Help Us Create Meaningful Arts Experiences

Volunteers are an essential part of the Academy Center of the Arts. From supporting performances and events to helping create a welcoming environment for our guests, volunteers help bring our mission to life. Whether you are looking to give back, earn service hours, gain experience, or get more involved in the arts community, we would love to have you on our team.

Hospitality Manager – Jadynn Blackstone-Eye

Volunteer Coordinator- Steve Fab

Volunteer Coordinator- Val St. John

Volunteering with the Academy

The Academy Center of the Arts’ dedicated volunteers are an integral part of our success! It’s this core group of dedicated community members who make it possible for the Academy to offer meaningful art experiences for adults and children alike.

Why Volunteer With Us?

Volunteering with the Academy is a great way to:

  • Support arts and culture in the Lynchburg community
  • Gain hands-on experience in event operations and guest services
  • Earn service hours or course credit
  • Meet new people and be part of a creative, community-focused team
How You Can Help

Volunteer opportunities may include:

  • Ushering and guest assistance
  • Event check-in and support
  • Pre-show and post-show assistance
  • Administrative and program support
  • Community events and special performances
Getting Started

New Volunteer Training

All new volunteers are required to complete a training session before signing up for events. Training sessions are held once a month so new volunteers can begin serving the following month.

Volunteer Expectations

Attendance

To help events run smoothly, volunteers are expected to cancel at least 24 hours in advance if they can no longer attend a shift. Same-day cancellations make scheduling difficult, so volunteers are asked to find a replacement if possible.

No-Show Policy 

If a volunteer misses a shift without notice:

  • First no-show: warning
  • Second no-show: probation
  • Third no-show: removed from the volunteer list for the remainder of the year

If placed on probation, the volunteer will be limited in signing up for future events for two consecutive months.

Shift Sign-Up Guidelines
  • Shifts are filled on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Volunteers may sign up for a maximum of 1 spot per event
  • During slower months, volunteers may sign up for up to 3 events
  • During busier months, the 3-event limit may be lifted
Day-of Event Expectations

Pre-Show Huddle

All volunteers are expected to attend the pre-show huddle before each event. This is when important updates, assignments, and event details are shared.

Post-Show Support

Volunteers are also expected to remain after the event until cleaning and post-show responsibilities are completed.

Safety and Support

If an emergency happens during a shift, volunteers should notify the House Manager or designated staff member immediately. If any issue or conflict comes up during the event, the House Manager should also be the first point of contact.

Major Event Opportunities

Some major events are reserved for highly involved volunteers. To be eligible for these opportunities, volunteers must complete at least 30 hours of volunteer service in the weeks leading up to the event.

Volunteer Policies

To learn more about our volunteer policies, please refer to this document. If you have any questions, please contact Jadynn Blackstone-Eye at jblackstone@academycenter.org. 

View the document here- Volunteer Policies

Additional Policies

Dress Code

Volunteers should wear a white top and black bottoms unless otherwise specified for a special event.

Bringing Children

Children ages 7–13 may volunteer with a parent or guardian if approved in advance. They must stay with the adult during volunteer duties and do not count as an additional volunteer spot.

Ready to Get Involved?

Join our volunteer email list to hear about upcoming opportunities, training, and events. When signing up, you can also select other Academy updates you would like to receive. Sign up for our email list!