Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Volunteer at the VSO
Volunteer Standards
All volunteers are expected to understand and support the purpose, structure and policies of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the venues, and the volunteer program. All volunteers will:
- Work cooperatively with VSO staff
- Positively represent the VSO as community ambassadors
- Perform assignments and responsibilities willingly and courteously
- Respect confidentially of sensitive and proprietary information
- Attend training sessions when necessary
Volunteer Benefits
- Free tickets to concerts that you work
- Opportunities to meet and interact with VSO musicians, conductors, and guest artists
- 10 % discount on tickets purchased
- Learn about each volunteer type’s specific benefits below.
USHERING
The VSO utilizes volunteer ushers at certain venues:
Norfolk: Chrysler Hall, Harrison Opera House, Booker T. Washington HS, and NSU’s Wilder Center
Williamsburg: Saint Bede Catholic Church, and William & Mary’s Concert Hall at the Music Arts Center
Virginia Beach: Regent University
We DO NOT have volunteer usher opportunities for performances at the Sandler Center or Ferguson Center.
DUTIES:
Help patrons find their seats, pass out program books, and assist with any questions at the concerts, such as information about the restrooms, concessions, and any concert program questions.
Help manage the flow of people, especially during entry and exit and assist patrons with mobility issues or other special needs.
Help latecomers find seats without disrupting the performance.
Handling minor disruptions, such as cell phone use or disruptive behavior.
PERKS:
Free Concert Admission to Each concert you usher at.
Service hour credits for students and members of service organizations
10% Discount on tickets purchased.
Opportunities to meet and interact with VSO musicians, conductors, and guest artists
REQUIREMENTS:
Must be 16+
Training is required for all new volunteer ushers.
MARKETING EVENT SUPPORT
DUTIES:
- Proactively engage with new audience members in conversations about the VSO. Encouraging participation in giveaways and contests
- Address questions and inquiries about the VSO and related events or opportunities.
- Distribute brochures, flyers, or other informational materials to attendees.
- Actively listen to concerns, respond politely, and escalate complex inquiries or complaints to VSO staff if necessary.
- Assist with the physical setup of the table display, including tablecloths, displays, and other materials. Similarly, assist with dismantling and packing up at the end of the event.
- Keep the table organized, clean, and stocked with materials throughout the event.
- Respect confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
PERKS:
- Free VSO T-Shirt (Subject to availability)
- Ticket Voucher for 2 Free Tickets (for every event you work)
- Service hour credits for students and members of service organizations.
- Opportunities to meet and interact with VSO musicians.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be 18+
- Lift and/or push 35lbs+
- May be required to pick up and/or drop off materials for event at 150 Boush St. Suite 201 Norfolk, VA 23510.
WILL CALL
DUTIES:
- Sorting and filing pre-printed tickets alphabetically by patron name for efficient retrieval.
- Providing patrons with their physical, pre-purchased tickets upon their arrival.
- Addressing any issues or concerns regarding tickets or seating arrangements in a professional and courteous manner.
- Maintaining a friendly and patient demeanor, especially during busy periods or when dealing with patrons.
- Respect confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
PERKS:
- Free Concert Admission to each concert you volunteer at.
- 1 EXTRA free ticket to the concert for a guest.
- Free Parking at select venues.
- 10% Discount on tickets purchased.
- Service hour credits for students and members of service organizations.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be 18+
- Confidentially of sensitive and proprietary information
GIFT SHOP & MARKETING TABLE
DUTIES:
- Actively support sales, assist patrons, and complete transactions via the Square app at concerts of both Gift Shop items and guest artist merchandise.
- Assist with the physical setup of the table display, including tablecloths, displays, and other materials. Similarly, assist with dismantling and packing up at the end of the event.
- Keep the table organized, clean, and stocked with materials throughout the event.
- Sell merchandise before the concerts and during intermission,and at select concerts, afterwords as well
- Respect confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
- Answer patron questions about upcoming VSO Concerts.
PERKS:
- Free Concert Admission to each concert you volunteer at.
- 1 EXTRA free ticket to the concert for a guest.
- 1 Free VSO T-Shirt (Subject to availability)
- Free Parking at select venues.
- 10% Discount on tickets purchased.
- Service hour credits for students and members of service organizations.
- Opportunities to meet and interact with VSO musicians, conductors, and guest artists
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be 18+
- Square-App Compatible Smartphone
- Tech-Savvy
- Confidentially of sensitive and proprietary information
