Welcome to the UK's largest community owned theatre
Volunteering at the Hippodrome
The Hippodrome is one of the largest community owned theatres in the UK and as such we rely heavily on our amazing volunteers to help us keep the building maintained, put on our productions and open the doors to you - our wonderful audiences. Each year this demands over 70,000 hours of volunteer work! If you think you could dedicate some time to helping us keep the Hippodrome thriving at the heart of our community, then there are many ways in which you can get involved. Please have a look at the many areas we need volunteers and let us know below if you think that you can help. Any contributions of time, no matter how big or small are always welcome.
Building, Stage, Set, Props and Tech
At the Hippodrome not only do we have a building to look after that has stood here since 1908, we also design and build all our own sets including creating or sourcing the props and often the tech side of lighting and providing sound for our shows.
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We always on the look out for new volunteers who may be interested in helping in these areas. You don't need to be a master carpenter (although if you are we won't say no!) but just a health interested in the areas and a willingness to learn and develop.
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We meet for "build nights" each Monday and Thursday evening 7.30pm and once the grafting is done there is always the opportunity to have a well deserved refreshment. We also meeting on Sunday mornings from 10.30. If you are interested in any of these areas you do not need to be available on all the evenings or even every single session. If you feel you can volunteer some time and skills it will be much appreciated.
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Feel free to pop down at the times above to have a chat about getting involved or contact us below to express and interest or ask any more questions you may have.
Wardrobe and Make-Up
At the Hippodrome we have a small but wonderfully talented team that are often found under stage beavering away. Firstly, our wonderful wardrobe team costume all our productions, often creating many from scratch - including the divine coat that Joseph wore in our recent HYT production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. You do not however, need to be an outstanding seamstress to get involved, although if you are, please do come along! An enthusiasm to help and even the ability to sew on buttons and raise trouser hems are all useful! The wardrobe team often meet on Monday evening at the theatre when working towards a production and will often meet on Thursdays also. If you would like to get involved in anyway, and can give any amount of support we will be very grateful, please feel free to complete the form below to express an interest or ask any question you may have about getting involved. As always, you do not need to be able to commit to every single session, any help is appreciated.
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Alongside the wardrobe team are our make-up/hair team that are crucial in finishing off the "look" required for any individual production. From basic stage make-up to created a cast of CATS and conjuring specialist wounds we've done it all. As above you do not need to be a specialist but if you have an interest and would like to get involved, please do contact us below.
Front of House
Our front of house volunteers as absolutely crucial to the operation of the Hippodrome as without them we cannot open the doors to our lovely audiences. As with all areas we are always keen to have new volunteers come and join us in this public facing capacity.
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The task that are required vary from working on the bar, to selling programmes and refreshments and ushering for our performances. For some of these roles we will provide training so that you are fully aware of the roles and responsibilities. For other such as selling programmes, sweets or tea and coffee you can get involved easily.
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If you are interested in volunteering to join our front of house volunteers, please do contact us below to express your interest or ask any questions that you may have.