All the World's A Stage

Articles from Boomer Magazine in Richmond, VA

   “If it weren’t for our volunteers, we’d have to close our doors.” Those words are being repeated over and over again across the Richmond area as our bleak economy drags on. Tight budgets and dwindling donations have become standard fare for nonprofits, but so has the saving grace of volunteers. And it’s the smallest nonprofits that are feeling the greatest relief when the phone rings and a volunteer is on the other end.
   “We simply could not operate without volunteers” — that’s the simple message from Lisa Kotula, volunteer coordinator for the Firehouse Theatre Project. The theater group operates in a 101-year-old former Richmond firehouse on Broad Street. “We have a very small budget. It’s very important to have volunteer set builders and ticket takers.”
   The Firehouse Theatre Project puts on four shows a season, with 14 performances per show. Each show needs a new set, which means lots of hammering, drilling and painting. All done by volunteers. “I used a power tool for the first time this season. A drill. It was very rewarding … quite an accomplishment. I put in new theater seats, and I now like to sit where I worked,” reveals Kotula.
   Altogether, Kotula estimates that 200 regular volunteers bring the Firehouse Theatre Project’s annual productions to life. In addition to set building, every performance requires ticket takers, ushers and bartenders. Kotula says volunteers have different backgrounds. The only similarity: “a desire to pitch in.”
   The Firehouse Theatre Project has a large volunteer base, but, as Kotula says, “We’re always seeking new volunteers. You can apply anytime.” The theater’s youngest volunteer is 15. In fact, the Firehouse Theatre Project really likes young people to help out. “Students often bring along a parent to drop them off, and we get two volunteers for one! It’s a great thing,” gushes Kotula.
   The Firehouse Theatre Project, at 1609 W. Broad St., is preparing for its next production, Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake), which runs Feb. 25 through March 20. Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll runs April 15 to May 8.
   To become a Firehouse Theatre Project volunteer, visit www.firehousetheatre.org or drop Kotula an e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
   I saw the theater group’s last performance, This Is How It Goes, and I promise you cannot go wrong as a volunteer or patron. Enjoy!

Lisa Schaffner, a former WRIC-TV anchor, is public relations director for UNOS. Contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .