The Theatre Royal Dumfries has a long association with volunteers - what impact have they had on the venue over the years?

"The Guild of Players is an amateur company that has owned the Theatre Royal Dumfries since 1959. Without the help and dedication of our wonderful team of volunteers we wouldn’t be in the position we are today.  We have recently gone through a massive renovation and the volunteers have helped hugely."

What is the situation today - in what way do volunteers help the venue run?

"Our wonderful team of volunteers help in every possible way but we would love to have more.  Here's how you can get involved:

• Acting
• Directing
• Make-up
• Hair
• Wardrobe/costume
• Set design
• Set construction
• Stage management
• Props and décor
• Prompting
• Light design, rigging and operation
• Sound design and operation
• Back stage crew
• Marketing and PR
• Admin 
• Front of House
• Bar
• Junior group workshops
• Adult acting workshops

We have a very small team of staff and almost everyone you encounter when you visit the Theatre for a show is a volunteer. We’d love to get younger people more involved as volunteers - our Junior Guild is performing Oliver! in September. 

The Guild performs four shows a year and a pantomime; this year’s panto is Sleeping Beauty and will involve many of our Guild and Juniors." 

How can people who would like to get involved find out more?

"Joining the Guild of Players is a great way to meet new people, make new friends and learn new skills.

Tuesdays have become a regular volunteer day (with an excellent lunch for a nominal sum) alongside work nights and rehearsals. Our PR team organises social nights throughout the year ranging from treasure hunts to karaoke in the bar. 

We are always looking for new members and would love you to come and be part of our team. No experience is necessary as we will be more than happy to show you how everything is done. 

We are always looking for new ideas or suggestions as how to improve our organisation so please come and be part of Scotland’s oldest theatre."

To find out more about getting involved, call the Theatre Royal on 01387 254209 or drop them an email at [email protected]