Lights up on something special: our incredible volunteers! This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting a few of the passionate individuals who help ensure you have an enjoyable night at the theatre. They’re sharing why they love to volunteer with us and more!
We Need Your Help!
With the new Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre, we are actively growing our volunteer family! We invite you to join our Volunteer Usher Program and experience the excitement of live performance from a whole new perspective. Welcome guests, support our productions, and connect with a vibrant community of fellow arts lovers, all while earning points toward free tickets! It’s a fun and meaningful way to give back to the theatre you love. Click here to sign up today and take your place behind the scenes!
Hear From a Few Volunteers
Susan
How long have you been a volunteer with The Phoenix Theatre Company?
I’ve been ushering since January of 2024, but I’ve been a patron since the early 1980s.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
As a Phoenix Theater Company volunteer, I have the privilege of sharing my love of live theater and creating an environment where all feel welcome. I enjoy engaging patrons in conversations about not only the show they’re seeing but the wonderful season still to come.
What is your favorite show you’ve seen here?
My all-time favorite show is our 2014 production of Les Misérables. My recent favorites include Waitress (2024) and Come From Away (2026).
Jahon
How long have you been a volunteer with The Phoenix Theatre Company?
As of 4/8/26, I’ve been volunteering for 7 months. The first show I worked was Disney’s Frozen.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
I love theater, and volunteer ushering is the only way I can contribute to this beloved art form at this time with any degree of immediacy. TPTC goes to great lengths to ensure that what’s on stage is of the utmost quality, the building and its spaces are beautiful and inviting, and the staff provides a warm, welcoming experience. All of which inspire people to return, helping to create and maintain demand for this art form I love so much. While ushering at TPTC, I’ve consistently felt supported, respected, and appreciated.
What is your favorite show you’ve seen here?
To my surprise, my favorite show thus far is Frozen. It’s probably my least favorite animated Disney musical, but the cast of this production was undeniably enchanting, and they stole my stole my tarred over heart.
Rance
How long have you been a volunteer with The Phoenix Theatre Company?
I guess you could say that I am a rookie, having been doing this ~5 months. My wife and daughter have always been theater junkies … absolutely loving it. I was more of a movie buff. But then my daughter (who has been doing this a few years) asked me if I would like to sign-up and usher with her. Of course, I said yes. And the rest is history … ever since then I have been totally hooked on the theater and these incredible performances. I can’t believe what I have been missing.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering at TPTC?
Everything!!! The atmosphere, the amazing performances and talent, the house managers, my fellow ushers, and of course the patrons!! To me, ushering is more than scanning a ticket, handing someone a playbill, and helping them find their seat. People are coming to the theater to see a great show and have a wonderful / positive experience. If I can add to that positive experience with a warm greeting, a pleasant smile, possibly some laughter or a quick conversation, then that makes me feel good. My favorite part of volunteering is the interaction with the patrons, sharing a moment, and making them smile. And when you look at what Michael & Team have put together for the upcoming 26-27 season, who isn’t excited about that?
What is your favorite show you’ve seen here?
While all the performances that I have seen have been outstanding, my favorite is Million Dollar Quartet. Just as magical as that night was at Sun Records Dec 4, 1956, so was this moment … this cast / ensemble, this play, the chemistry surrounding the performance. It was pure perfection and entertainment!! The combination of both musical and acting talent was amazing. I volunteered for this one 17 times, and every time was fantastic. And interacting with the patrons around such an incredible play/performance was the icing on the cake.
Tony
How long have you been a volunteer with The Phoenix Theatre Company?
We were patrons for many years before retirement, love this place and people. (2017)
What is your favorite thing about volunteering at TPTC?
We absolutely L O V E live theatre, and wish every performance to be a happy and memorable experience for all patrons, so … we, along with several other volunteers … “jump in” if TPTC is a bit short handed for ushers. We really cannot get enough.
What is your favorite show you’ve seen here?
Faves? Pretty much All of ‘em. The stage, presentation, and amaaaazing talent is…beyond! Yes, absolutely, on level and often above…the West End, Broadway, Pantages, and National Tour productions. So-ooo looking forward to “Les Miz” this season…
Cheryl
How long have you been a volunteer with The Phoenix Theatre Company?
Began ushering…apparently in 2017/2018 season, with Mamma Mia
What is your favorite thing about volunteering at TPTC?
Enjoy seeing patrons’ smiles and appreciation…truly, a happy place.
What is your favorite show you’ve seen here? Les Misérables 2009 & 2014 (& forever) as patrons! Stand outs are, in no particular order,
American in Paris, Jersey Boys (x2), Bandstand, West Side Story, Camelot, Frozen, Million Dollar Quartet (x3), DreamGirls, Daddy Long Legs (x2), Waitress, and Come from Away …that’s enough, right?
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