Volunteer Handbook
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Traverse City Film Festival!
Applying to Volunteer
Please register with us by using our online application. We communicate with volunteers via email, so please provide an email address where we can reach you when signing up. Please call the festival office at 231-392-1134 if you need assistance.
TO SIGN UP FOR SHIFTS ONLINE, please:
1. Once you have registered, go to this web page:
http://www.traversecityfilmfest.org/volunteer-log-in/
2. Enter your username and password, and click the LOGIN NOW button.
If you forgot your login info, use the “Forgot your password” link.
3. Follow the simple instructions on the welcome page to sign up for shifts:
-click on the MY ACTIVITES tab
-then click on the ACTIVITY SIGN UP tab
-scroll down and click on the dates and times and activities that interest you, and follow the on screen instructions to sign up
2012 Volunteer Meetings and Training Sessions
This year’s Volunteer Meetings and Training Sessions schedule will be posted here soon!
Commitment
- We will do our best to make the hard work of volunteering fun. Our goal is to provide a positive and friendly atmosphere in which everyone is treated with courtesy and respect while together we create an exciting event that celebrates the movies.
- Flexibility and a sense of humor are excellent assets!
- You must be 16 years of age or older to volunteer. Volunteers under 18 must have proof of their date of birth, and written permission of a parent or guardian, and job options will be limited. Volunteers between ages 13 and 16 must be accompanied for their entire shift by a parent or guardian.
- Out of town volunteers are responsible for their own lodging, transportation, food, and other personal expenses.
Festival Volunteer Handbook
Download the Volunteer Handbook [Adobe PDF]
Festival Job Descriptions
| Ushers Assist in admitting patrons to venues Take tickets at venues Assist patrons in finding seats Clean venues after showings Respond to patrons’ needs during showings Straighten public areas during showsOpen Space Ushers Assist patrons Set-up and clean-up Watch for prohibited items/activitiesConcessions (during festival at movies only) Inventory Sales Clean-up/set up concession stands Popcorn and beverage preparationMerchandise (Before and during festival at special events, Friday Night Live, venues) Inventory Sales Clean-up/set-up Box Office Information Ambassadors -Help festivalgoers use the free, green and easy festival shuttle schedule -Answer questions about the film festival -Offer other information as requested -Help festival-goers board the buses |
Office (before and during festival) Answer phones/route calls Staff office during festival Typing/filing/administration Run errands/purchase supplies and equipment Relay information to and from venues/management/office Volunteer supportHospitality Greeters Staff green rooms/VIP areas Set up/cleaning green rooms Monitor cateringTransportation (must have valid, unrestricted DL or CDL) Vehicle support for all areas VIP transport to hotels, airport, appearances Operations transport Transport Board/Executive Committee members Stage Services (construction/carpentry skills and heavy lifting, needed pre- and post-festival) Production Services (technical experience preferred) Stage Support Central Dispatch/Warehouse |
Volunteer Credentials
You will be required to pick up your volunteer credentials prior to your first shift. Dates and times will be provided closer to the festival. A picture ID will be required in order to pick up your credentials. If you are unable to pick up your credentials in person at the appointed time(s), you will need to visit the festival office to pick up your credentials.
Volunteer Survival Tips
WHAT TO WEAR:
Wear loose, comfortable, presentable clothing. At the time you pick up your volunteer credentials, you will be given a volunteer t-shirt identifying you as the most valuable asset to this event, and you should wear it while on duty, and only when on duty. Volunteer shirts should not be worn when you are not working. Khaki shorts, pants, skirts, jeans with no holes, and capris are perfectly acceptable apparel for the event. Keep in mind that you will be on your feet during your shift, so make sure you select clothing that is comfortable.
Clothing don’ts:
- Half-shirts or belly-revealing tops
- Skin-tight (lycra, spandex, bike pants, etc.) pants or shorts
- Low riding pants (no unmentionables showing, please)
- Very short or micro shorts
- Muscle shirts
- Anything with holes
FOOTWEAR SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE FOR WALKING AND STANDING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, AND IT SHOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
WHAT TO BRING:
- You may bring your own water, juice or other beverages in plastic bottles, and/or soda pop in cans or plastic bottles. Water will be provided for volunteers. Consumption of alcoholic beverages while on duty is strictly prohibited.
- If you are an usher and have an extra flashlight to bring along, it will come in very handy.
- Bring rain gear and sun protection if you are scheduled to work at an outdoor venue.
OTHER TIPS:
- Most venues cannot provide a secure area for you to store personal belongings, so do not bring any valuables or large or bulky items. You should plan to only bring what you can fit in your pockets and/or a small fanny pack or backpack.
- Cell phones and pagers must be off or silenced during movie showings.
- Children are not allowed to be with you while you are on duty. Please make other arrangements for your children during your shift.
