No small parts: A variety of volunteer opportunities found within Theatre Wellesley

Theatre Wellesley is always looking for actors to perform in their shows, including the upcoming spring production, The Gentleman Clothier. Photo courtesy of Rhonda Caldwell

By Emily Stewart

Theatre Wellesley runs two shows a year with the help of several volunteers.

The community theatre group has put on several productions since its inception in 1997. Rhonda Caldwell, chair of Theatre Wellesley, said in addition to acting on stage, there are several behind-the-scenes opportunities.

Volunteers can become directors, stage managers and producers, assist with the building, design and decorating of sets, create costumes, help with hospitality operations, social media, marketing, photography and ticket sales, and join a committee like the script-reading committee, a community events committee, or the executive committee.

"All of those things require different amounts of time and different skillsets, and it's not like everybody has to come in and know what they're doing because most of us came in not knowing anything, and have developed the skills by people mentoring them or trial and error. So, there's lots of opportunity also to learn and contribute,” Caldwell said.

A typical show at Theatre Wellesley involves about four to 15 actors and 20 to 30 people on the production team. Plus, there are about seven people on the script committee and one to three people on other teams like social media.

Caldwell added there are plenty of reasons to become involved with Theatre Wellesley.

"It's a nice community to be a part of; it's a great chance to learn new skills, to use your skills,” she said. “If you love theatre, it's a chance to be involved onstage or behind the scenes. You get to know new people. You get to connect with the community." 

Theatre Wellesley’s spring production, The Gentleman Clothier, runs from April 23 to May 3 upstairs at the Wellesley Library. The Norm Foster play will be directed by Al Cook and is about a clothing shop owner named Norman who discovers what happens when his wish to be born in a different era comes true.

The community theatre group will also have an audition workshop for youth between 10 and 18 years old on May 6 from 7-9 p.m., and a Production Team 101 Workshop with Joe Shiek on May 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The youth audition workshop is $5 per participant, and the production workshop costs $25.

Anyone looking to become involved as a volunteer can send an email to contact@theatrewellesley.com.  More information, including ticket purchases for The Gentleman Clothier, can be found online by visiting theatrewellesley.com.