Every year, when The Washington Center for the Performing Arts wraps up its season in June, they hold a volunteer recognition reception to appreciate the hard work all the volunteers have given throughout the past year. At the event, they present the Al Rynties Volunteer Excellence Award to one individual that stands out among the others. With so many enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, selecting just one isn’t easy, so after open nominations, the decision is put to a vote.
This year, the award was presented to Martin Eussen. Martin put in over 400 hours, volunteering at 121 events during the 2017-2018 season. To put that in perspective, he was present for over half of the events put on at The Washington Center.
The Washington Center’s volunteer group is a diverse number of individuals from all around our community, who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and skills. While most volunteer work takes the form of ushering and selling concessions, Nani Bisset, event services coordinator for The Washington Center, says volunteers often find the opportunity to put their special skills to use. From carpentry to health care, there are many ways that volunteers have contributed over the past 35 years.
Recently, at an Olympia Junior Program event, a chaperone from one of the attending schools had a medical emergency. Nani went into action, following The Washington Center’s emergency protocol, contacting 911. “Standing right there next to me was a volunteer, who also happened to be a retired physician, “ says Nani “I was so grateful to have him there, giving me reassurance that I was making the best decisions in a timely manner.”
Volunteering at The Washington Center is not usually so eventful, but it is a lot of fun. Maureen Sullivan has volunteered for the past six years. “It’s really an upbeat place,” she says, “and the offerings are so varied – music, dance and so many wonderful shows.”
Last year’s Al Rynties Award recipient, Kat Will, only volunteered at The Center for three seasons. During her second volunteer season, Kat set a goal to volunteer 150 hours, and surprised herself when she exceeded her goal, surpassing 200 hours. Kat often volunteers greeting people coming in the front door “I love being the first face our guests see and welcoming them to the center,” she says. Kat also helps patrons access assistive listening devices, which makes the Washington Center accessible to individuals with limited hearing.
Chad Carpenter, director of event services, wants people to know how important and valued The Washington Center volunteers are to the local arts community. “Without volunteers, we wouldn’t be here,” says Chad. “They are this organization.” He points out that the Washington Center has 13 full time staff and about 50 part time staff, but over 300 volunteers. There is no us and them, he explains, we are all one team. Volunteers have given over 7,835 hours of their time this season alone.
There are some great benefits to volunteering with The Washington Center. First and foremost, there’s the wonderful support it provides for the arts in our community. The Washington Center is home to many local artistic partners, and the venue offers them a place to showcase their varied talents.
Additionally, The Washington Center volunteers create their own community. With 187 core volunteers, who give at least 20 hours throughout the season, many of them develop great friendships. And even a marriage has resulted when two people met volunteering there.
On top of those perks, The Washington Center volunteers have the opportunity to view many of the shows. Nani estimates that most volunteers are able view between 80 and 90 percent of the performance, since most of the work volunteers perform occurs before and after the event and during intermission. Additionally, once a volunteer has accumulated 20 hours of volunteering in a season, they receive a voucher for a free show.
Volunteering at The Center is easy. First, volunteers go online and fill out and submit a simple profile. Then, they attend a training session that is held at least once a month. Finally, they use the simple online program to view and sign up for volunteer opportunities at The Washington Center.
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is located 512 Washington St SE in downtown Olympia. To reach them by phone, call 360-753-8585.
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