The Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene is starting a new volunteer program, called Arts Ambassadors, aimed at broadening the venue's reach.
The program is meant to complement work done by the usher staff. This includes greeting patrons, passing out programs and taking tickets.
Eventually, volunteers will also help with community outreach. This will allow the Hult Center to extend beyond Eugene/Springfield.
“So that we’re able to get to reaches of Central Oregon that we never have," said Director of Marketing Rich Hobby. "And to create these opportunities to really bring the arts into people’s lives.”
Details of that future are still being developed.
“Because we wanted to get to know who the volunteers are and what their skills are and what their interests are,” said Front of House Manager Louise Thomas-Vails.
She adds that this program also hopes to “introduce the Hult Center again as a place that isn’t stuffy, that isn’t hard to access.”
People may not know that on opening night in September 1982, patrons wore everything from coats and tails to jeans and t-shirts.
Volunteers will also learn how live theater works.
“There’s a family feeling of working behind the scenes that can’t be reproduced anywhere else," said Thomas-Vails. "And it’s just magic.”
More information can be found here.
