Volunteer Power at Willits Community Theatre
by
Jay Gordon, President of the Board of WCT

Volunteer energy is a major engine for much of the important work that is accomplished in Mendocino County. A typical example of that is the Willits Community Theatre. This charming 75-seat playhouse in downtown Willits is about to begin its 30th year of producing live theater, where seats are only $8 or $12 per performance. This would not be possible in “the real world.” The WCT survives on volunteer power.

It’s reasonable to ask, “Why should I work for free?” Two major demographic groups find it beneficial. Young people with more enthusiasm than experience can build their resume with work skills that will be useful in a variety of paying jobs later. Retirees (or others with spare time) can choose to be useful to the community by offering their considerable expertise and experience. They can pretty much do what they enjoy whenever they have time to spare.

What types of part-time activities are available?

WRITING -- Letters, press releases, newsletters, direct mail pieces – pretty much anything that involves writing coherent sentences. (We can teach you to use word processing and publishing software.)

BOOKKEEPING – Simple data entry to record income and expenses, process checks (in QuickBooks, which we can teach you), make deposits, etc.

ACCOUNTING/LEGAL/VOLUNTEER COORDINATION – If you are willing to donate skills in these areas, you can pretty much expect a statue of yourself to be erected in the courtyard.

PAINTING/CONSTRUCTION/SEWING -- This is a theater. There are always sets to be built and painted, costumes to be sewn.

PROPS – We present a variety of lifestyles and time periods onstage. How are you at prowling thrift shops and friends’ storage areas for useful stage props at little or no cost? The resourcefulness you take for granted can add a significant layer of pleasure to the show for our audiences.

COOKING/BAKING – Hungry theater-goers appreciate snacks and coffee. Can you help prepare and/or serve?

USHER/TICKET SALES – Do you like to help people and know how to smile? We have a place for you at the theater.

CLEANING/HAULING – Can you help spruce up a place and/or haul debris?

PLUMBING/ELECTRICAL – If you can handle the tools of these trades, we have a red carpet ready to throw at your feet. (Okay, it’s only figurative, but it’s sincere.)

PLAY READING – Do you like to read plays and express your opinions about them?

ACTING – Comfortable dressing up and being either serious or funny? We have a House Director who teaches acting for college credit. (And other directors with extraordinary skill. Learn the craft from experts!)

COMPUTERS/TECHNOLOGY – Can you use, program, or repair computers or theatrical equipment? Would you like to learn how to run the lights and sound of stage productions? If you like to fiddle, we can play your tune.

BOARD MEMBER – Do you have business experience and/or fundraising skills? Enjoy the prestige of helping run a theater that enjoys an enviable reputation well beyond Mendocino County. (We help fill hotels, restaurants, and shops for many of our shows!)

Do you have other skills you feel might be useful to a struggling non-profit organization? Questions? Get in touch. Phone 707-459-0895. Better yet, e-mail wct@willitsonline.com. Please copy jaygordon@wildblue.net.

If you live beyond Willits, help your own local theater. Theater can change your life!

Willits Community Theatre is located at:
37 W. Van Lane
Willits, CA 95490
Click Here for a Map

WCT patrons can purchase tickets by credit card, check or cash at:

Leaves of Grass Books
15 S. Main St., downtown Willits
(707) 459-3744.

Or Purchase Tickets Online Here

$500 Theater Arts Scholarship
Available from WCT.

The Willits Community Theatre annually honors the late Brooks Darrow, a distinguished leader of the theater for many years, with a college scholarship in his name.