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Volunteering Group

SSF

SCRANTON
SHAKESPEARE
FESTIVAL
Free ticket program

Keeping theatre accessible, together.

FREE TICKET VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

At Scranton Shakespeare Festival, we believe that theatre should be for everyone. Since our founding, we’ve proudly offered free tickets to our summer productions as part of our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community service.

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However, like many arts organizations across the country, we are facing serious financial challenges. With federal arts funding being reduced, fewer or waning locally available grants, and rising production costs, our ability to sustain fully free performances has become impossible without significant public support.

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To continue providing world-class theatre in Scranton without compromising quality, we are making a necessary change: free tickets will no longer be available for our musical performances.

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Instead, we’re launching the Free Ticket Program, designed to preserve access for those who need it most — and who are willing to support the Festival in return.

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What is the Free Ticket Program?

The Free Ticket Program allows audience members to earn tickets through volunteer work. If you are unable to afford a ticket, you can apply to join the program. If accepted, you’ll complete volunteer hours to earn free ticket vouchers.

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How It Works:

  • For every 4 hours of volunteer service, you will receive one free ticket voucher.

  • Volunteer hours are calculated at a rate of 1 hour per $5 of ticket value.

  • You can accumulate hours over time or complete them all at once.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online application form, letting us know why you’re applying and what skills or interests you bring.

  2. Wait for review, you’ll be notified if you’ve been accepted into the program.

  3. If accepted, you’ll be assigned a brief orientation/training session and matched with volunteer duties based on your availability and interests.

  4. Ready to go?! Apply here.

 

Important:

  • Applications must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance of the performance date you want to attend.

  • Acceptance is not guaranteed and depends on availability and program capacity.

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What Can You Volunteer For?

We welcome help from all skill levels and backgrounds! Some of the volunteer roles include:

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  • Front of House: ushering, greeting patrons, assisting with selling merchandise or tickets

  • Production Support: set construction, painting, costume sewing or repairs

  • Facilities Support: theatre and backstage maintenance (plumbing, electrical, general repair)

  • Administrative Help: distributing flyers, assisting with mailings, organizing supplies

 

Don't worry, we’ll match you with a task that fits your comfort level and availability.

Who Is Eligble to Apply?

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

  • All participants must be legally allowed to volunteer in the United States.

  • The program is intended for individuals requesting tickets for personal use, not for groups or organizations.

  • Acceptance is based on program capacity, availability, skills, and scheduling compatibility.

Why We're Doing This...

This program is not only about offering an alternative to paid tickets — it's about building a community. We are facing a funding crisis, and public support is the only way forward. Every hour of volunteer work helps reduce our operating costs and keeps the Festival alive. Your time and energy directly sustain our mission.

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We remain deeply committed to accessibility, and the Free Ticket Program is one way we can adapt to survive without losing that commitment.

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  • Can I choose what kind of volunteer work I do?
    When applying, you'll have the chance to tell us your skills and preferences. We’ll try to match you with suitable roles such as ushering, set construction, costume work, or facility maintenance. However, assignments depend on availability and Festival needs.
  • Is everyone who applies guaranteed a spot in the program?
    Unfortunately, not at this moment. Space in the program is limited due to its being a new initiative, but will be ramped up in the future. Acceptance depends on volunteer needs, scheduling, capacity, and how far in advance you apply. We’ll review each application and notify you if you’re accepted, along with next steps and training info.
  • How do I earn a free ticket through this program?
    To earn a free ticket, you must complete 4 hours of volunteer work with the Festival. Volunteer time is calculated at a rate of 1 hour per $5, so after 4 hours, you'll earn a voucher for one free $20 ticket. You can accumulate hours over time or all at once.
  • Can I volunteer the day of the show to earn a ticket for that night?
    No, you must complete your volunteer hours at least one week before the performance you want to attend. We recommend applying as far in advance as possible (at least 3 weeks in advance) to allow time for scheduling, orientation, and volunteer work.
  • Can minors volunteer?
    Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. We cannot accept unaccompanied minors for any volunteer work, regardless of interest or availability.
  • Do I have to volunteer every time I want a ticket?
    Not necessarily, but we hope you'll stick around! While the program allows you to volunteer in exchange for individual tickets (and save them up!), our greatest need is for dedicated volunteers who want to be part of the Festival long-term. Volunteers who stay involved often find a strong sense of community, gain valuable experience, and become an essential part of our team. If you love theatre and want to support the arts in Scranton, we’d love to have you with us beyond just one show.
  • I'm a writer from outside the US, do I need to travel to Scranton in 2021 if I win?"
    No. If your play is picked as the 2021 Scratch Night winner, we will produce your play without needing your presence in the US. If you'd like to come visit us at the festival to see your show in action, however, you're more than welcome to!
  • I'm represented as a writer, can I apply?"
    Yes. As long as you are able to give us the sole permission to use your script for Scratch Night and the performances at Scranton Shakes, should it be picked, there is no problem for you to apply.
  • My script is not about theme of "Ghosts", can I still apply?"
    We'd prefer that our scripts have at least an underlying theme of ghosts, though it's important to point out is doesn't have to be the classic person under a white sheet!!
  • Why is there a fee to apply for Scranton Scratch Night?
    We charge a minimal fee of $5 to help pay for our wonderful script readers and ensure that we have the time and resources to give you feedback on your submission.
  • Will I be able to perform in Scranton Shakes’ other shows?
    There may be potential opportunities for students to be considered for roles in Scranton Shakes’ mainstage productions. Please indicate your interest in your application. This additional opportunity is not included in the Youth Ensemble programming and is completely optional/separate. Students will be cast at the discretion of the director for that show just like any other professional production.
  • What if I can’t afford the tuition fee?
    Accessible theatre is one of the founding purposes of Scranton Shakespeare Festival. If you are in need of a scholarship to cover the cost of this program, please note in your application that you are interested in being considered. Only a limited amount of scholarships are available. At this time, we regret that we are only able to provide scholarships for our high school programming.
  • I'm unfamiliar with Shakespeare and don't think I would like it. Why should I perform it?
    Hear what our students have to say about performing Shakespeare!
  • What is the time commitment of this program?
    Please visit each individual program page for specific time commitments. The basic schedule of Youth Ensemble middle school and high school acting programs is M-F 10am-5pm. Schedules are subject to change. Orchestra and Designer programs' schedules are subject to change based on the availability of the designers, students, and the production schedule.
  • Who is eligible to apply for the Scranton Shakes Youth Ensemble?
    Please see individual program breakdowns above for specific age requirements to participate in the Youth Ensemble's programs.
  • Do I need experience in theatre to participate?
    Students ages 10-15 who are passionate about learning the foundational and introductory practices to theatre are encouraged to apply for our Youth Ensemble Foundations program. This week long program introduces students to basic concepts, and is perfect for someone who can't commit to the full summer. The Youth Ensemble program is built for high schoolers ages 14-19. This program is open for students willing to commit to a full-length pre-professional production process who are looking to expand their practice. Students are encouraged to also audition for one or both of our productions. This program is audition-based and will cast based on talent and skill level. Youth Orchestra instrumentalists should be proficient in their instrument enough to perform an entire musical theatre score. Youth Designers need not have prior experience to participate.
  • Is Panto suitable for the whole family?
    Yes! There are jokes aplenty for every member of the family.
  • I want to nominate one of my students to apply. Can I do that?
    We encourage all teachers and administrators to fill out our student nomination form linked above, which will prompt students to receive a message that they have been nominated by a faculty/staff member from their school.
  • Can I request an informational session for my students and I to learn more?
    Yes! Please fill out our informational session request form linked above and we will be happy to set up either a Zoom or in person meeting to talk more about our program with your students.
  • How can my school district sponsor my student(s) tuition?
    Of course! Thank you for your donation. Please coordinate with Lizzie Gumula at lgumula@scrantonshakes.com.
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