Page 7 - Volume 40-Number 03 05-25-17

mean that 48 points are needed to claim two tickets.
• Most point systems award more points for working a less desirable show, for attending training,
and for attending specialized meetings/lunches (see below). For example, “one hour equals two
points.”
• Some organizations also offer complimentary memberships for volunteers who work a specified
number of shows a year.

• To prevent a “run” on usher comps for a popular show, a standardized comp allotment for free
tickets available to ushers should be established. Then it’s first come, first served. (You can always
increase the allotment at a later date if sales are slow and tickets are available anyway.) If a
show is a “no comp” show, that information should be distributed internally before the on-sale
announcement.

APPRECIATION EVENTS

• Party themes and contests are a huge hit with the volunteers at any of their receptions, parties or
training sessions.
• Staff should serve the volunteers at these events, to personally thank each volunteer.

• Many organizations have more than one appreciation event per year, for example a training
reception in the fall, a holiday party, a formal awards dinner at the end of the spring season, and
an informal summer BBQ.
• Some organizations maintain a “Volunteer Fund” to cover expenses for parties. The fund may
be funded by volunteer donations, or in some cases, from the tips collected at bars, concession
stands or merchandise stands run by the volunteers.
• Training nights are typically in the fall. Refreshments and finger food are provided, updated
handbooks are distributed, volunteers are provided information about the upcoming season, and
provided any training / procedure updates. (Training night may also be themed.)
• The annual volunteer appreciation night is typically a more formal affair. It may also double as an
Awards Dinner, and usually happens at the end of the spring season. It includes a sit down meal,
with beer, wine and drinks. Gifts or gift certificates are distributed (all are donated). A Volunteer of
the Year is honored. The top three volunteers with the most hours receive service pins. These may
be entirely different people than the Volunteer of the Year. A “Cumulative Service Award” goes
back 10 years and honors the volunteer with the most total hours accumulated. The recipient’s
point total resets to zero so someone else receives the award next year. A small gift from the
theatre (i.e., a branded keychain flashlight) is also distributed.
• Some organizations sponsor “social occasions” so volunteers can connect outside of their shifts.
These include quarterly movies, game nights, pot luck dinners featuring food competitions like
a chili cook off or a “Best Dessert” contest, and field trips to other organizations (shows, zoos,
museums, gardens, etc.).
• Some organizations offer a regular lunch (“regular” being monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly) used
to educate volunteers about upcoming shows and social media so they can help promote those
shows. This is also Q&A and feedback time.

Spring 2017 InLeague | PAGE 5