There are numerous ways to get involved at the Centre.

Our licensed coffee shop opens its doors to the public five days a week so there is always a need for additional support in this department. 

The Centre also holds frequent live events and cinema shows. You can help by selling tickets through our volunteer manned box office, assisting our bar stewards, becoming part of our smiley front of house team or by joining our highly skilled sound, light and projection team. Experience is not always necessary, just a willingness to adopt the high levels of customer service expected. In addition to these areas the Centre has a need for individuals with an interest in anything from Health and Safety to Marketing or Building Maintenance to Graphic Design! More information on each of the roles is given below.

Coffee shop volunteer/kitchen volunteer/chef/sous chef

The role: We are always looking for new volunteers to help in our coffee shop and to help behind the scenes in the kitchen. There are a range of roles including preparing the food, taking orders, carrying out, operating the dishwasher and generally helping clear up at the end of a busy day.

What are we looking for? We are looking for volunteers who are outgoing and able to communicate with customers, as well as individuals who are happy to undertake the essential 'behind the scenes' work of washing dishes and cleaning tables etc. The coffee shop is open Monday to Friday and a shift is typically 9.30am - 2.30pm.

Practical Considerations: We don't require any particular qualifications and training is provided with the opportunity to shadow more experienced volunteers. If any volunteer becomes involved in food preparation a qualification in Food Hygiene will be organised. Working within a confined kitchen space in proximity to hot surfaces etc. volunteers should be fully mobile and have manual dexterity.

 
Receptionist/Box Office Volunteer
The role: This is a key role within the Festival Drayton Centre. You will be the first point of contact for visitors coming into the Centre or calling by phone. Plus you will help customers who want to book tickets for one of our live events, films or satellite screenings using our box office system.

What are we looking for? We are looking for volunteers who are confident, friendly and outgoing and who willing to familiarise themselves with our online booking system. The box office team work Monday - Saturday and shifts are available both during the day and in the evenings.

Practical Considerations: Although there are no particular qualifications required volunteers need to be confident with learning a new IT application to enable them to use our box office system. Training and the opportunity to shadow another volunteer is provided.

Front of House Usher

The role: If you are interested film and live theatre we have a great opportunity for you to help with our varied events programme. We have a 200 seater auditorium and need friendly and reliable volunteers to help with a range of duties including showing customers to their seats and selling ice creams if there is an interval. The role provides the added benefit for two volunteers to sit in to see the film or show using our designated usher seats.

What are we looking for? We are looking for friendly individuals who enjoy meeting people and are confident in managing situations as they arise. Front of house shifts are usually in the evening although we do also have matinee screenings.

Practical Considerations: We do not require any particular qualifications for this role. However individuals do need to be confident they are able to deal with customer queries, and any situations that arise such as a customer requiring help in the event of illness or in the event of needing to evacuate the building.

Lighting and sound technician

The role: We are looking for volunteers who have an aptitude and interest in sound and lighting. In order to deliver our film and live events programme we have a technical team who manage the sound desk, install and operate the lighting and project the films and satellite screenings.

What are we looking for? We are looking for committed individuals who would love to get involved in the technical side of our activities and are keen to support the programme of live events held at our community arts centre. We have a 200 seater Auditorium and our events programme runs throughout the year.

Practical Considerations: A qualification is not required, rather a keen interest and willingness to learn how to use our equipment. Experience would be useful and you may already be working in the field but equally we are able to train anyone with an aptitude to acquire the necessary skills. Most of our events are held in the evenings but we do also schedule matinee performances.

If you would like to get involved and find out more about any of the above opportunities please do not hesitate to contact us. For further information, please email: manager@festivaldraytoncentre.com or download our Volunteer (pdf) application form using the button below.

Volunteer Application Form

Our volunteers are our stars. It is their dedication and passion that has enabled the Centre to grow into a successful multi-purpose entertainment centre for all! Hear what they have to say about their involvement in the Centre ...

Paul
Coffee shop volunteer

Because of some heart problems I had to stop working in my former job, but I needed to fill my time and meet people so I started to volunteer at the Festival Drayton Centre six years ago as I had heard some people talking about it. I mainly work at the coffee shop and am helping with the washing up.Volunteering here gives you a feeling of contributing; it also makes me feel good.

The Festival Drayton Centre is an amazing place, the pride of Market Drayton. So you should definitely go for it, it is great fun!

Anne & Alan

Front of House Volunteers

We moved close to Market Drayton from South Wales a year ago, we did not know anyone in the area, we have always enjoyed the theatre and so when we found The Festival Drayton Centre in Market Drayton we were keen to check out the website to see what type of live entertainment was advertised.  It was through the website that we found information about volunteering for various roles at the festival.  We thought the volunteering would be a great way of meeting new people so completed an application form and met with Robyn the Centre Manager who was so welcoming and friendly we agreed to undertake the role of Front of House.  We are both thoroughly enjoying the usher role, we have met many other volunteers through the shifts we work and from a social event and have forged friendships where we meet outside of the centre.  Training and monthly drop-in sessions are available so that volunteers feel supported in their roles, the centre staff including Robyn, Jodie, Geoff and all the duty managers are great to work with, we would highly recommend becoming a volunteer at The Festival Drayton, you will be made to feel a valued member of the team.

Brenda

Box Office Volunteer

I started volunteering at the Festival Drayton Centre about 16 or more years ago.  I thoroughly enjoy it; the staff are very friendly and helpful.  For me the main thing is the company and I get to see lots of people I wouldn't normally see.  Also, I feel the volunteers help keep the Centre going as it is a great asset to Market Drayton and the residents.

Dave

Coffee Shop, Bar & Front of House Volunteer

As we all start to determine what the new normal means to us, why not consider including a few hours volunteering at the Festival Drayton Centre into your schedule? 

I moved to Market Drayton last September and saw helping at the Centre a great way to make new friends and pay society back for the many blessings I have had. I was not disappointed. I get to try out various roles here and work with a great bunch of like-minded people.

There are varied ways you can contribute. Helping in the cafeteria, serving or in the kitchen or on the bar at evening events. There are interesting roles too available helping in the box office or ushering at our many and exciting events in the auditorium.

I have a new family of friends here now and would encourage anyone to consider offering some of your spare time and join us. The hours can be tailored to suit your own circumstances 

Drop Robyn or Jodie a line. You will not regret it.

Sue

Coffee Shop, Bar & Front of House Volunteer

I joined the team at the Festival Centre when I arrived in Market Drayton and didn’t know anyone over 6 years ago.

Since then, I have made a lot of good friends and tried a variety of different roles – ushering, coffee shop and bar. I have also undertaken various training – Basic Food Hygiene, fire evacuation etc.

The staff are brilliant, very supportive and encouraging.

I love my Festival Centre family.

Brenda
Coffee Shop, Front of House & Box Office Volunteer

Volunteering at the Festival Centre has been one of the best decisions I have made since retiring.

I once again feel part of a team and part of the Festival Centre ‘Family’.   I have met lots of new people and found everyone helpful and welcoming.  Volunteers come from all walks of life and its

very interesting getting to know them. Helping in the Coffee Shop you meet local people and visitors to the Town and as many come in regularly you soon get to know them.  It is lovely to make them feel welcome.  The Festival Centre is a fantastic community resource for the people of Market Drayton and surrounding areas.  It is a real hub of the town and I am happy to be able to volunteer there.