400 Volunteers Keep Kravis Center Running for 34 Years

Before the curtain rises at West Palm Beach's Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 400 volunteers are already making the magic happen.

For 34 years, volunteer ushers have served as the welcoming committee for one of Florida's premier cultural venues. They scan tickets, guide audiences to their seats, and answer questions with the kind of warmth that turns a night out into a memorable experience.

"The show's the main thing, but the ushers are the first person the audience interacts with," said Carol Cooney, who helps oversee the program. "Friendliness is the number one thing we're looking for."

The program launched before the Kravis Center even opened its doors. The very first class of ushers trained at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, ready to greet audiences on opening night.

Today, that commitment continues with volunteers like Karole Crozier, a retired attorney who has been ushering for 12 years. A friend who worked at the center kept raving about the shows she was seeing, and Crozier couldn't resist joining.

"I've been doing it ever since, and I love it," Crozier said.

Jason Smith, a Palm Beach County teacher, followed his wife's lead three years ago after watching her enjoy five years of volunteering. "Behind every good man is a better woman," he said with a smile.

Becoming an usher requires dedication beyond enthusiasm. Volunteers attend an orientation, complete two days of intensive training, and pass a test covering everything from seating arrangements to emergency exits.

Sunny's Take

What makes someone give up their evenings to help strangers find their seats? The volunteers say it's simple: beautiful surroundings, wonderful shows, and the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.

In a world where screens dominate entertainment, these 400 volunteers are choosing human connection. They're proof that live theater thrives not just on talented performers, but on community members willing to share their time and warmth.

With nearly 350 performances each year, the Kravis Center depends on this volunteer army. They're the unsung heroes who ensure every audience member feels welcomed before a single note is played or line is spoken.

The program is still welcoming new faces, continuing a tradition that started before many of today's volunteers even knew the center existed. Applications are open for anyone who loves the arts and wants to give back.

These volunteers aren't just showing people to their seats; they're keeping West Palm Beach's cultural heart beating strong.