For more than 20 years, the Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) has brought high quality theatrical and musical productions into its theatre for the enjoyment of audiences in the greater metro Memphis area. Their goals have been to “educate, engage, enrich and transform”. That has not only been achieved through the talent on the stage, but also by the volunteers behind the scenes. The GPAC is seeking “energetic and personable” students, ages 16 through college, to join the GPAC Student Volunteer team and help it continue to offer the best to its guests when they visit the center.

The Student Volunteer team was created to offer young people, who are interested in the performing arts or who want to be more involved in their community, an opportunity to give back while also learning more about the performing arts center. Student volunteers act as goodwill ambassadors to GPAC by assisting all Front of House staff in providing excellent customer service, insuring public safety and assisting with various educational programs throughout the season.

“This is a great way for students to acquire community service hours and get experience working in a performing arts venue,” said Emily Hefley, GPAC Programming Manager and Youth Symphony Director. “We hope to develop a mentoring program, so students who have an interest in certain areas like marketing, development and production can be mentored by our staff.”

The student volunteer program has allowed GPAC to diversify its current volunteer base. Community service comes with rewards.

Benefits of Being a GPAC Student Volunteer:

• Hands on experience working at a world-class performing arts organization (Great for your resume!)
• Chance to see performances when working a shift.
• Great way to build your volunteer/community service experience.
• Opportunity to earn community service hours.
• Exposure to the behind-the-scenes operations at an arts organization.

Students are able to choose to volunteer for a wide variety of events throughout the season from classical to jazz, to dance to international themes. GPAC shows typically run Thursdays through Sundays. Performances are usually during the evening, but there may be some morning or matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays.

“We also have educational events that we need volunteers for like Family Art Days, Peanut Butter & Jam music program for young kids, preshow arts and crafts etc.,” said Hefley.

Students may also receive community service volunteer hours for their participation in the program. The GPAC Volunteer Coordinator will track student hours and provide detailed documentation.

Interested students must complete and submit the student volunteer application by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, to be considered. All applicants for the 2016-2017 GPAC Student Volunteer Program will be notified of the results by Thursday, September 15, 2016. Students who are accepted into the program will be required to attend the training /orientation session, which will be held on Tuesday, September 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at GPAC. Call Kathy Lovett, GPAC Facility Services Coordinator at (901) 751-7670 or e-mail for more information.

You may submit your application by mail, drop-off or e-mail:

Mail or drop off to: GPAC Student Volunteer Program, Attention: Kathy Lovett, 1801 Exeter Road, Germantown, Tennessee 38138

E-mail to: Kathy Lovett

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©2016 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.