Penn State Volunteers Keep the Arts Running Strong

Behind every standing ovation at Penn State's Eisenhower Auditorium, a team of volunteers works quietly to make the magic happen.

Between 10 and 25 volunteers show up for every performance at Penn State's Center for the Performing Arts. They're the friendly faces greeting patrons, answering questions, helping people find their seats, and even tracking down lost items.

Kelly Kaiserian, the center's audience services manager, says these volunteers are essential to operations. "They have been a valued and flexible team when we need to have more coverage due to unexpectedly high ticket sales," she explains.

The volunteers don't just usher people to their seats. They recently helped redesign the entire evacuation plan for Eisenhower Auditorium, working through the Volunteer Advisory Council to ensure patron safety.

Long-time volunteer Emily Gregory says the team serves as a bridge between Penn State and the local community. "Patrons come to events and see ushers they know. This helps to make the event a welcoming place."

The Ripple Effect

The impact of these volunteers extends far beyond a single show. They receive training, fair scheduling, and access to performances across the venue, not just the publicly promoted ones.

Gregory remembers her first volunteer shift ushering "Children of Eden." "The costuming, singing and acting brought tears to my eyes!" she recalls.

Now she's expanded her artistic horizons in ways she never expected. "I've seen and enjoyed shows I probably would never have chosen to attend," she says.

The diversity of volunteers creates a welcoming atmosphere that audiences can feel. In the chaos before and after performances, jokes and friendly conversation flow between volunteers and staff who may not even know each other's names.

The camaraderie is real, and it transforms the theater into more than just a venue. These volunteers work events that may not personally interest them, in all kinds of weather, because they believe in keeping the arts accessible to everyone.

When performers take their final bow, the volunteers' show continues.