Parent Volunteer Roles

Roles While Rehearsals Are Ongoing

Costume Assistant (4)
These parents help create costume pieces for the show. Sewing skills are not required, but if you do have expertise and interest in more complex tasks, please let us know!

Prop Assistant (1 – 2)
This parent helps to find and/or create the props for the show. If you’re into crafts or bargain-basement shopping, this is a great role for you!

Ticket Sales Manager/Pre-show Ticket Sales
The Ticket Sales Manager is in charge of the sale of tickets to cast members’ families before the first day of performances. (S)he keeps track of the tickets and money and turns the remaining tickets over to the Front of House Manager after pre-show ticket sales are complete.

This manager receives a seating chart, cardstock paper for printing tickets, cash, and cash boxes from the Director. (Checks can be made out to Superstar Productions or Catherine Hoch.) Adult seating is assigned. Child seating is general admission; the children sit on the floor in front of the stage. In recent years, the Ticket Sales Manager has contacted the cast parents a few weeks in advance of the performances to find out how many tickets each family wants for each show. (S)he then assigns the groups of seats by lottery.

Cast Photographer
This parent takes head shots of cast members during regular rehearsal time, for use in the lobby decorations. (S)he also takes photos during dress rehearsals and performances, and creates a 20-minute slide show that incorporates the music from the show. The slide show is presented at the Cast Party.

Backstage Roles (Pre-show and During the Show)

Wardrobe Manager (2)
These parents attend all dress rehearsals and assist backstage with costume changes during the shows. They are in charge of all costumes and make sure everything is properly set up at the beginning and end of each show.

Dresser (3 per performance)
Dressers must attend at least one dress rehearsal and assist backstage during at least one show. A minimum of three people are needed each night.

During the show, dressers assist students with costume changes. When the performance is finished, they help the cast and Wardrobe Manager put the costumes back in order for the next performance. After the last performance, Dressers help pack up the costumes for cleaning and storage.

Props Master (2)
These parents attend all dress rehearsals. They are in charge of all the props backstage during the performances, and must know when and how they are all used.

Hair and Makeup Designer/Coordinator
This parent works with the Director to plan the hair and makeup for the show, and is in charge of training and organizing the Hair and Makeup Assistants. (S)he also helps to apply makeup and do hair for one dress rehearsal and before the performances.

Hair and Makeup Assistant (5 per performance)
Hair and Makeup Assistants must attend one dress rehearsal and help out backstage for about two hours before at least one performance. These parents apply makeup and do hair for the cast, and then help clean up once the kids are all spiffed up. Parents who don’t have experience with applying stage makeup will also attend a training session led by the Hair and Makeup Designer.

Front-of-House Roles

Front of House Manager
This parent manages the Lobby Decorators, Ushers, and Ticket/Concession Sellers during the shows. (S)he is also responsible for the cash boxes during the performances. Other tasks include:

  • Folding programs (you will receive these from the Producer)
  • Distributing programs to Ushers and obtaining additional programs from the Producer as needed
  • Scheduling Ticket/Concession Seller shifts
  • Troubleshooting ticket sales on performance days
  • Setting up tables and chairs for ticket sales
  • Counting and logging cash received
  • Cleaning up the lobby after the show, returning tables and chairs to correct locations

Lobby Decorator (2)
These parents are in charge of decorating the lobby and hallway for the shows. The bulletin board in the lobby should contain the actors’ head shots with each child’s name and role(s) in the show. (The head shots are taken by the Cast Photographer.) Other than that, let your imagination be your guide!

Ticket/Concession Seller (2 per performance)
These parents sell tickets and snacks in the lobby, under the direction of the Front of House Manager. Ticket/Concession Sellers need to arrive one hour before the show to help set up the tables and sell tickets and snacks. They also sell snacks and water during intermission.

Usher (2 per performance)
Ushers take tickets at the door, hand out programs, and help audience members find their seats. They sit near the door during the show and make sure that late arrivals only enter during applause and that they have paid for tickets.

Pre- and Post-Show Roles

Cafeteria Setup and Cleanup Coordinator
Along with the Producer, this parent organizes and manages the other parents during setup of the cafeteria before the first performance and cleanup of the cafeteria after the last performance.

Party Coordinator (2)
The cast party is held at the Congregational Church and usually takes place a week after the performances. It is a celebration for the cast, crew and their parents/families. There will be an awards ceremony and slide show as well as cake and snacks. The Party Coordinators will order and pick up the cake, set up the party, and organize the cleanup afterward. A budget of $100 will be provided.