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Volunteering
Great Performances. Great People. Give the gift of time!
Our volunteers play an important role at The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust by providing support and leadership for our programs, projects and activities. Comprised of people of all ages and backgrounds, our corps of volunteers works to strengthen community awareness and public appreciation for the Trust, contribute to its financial strength, and provide vital support services to its staff.
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in supporting the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. To complete your Volunteer Application Form online, you will be directed to a new site powered by Better Impact, where you can create or log into an existing account.
Are you a student looking to volunteer? Check out our Beyond the Stage student volunteer program!
Volunteer FAQs
Minimum age requirement is 16 years of age. There is no maximum age limit, although we ask that you be mindful of the physical requirements of volunteering.
Volunteers must be able to stand for extended periods of time, especially during the portions of the shift when guests enter, exit, and otherwise navigate the venue (intermission, etc.) You must also be comfortable navigating slightly sloped passageways and steps in dimly lit or dark spaces of the theater.
Each event is very different, but a typical shift is between 4-6 hours. You will see the start and approximate end times very clearly in the online portal before signing up for a shift.
We ask that every volunteer do at least 75 hours in a calendar year to remain an active volunteer in the program. New volunteers must complete 25 hours within the first 90 days after their orientation.
We ask that you provide a white button-down long sleeve dress shirt, black dress pants, fully black shoes, and black socks. The Trust will provide you with a black vest and a basic black bowtie.
Outdoor events are casual attire, or an event T-shirt may be provided.
In-depth uniform requirements will be covered at the orientation.
We have many opportunities year-round to volunteer.
Theater opportunities include events at the Benedum Theater, Byham Theater, Greer Cabaret Theater, or Liberty Magic.
We do NOT offer opportunities at Heinz Hall or the O’Reilly Theater through this program.
Other opportunities include the Three Rivers Arts Festival, First Night Festival, Gallery Crawls, helping with Tours of our venues, and other miscellaneous events.
The volunteer function varies depending on the show and whether it is an indoors or outdoors event, but our volunteers handle various guest-facing tasks such as scanning tickets, greeting patrons, taking patrons to their seat, coat check room support, and donor lounge support.
Scheduling is flexible! You pick and choose your own shifts. All our scheduling is done through an online portal that is very easy to use.
Because there are so many different events that you can sign up for, people from all walks of life (students, working, retired, etc.) are able to make it work due to the flexible scheduling.
Once every quarter. Each one is on a Saturday from 9am-5pm at the Benedum or Byham theaters.
Please note that not all applicants are accepted. After applying, you will receive an email prompting you to take a short quiz about this FAQ section. After that, you will be prompted to reach out and schedule a 15-20 min phone screening interview. If you pass these steps, you will be invited to attend the next orientation.
If you’ve got your uniform components ready, you are welcome to start signing up to volunteer! (Please see the question above for uniform requirements. The vest will be provided at your first volunteering shift after your orientation).
Your first 90 days will be a “shadowing” period, where you will be paired up with another volunteer to learn the ropes at any shift you attend.
No. You will have to be there for the entirety of the orientation to be eligible for the program. The reason for the long orientation is that we are preparing you for so many volunteering opportunities in our Cultural District.
We provide parking validation in the Theater Square Parking garage for any volunteering shift or training that you participate in.
Currently, we do not have any short-term or “day of service” volunteering opportunities available. Please contact the Volunteer Services and Front of House Guest Experience department for more information (rieser@trustarts.org).
It is a fun, fast-paced, team-driven environment where you interact with guests and make sure they are having magical experiences!
Have them apply at trustarts.org/volunteer. Everyone must individually do an application, FAQ quiz, phone call, and attend an orientation to be eligible to volunteer.
They can email vthomas@trustarts.org if they have any questions!
Volunteers are responsible for creating magical guest experiences for our patrons. The main function of the volunteer program is to share a love of the arts with our guests and create an environment where they want to return time and again. With this focus in mind, volunteers do not get to see the entirety of a performance. An opportunity to watch portions of the events must be balanced with the primary responsibility of ensuring that guests' needs are met and given priority.
Volunteer Mission Statement
Our priority is to help others enjoy the beautiful gift of art by creating a warm atmosphere and unforgettable experiences that excite and attract diverse audiences again and again to our venues and festivals. The Cultural Trust’s community of volunteers supports and cultivates an environment where all feel welcome to enjoy performing, visual, and public art.
Volunteer Vision Statement
We will provide a professional, first in-class guest experience for every visitor. Our volunteers and the outstanding service they provide to the community will be one of the many reasons people continue to frequent Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.
Through a more inclusive group of volunteers, we will strive to connect with all persons by creating a place where both volunteers and guests feel comfortable, accepted, and valued. We aspire to provide all with a fulfilling and gratifying experience in the arts.
Our volunteers will promote a strong sense of pride, community awareness, and public appreciation for the Cultural Trust by creating and enhancing relationships both within the Cultural District and beyond.
Volunteer Values
We believe...
- the arts should be accessible and enjoyable for all.
- volunteers are an important reflection of diversity within our Cultural Trust family, where all are welcome.
- in excellence and the commitment to high standards for superior guest service.
- in respect, empathy, dignity, and trust in our interactions with all.
- that through an appreciation of the arts and culture, people have the power to enrich their lives and improve the quality of life for others within the community.
Opportunities
Volunteers may participate in a broad spectrum of programs and activities depending on their interests and flexible options accommodate each volunteer's personal schedule. Daytime or evening, weekday, or weekend. There's often an activity to fit any schedule.
Volunteers may participate in activities in the following areas:
- Performance Support
- Festival Support
- Children’s Activities Support
- Gallery Attendant Program
- Docent Program
- Programmatic-specific Support, including assisting with various departmental needs
Giving is Rewarding. Becoming a volunteer makes you a part of theTrust family. As you share your talents and interests with fellow volunteers, you also learn more about the inner workings of the theater, its programs, and its role in the community.
Some of the other benefits include tickets to performances and an invitation to volunteer recognition celebrations.
Latest Good News
Check out some recent highlights from the Volunteer Services newsletter — Good News — which shares highlights and stories from throughout the Trust's volunteer family.
Fraggle Rock
Some of our volunteers hanging out with the stars of the show!
Iliza: The Get Ready VIP Event
We could not have done the VIP event without these fabulous volunteers tonight! Diana coordinated the event with the volunteers!
Congrats to Ruthie Fox!
During our volunteer meeting we had the privilege of presenting Ruthie Fox with a medallion award and Circles lounge gift certificate as she was honored for the most number of hours volunteered in 2024!
Volunteer Movie Night at the Harris
Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy our social gathering at the Harris Theater! We had treats, a special guest, and watched the movie White Christmas together!
Benedum Decoration
Yesterday, we decorated the Benedum for the Holidays!
A special thanks to volunteers Deb Blackburn, Rebecca Chembars, Susan Dusch, Denise Filippino, Ruthie Fox, Susan Gordon, Mary Jane Praniewicz, and Rosanee Rodgers for helping to setup decorations.
This year we even added a few more wreaths, garlands, and trees!
Welcome, New Volunteers!
This past Saturday we officially welcomed in over 60 new volunteers into our program, including 30 new Beyond the Stage volunteers!
Dia de los Muertos
Deb Blackburn - October 21 there were ten of us volunteering for Dia de los Muertos activities and we spent the morning making bright tissue paper flowers, gluing ribbons and tiny clothespin's to monarch butterflies of different sizes (to write names of the deceased on and hung on the ofrenda at the Happy Hour,) plus fluffing long strings of marigolds that arrive compressed. We all enjoyed creating different colored/sized flowers, with the smaller to be attached to sugar skulls on another day. According to Mexican belief Monarch butterflies are said to be the souls of the dead.
Patron Survey Remarks
“Loved the show. Staff was excellent including handling what appeared to be a medical issue with a guest during the performance.”
“All the staff & volunteers were very cordial & helpful! Great show!”
“Justin [Blain] is amazing front door greeter. He always greets me with a welcome and smile.”
"Your facility was lovely. Your employees were so nice and helpful. It was super easy to get into the building."
Inventory Shoutout
A shoutout to Deb Blackburn, Kim Janocko, and BTS volunteers Carola, Amayla, Abigail, and Camille for coming in to help make name tags for the new volunteers!
November 8 – Beauty and the Beast – Denise Filippino
I had the pleasure of working with 4 Beyond the Stage students. Amelia, Madison, Jean & Sam. These young ladies were very professional & friendly with the patrons. They engaged very well with everyone, & asked questions if they were unsure. They have bright futures ahead of them. What a joy to have bright, energetic, students to be a part of our family! Great job girls!
November 16 – Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan – David Balint
I asked Volunteer Wayfinder Daniel Kerr to be positioned halfway up the slope at the Byham for the dance show on Saturday 11/16. He went above and beyond what needed to be done. He spoke almost non-stop welcoming patrons and offering directions with a smile. Well done, Dan. I discovered he's also a math wiz as he demonstrated to me and ticket scanners Paulette Sadowski, Barb Murdick, and Kim Pfadt. You could tell he enjoyed what he was doing.
October 15 - Front of House Training
We had a great training with the majority of the Front of House team present! Ashley led the teambuilding exercises and orchestrated a very fascinating scavenger hunt for the staff to complete!
September 21 – CLO Shirley Jones Celebration – Mary Levine
September 12 – Hamilton – Janet Schock
Hooray for Hamilton!
Volunteer Appreciation Party 23-24
Beyond the Stage - Year 3 – Vinay Thomas
I am thrilled to share that recently I returned to CAPA to recruit additional students to the Beyond the Stage program. Several have already applied, and these new volunteers will be onboarded into our program this fall! Best of all, I had current students in the program speak of their experiences to the other students, creating a leadership opportunity for them.
August 10, 2024 – Idina Menzel – Dave Swoager
The five volunteer experiences I've had so far have confirmed to me that I've made the right decision to join all of you.
August 1, 2024 – Chandelier Event – Alex Blue
We had a great turnout this evening. Everyone was so excited to see the chandeliers getting cleaned and be able to walk around the stage. A big thank you to the ambassadors Justin Blain and Amanda Rice for assisting us by directing people where to go for the stage. Also, a big thank you to the ushers who helped me on stage throughout the event helping patrons. Thank you everyone. What a great evening with great teamwork!
Seussical the Musical– Photo by Jonathan Nadle
Looks like some of our fabulous FOH and volunteers have agreed to join the cast of Seussical!
July 25, 2024 – Betterblock – Denise Morelli
Spent the day with one of my mentees, Krystal Marshall, painting at The Backyard. Krystal recently moved from Georgia with her parents and decided to join PCT to meet people. If you happen to see Krystal be sure to welcome her to Pittsburgh and ‘the PCT family’.
July 13, 2024 – Brad Williams – Connie O'Connor
New Volunteers!
June 6, 2024 – Three Rivers Arts Festival – Denise Morelli
Not only does Susan Gordon go above and beyond by providing a sweet start to events with her notorious Candy Bag, but she also added the extra touch at the TRAF booth sitting. Notice the booth owner’s dog in this picture. Her dog sitting business came in handy in providing professional knowledge adding to the PCT magical experience.
2024 Children's Theater Festival – a success!
Beyond the Stage – Awards Ceremony
We successfully wrapped up year 2 of the Beyond the Stage volunteer program with an awards ceremony. Special thanks to Hayley Haldeman who attended and spoke with the students!
Special shout out goes to Madison who was the most active student for the second year in a row! She had 75 hours this year and received an Outstanding Act of Volunteer Service (OAVS) medallion!
This academic year, we had 37 people in the program participate, and they totaled 1150.24 hours volunteering! That averages out to about 31 hours per student!
BTS volunteers participated in over 45 different shows throughout the year!
They volunteered at many different locations!: Benedum, Byham, Greer Cabaret, Liberty Magic, Gallery Crawl, Children's Theater Festival, JazzLive, Three Rivers Arts Festival, First Night Festival, Artist Car Workshop
April 30, 2024 – Hayley Haldeman Ticket Scanning
Hayley, the Cultural Trust's Chief Administrative Officer, scanned tickets during the April 30 Jesus Christ Superstar shift!
April 30, 2024 – The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson – Marilyn Egan (Pittsburgh Opera's Director of Education)
I was impressed with the FOH staff and security at the Byham last night. Greg, Goia, and Caleb went out of their way to help patrons with visual impairments get through security, ticket scanning, and move up the LONG ramp at the Byham. Don Sivavec, House Manager, was also helpful with wheelchair use on the ramp AND in the theater. Some of our patrons have multiple disabilities and the PCT staff has been caring and helpful to them in so many ways.
April 24, 2024 – Harris Theater Rent screening
Thank you to the 80 volunteers that came to the Harris Theater to watch RENT! We hope everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed the tasty popcorn, prizes, and camaraderie!
April 19, 2024 – Greer post-show event – Kathy Griffin
April 19, 2024 – Company – Paul Armbruster
On the Friday, April 19, performance of Company I experienced something in all my fourteen years as an usher plus two years as a manager, that I never experienced before. I was standing at Mezzanine house left when a young man came up to me and said, “My wife is immunosuppressed and where we are sitting there are a lot of people around us. Would it be possible for us to move where there are less people?” Fortunately for them the Mezzanine and Balcony levels did have many empty seats that night. I replied, “I can move you into this row (pointing at row K."
I felt compelled to talk to the couple so I moved into the empty row and while leaving a seat between us I asked the girl, “Are you a recipient?” She replied that she was a heart recipient. I said to them, “I am a recipient as well. I had a liver transplant and this coming October 5th will be 22 years since my transplant!” Their eyes opened wide with amazement. She informed me that it is almost one year since her transplant operation. We briefly talked about transplantation then I left them to enjoy the show. However, I felt, and I think that she felt as well, an immediate and unique bond between us. It was the first time I met a patron who was a fellow recipient.
I know that after such a serious operation how it’s natural to have a fear that something still may go wrong. However, I hope that I was able to provide her with some inspiration that her future would be bright. As they passed me on their way out after the show the young man extended his hand and as we shook hands, I wished them “Good luck!” Although they were both wearing masks, I could clearly see that they were both smiling from ear to ear. Maybe, just maybe, I made a difference that night.
April 13, 2024 – Dog Man the Musical – note from a Patron
My family and I visited the Byham Theater yesterday, April 13th for the DogMan Musical with my 8-year-old son who is an AVID DogMan fan, and we just wanted to let you all know about the absolutely FANTASTIC time we had! We often use Kulture City sensory bags when we visit PNC Park, so when my son learned that they were offered at the theater, he was thrilled. From the moment we entered, though, the staff was phenomenal - friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating - fabulous all around! This was our first visit to this theater, but rest assured we will return! Thank you so much for a great experience! My son had the night of his life, and we enjoyed watching him have a blast.
April 13, 2024 – Barb Mills
I was in the ladies room leaving @ the Opera Brown Bag recital, & I overhead a random patron waiting in the long line. 'When I go to the Benedum, the ushers there are so nice & do a great job of moving the Ladies Room line along'. I said Thank You on behalf of the Cultural Trust Staff; she had no idea I am an usher! My heart smiled.
April 11, 2024 – Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me! – Laura Kubicki
I want to give a huge shout-out to the "Dream Team" of six volunteers on the Mezzanine Level during the Thursday, 04/11 performance of Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me! Kudos to Judy Cunningham, Denise Filipino, Linda Cwynar, Carol Yurechko, Sandra Deforno, and Kim Weismann. These fantastic ushers worked extremely well together - a true team effort! Judy, Denise, Linda, and Carol seated patrons quite efficiently and with great enthusiasm. Kim and Sandra were Directors and stationed outside each Mezzanine door. They welcomed each guest, checked their tickets, and accurately directed patrons onto the Mezzanine level or up to the Balcony level. This teamwork was very much appreciated by a sold-out theater of patrons.