Volunteer
Volunteering
We don't have to help -- we get to help!
As a public school with budgetary constraints, less than 2% of our financial support comes from the district. We manage the rest through fundraisers, ticket sales, program advertisements, raffles, concession sales and outside contributions. Yet our productions are favorably compared to community theatre and college-level performances, giving San Mateo High School students the opportunity to benefit from a challenging, award-winning program that is the envy of public and private high schools alike.
Booster volunteers are critical to the success of the drama program. And this can be some of the most fun and memorable time you'll spend with your kids while they are in high school. To be a volunteer, you do not need to have any special talents or skills. Opportunities range from ushering at performances, ad sales to local businesses, to painting (with a roller or detail brush) — plus 20 other job descriptions that help us make San Mateo High School productions truly outstanding. The success of SMHS Drama productions is dependent on parent volunteer support, we have many opportunities throughout the year. Please read our brief job descriptions below and click on the volunteer button so we can contact you throughout the year when volunteer opportunities that meet your interests arise. If you have any questions reach out to any of our board members
Set Construction & Strike
The build and strike team members work alongside student crew members and other parent volunteers to ensure that all set pieces and furniture are ready for production by tech week. There will be specific build dates on the schedule and it is expected that build team members will be present for most of those build dates. The strike team will need to be present for strike immediately following the closing of the show. Build and strike team members should feel comfortable using drills and other power tools.
Props
The props team members are responsible for finding and creating all props needed for the production. They will work from a props list which is created by the Stage Manager and Props Lead and ensure that all props are organized and ready for production by tech week. This role can typically be completed on a flexible schedule, though the props team will need to complete their work by a designated date.
Costumes, Hair & Makeup
The costume team members report are responsible for assisting with costume needs for the production. They will work from a costume list which is created by the Stage Manager and Costume Lead and ensure that all costumes are organized and ready for production by tech week. Ideally, costume team members have some experience sewing and/or crafting, though it is NOT required. While most of the work can be done from home and on your own time, costume team members might be asked to attend rehearsals and help with cleaning costumes after strike.
Publicity
The publicity team is responsible for publicizing the activities, accomplishments, and projects of the Drama/Theatre department, the Drama Booster organization and its members. They are also responsible for ensuring that all events are photographed and publicized.
Box Office/Ticketing
The Box Office lead and the Ticketing team are responsible for all ticket sales. The Box Office lead regularly checks the ticketing Gmail account and responds to all ticket enquiries. The Box Office lead will also assemble a team to work in the Box Office for each show. Finally, the lead will work with the community outreach efforts to get groups tickets as needed.
Concessions/Telegrams
Concessions and Telegrams team members are needed to help with setting up, selling before shows and during intermissions, and cleaning up. The volunteers will be made up of both general membership and parents of students in the shows. Families are asked to donate food concession items to be sold at the shows. The concessions lead ensures there are enough items to sell for each show, and the telegrams lead does the same for flowers.
Ushers
Ushers are asked to arrive 45 minutes before the show to go over the procedure. They answer questions from patrons, check tickets, and distribute programs. After the show the ushers collect any leftover programs, to recycle any that can be reused. They will also clear the theater and pick up any trash.
Strike and Tech Dinner
“Tech week” is the week, including the weekend, before the show. Saturday’s rehearsal is typically 12 hours, with a break for dinner. A parent lead is needed to plan and purchase the food for the dinner and coordinate with other volunteers to set up and clean up. A parent lead is also needed to plan and purchase the food for the dinner after strike and coordinate with other volunteers to set up and clean up.