
499 Peachtree St. N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 874-5299
www.shakespearetavern.com/volunteer
If you want to teach youngsters to develop an appreciation for volunteering and for the arts, consider signing them up for the volunteer program at Atlanta Shakespeare Company. You will need to provide around six students to attend a performance at the Tavern, involving about five hours of time from beginning to end. Middle and high school students will also need to have an adult chaperone. The students will help out as ushers and with tidying the theater before, during and after the show. In return, they will see the show for free and receive a tour of the backstage and/or a meet-and-greet with actors from the show, in addition to a free drink and discounts on food.
Volunteer at the Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St. N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 873-3391
www.puppet.org/volunteer
If you are at least 16 years of age, you can sign up to volunteer at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. You will need to attend one of the center's periodic volunteer orientation sessions, and you will need to commit to donating a certain amount of time. The Center prefers that its volunteers commit to at least 40 hours per year, so you will get the chance to really know your fellow volunteers. You will receive complimentary tickets to many performances and workshops, the museum and an invite to the annual holiday party, among other benefits. You can even help out with making puppets during Patron Parties.
Check Out A Show!
www.goldstar.com
The easiest step to get involved in Atlanta's theater scene is to check out a few local productions. If you're short on cash, or you just appreciate a bargain, use a website like www.goldstar.com or www.poshdealz.com to find discounted tickets. The bigger Broadway-style productions generally tend to come through the Fox Theatre in Midtown, but you can find more off-Broadway-style productions at theaters like Actor's Express and Horizon. Once you know which groups you prefer, you can decide where to dedicate your time.
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Keely Herrick is a freelance writer. Her work can be found on Examiner.com. "
