VOLUNTEERS AT WAC ARE Passionate about the Arts! Our 2017 Team served more than 27,000 HOURS - creating THEATER MAGIC for everyone who walked through our doors.

WE ASKED A FEW OF THE VOLUNTEERS WHO DONATED THE MOST NUMBER OF HOURS IN 2017 TO ANSWER A FEW QUESTIONS FOR US ABOUT THEIR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE, INSIDER TIPS AND WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT WALTON ARTS CENTER.

Volunteers Highlighted In This Blog:

Morgan Lindsay- Over 498 hours of service this year.

Mike Wulf- Over 586 hours of service this year.

Michael Allen- Over 648 hours of service this year.

Judy Davison- Recognized for 10 years of volunteering & over 460 hours of service this year.

In All of the Performances You've Seen At WAC, which are your favorites?

• My favorite Broadway show I've seen since I've been a volunteer is "Once".  There was so much musical talent with the cast, and the story line was just great.  I could see that show every week and never be bored. -Morgan Lindsey

• Other than Broadway shows, I loved A.J. Croce (Jim Croce's son).  The show was part of West Street Live in Starr Theater. The show was full of energy, with lots of his father's songs. -Michael Allen

• Hard to pick just one performance; there are so many. I especially like working the sold out, popular shows, like the Broadway and music concerts. I like the high energy, busy shows, especially when I'm working in concessions. -Judy

• A few years ago I worked a show of Elvis Impersonators performing songs from the King’s career. Each of the three impersonators performed songs from a different period of his career. Having seen Elvis in concert on three occasions I thought the impersonators were fantastic recreating the mannerisms, charisma, and sound of the King on stage. -Mike W.

What is your favorite theater snack?

• Cheez-It are my favorite.  Who doesn't like that salty snack? -Morgan
• Favorite snacks are Gardettos and Peanut M&M's. -Judy
• The locally made Brownies are my favorite theater snack. -Mike W.

Outside of outstanding volunteering at WAC, what are some of your hobbies or passions?

• I'm a life-long (at age 64) bicycle rider. I still ride almost everyday on the Razorback Greenway.  Also, I do photo-restoration and am in the process of scanning and restoring several thousand family images. -Morgan

• My wife and I are involved with the Arkansas Country Doctor's Museum in Lincoln. We do everything from giving tours to mowing the yard.  Lots of artifacts to see from a 1924 Model T to an iron lung. -Michael

• I have been quite active in one of the U of A Extension Clubs for 13 years, some as president, and currently as secretary and treasurer. Truly enjoy it's activities, also love to take our RV to a resort in the Branson area, along with travel vacations. Being originally from Michigan, we go there at least once annually. -Judy

• Hiking/walking, golf, and nonfiction reading -Mike W.

Any tips, Tricks or Advice for Theatergoers?

• Get there as early as you can. Too early is better than being late especially for the Broadway shows which might have a long "hold" which will leave you waiting outside in the lobby during that first scene. -Morgan

• Review the contents of each show you plan to attend, check your tickets for time and date, arrive at least 30 minutes prior to showtime. Please respect the other members of the audience, no cell phones (if you need to use the phone step outside). -Michael

• Theatergoers, you are so lucky to have an arts center like WAC. It is affordable, has convenient parking, with great walkable restaurants nearby and such quality shows! The 10x10 series are very affordable to many and have a variety of fascinating performances. Also, there are no bad seats in this "house". Having lived in the Chicago area for over 35 years, these conveniences are much appreciated. -Judy

• Suggest they become a Friend of WAC, enjoy pre-show dinner at nearby restaurant, get to their seat in early so they don't miss Peter Lane's curtain speech or show’s opening song, enjoy the Friends lounge at intermission, and drive home safely.

Why do you volunteer at WAC?

• I really enjoy being around the performing arts. Since I'm not in a position to donate a lot of money, I can help the Walton Arts Center by volunteering my time.  Also, the volunteer group and the staff members are so much fun to be around! -Morgan

• The "stock" answer is to give back to my community, but it goes much deeper than that for me. It is the energy I get from the kids when we do an education show. (We can bring 1200 kids and 25-30 buses to a 9:30 show, move them out and do it all over for an 11:30 show.)  It is the smiles and thank you from our patrons. It is a chance to work with a group of volunteers that is like family. -Michael

• Volunteering at WAC is a delight. It is mainly all about the people for me; a great group to work with; the wonderful other volunteers and staff. It is a joy meeting both the regular and new patrons too. Some have fascinating stories to tell regarding their visits to WAC. Working at concessions, frequently gives one access to these situations. -Judy

Describe a time when you Experienced Theater Magic.

• I also volunteer for the educational performances in the mornings. Just seeing the awe and fascination on the faces of all those kids while they are at the WAC is all the "theater magic" I need. -Morgan

• I have experienced several magical moments in the theater.  Mother Superior singing "Climb Every Mountain" in Sound of Music (goosebumps on that one), final scene of Cabaret (silent and stunned), "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables (lump in my throat and tears streaming). -Michael

• Theater magic can be the goose bumps reaction from the incredible voice of the Mother Superior in the recent Sound of Music Broadway show last May, high energy dance choreographies, floating "snow" or large balloons amid the audience in a darkened theater. Lastly, let us not forget the thrllls of our wonderful sounding local symphony, SoNA, and the intimate performances in Starr Theater. -Judy

• Earlier this year a couple drove about two hours to the WAC to see the Old Crow Medicine Show concert. Unfortunately, they arrived 24 hours late due to a mistake in calendaring the event. They did not realize it until walking into the lobby and checking tickets. They were crestfallen and were not looking forward to long ride home. However, following discussions with the couple and Box Office personnel about other shows of interest a few volunteers created ”Theater Magic” and got tickets for them to an upcoming performance of “ American in Paris”. That is “ Theater Magic”. -Mike W.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Front of House
Assist our operations team during Walton Arts Center, SoNA, Trike and TheatreSquared performances, as well as education shows and special events doing everything from taking tickets and ushering to selling concessions and checking coats.

Studio & Education Outreach
Work with Walton Arts Center and Crystal Bridges' Arts With Education (AWE) Institute, as well as with classes and camps on the WAC campus.

Special Events
Assist in special tasks during annual events, like Artosphere: Arkansas' Arts + Nature Festival, Art of Wine Festival and Masquerade Ball.

Administrative
Assist with a variety of office and clerical duties.

Gallery Docent

Guide visitors through our Joy Pratt Markham Gallery on weekdays, weekends and during performances. 

Resident Companies
Work during performances and special events for TheatreSquared, Trike and SoNA and help Community Creative Center with classes and camps throughout the year.