The nonprofit relies on volunteers for front-of-house duties, administrative support, technical assistance, and building upkeep, according to executive director Lorie Jewell.

“This theater is run almost exclusively by volunteers,” Jewell said.

Volunteer roles include ushering, ticket scanning, concessions, data entry, administrative work, technical support, and general maintenance. Training is provided for all positions, including use of the theater’s ticketing system.

“We provide training, and no prior experience is required,” Jewell said.

Janese Olson, left, volunteer coordinator, and Lorie Jewell, executive director of the State Street Theater, discuss upcoming maintenance tasks in the theater's seating area. The nonprofit is seeking volunteers for its Spruce-Up Saturday event on Jan. 17 and ongoing theater operations throughout the winter season

The theater will host Spruce-Up Saturday Jan. 17, a volunteer workday focused on cleaning, light maintenance, and safety-related projects. 

The event begins with a continental breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by project assignments. 

“After a morning of work, we celebrate with a free pizza lunch at noon, and that’s a wrap.”

Jewell said tasks are assigned based on volunteers’ abilities and preferences.

“We make a list of all the projects that need to be done and divide them up,” she said. “There are tasks for people who need to sit, as well as family-friendly options such as dusting balcony seating.”

Lorie Jewell, executive director of the State Street Theater, holds a broom and cleaning supplies backstage. Volunteers will tackle cleaning and maintenance projects throughout the theater during Spruce-Up Saturday on Jan. 17, including polishing the venue's original 1938 woodwork.

Projects include polishing the theater’s original 1938 woodwork, cleaning glass and floor surfaces, organizing files, moving retired set pieces to storage, and addressing dust-related safety concerns.

A volunteer appreciation dinner is scheduled for Jan. 20. The event is open to current and prospective volunteers and will include information about available opportunities.

Attendance at either event is not required to volunteer.

“Anyone interested in volunteering can preregister through our website under the ‘Get Involved’ and ‘Volunteer’ sections or email us at info@statestreettheater.org,” said Janese Olson, volunteer coordinator.

Preregistration is requested for Spruce-Up Saturday and the volunteer appreciation dinner to ensure adequate meals.

Janese Olson, left, volunteer coordinator, and Lorie Jewell, executive director of the State Street Theater, review cleaning tasks ahead of the theater's Spruce-Up Saturday volunteer event on Jan. 17. The nonprofit relies almost exclusively on volunteers for theater operations and maintenance.

Volunteers assist before, during, and after performances, as well as with auditions, workshops, educational programming, and facility rentals. Time commitments vary, with opportunities available on a regular or as-needed basis.

The next performance at the State Street Theater is on Saturday, Jan. 24 “Candy-Oh: A Tribute to the Music of The Cars.”