Volunteeronomics: Fun With Numbers!

Hi. I’m Stuart! I moved to Charlotte a little over 5 years ago, and I am entering my 6^th season as a TC volunteer. I have worked backstage or in the booth for 12 shows… and you may have seen me onstage in Walking Across Egypt (Dodson Clark), Little Shop of Horrors (Mushnik), A Christmas Carol (Fezziwig and others) and The Full Monty (Dave); and I will soon be seen as Horton the Elephant in Seussical!

A lot has been said and written recently about the state of our economy and its effects on the arts. It’s no big surprise that arts organizations in Charlotte and the surrounding communities (Theatre Charlotte included) have taken a big hit as people’s discretionary income has decreased and other funding sources have dried up. The funding by the ASC, corporations, patrons, and the theatre-going public is of vital importance… but I want to take some time to stress the importance of the volunteer to the success of Theatre Charlotte.

I have a degree in statistics, so when asked to guest blog, I knew immediately that I wanted to put my day job to use! So, let’s crunch some numbers, shall we?

The 6 shows this year will require, at a minimum, 83 actors, 18 techies, 360 ushers, and 180 concessions people. Let’s look at a breakdown of the hours to cover these volunteer positions…

· 83 actors * 12 hours a week * 6 weeks = 5,976 hours (not an exact science :) )

· 3 techies per production * 6 shows * 12 hours a week* 3 weeks = 648 hours

· 6 ushers * 60 performances * 2 hours per performance = 720 hours

· 3 concessions people * 60 performances * 2 hours per performance = 360 hours

· Other misc. hours – 5 hour work day per production * 15 volunteers * 6 shows = 450 hours

· GRAND TOTAL = 8,154 hours (and counting)!

Over 8,000 hours at the bare minimum! And that’s not even considering the countless other hours put in by the board of directors and volunteers to plan and coordinate other events throughout the year.

Needless to say, if TC paid for these hours it would be crippling to the budget. Just paying the minimum wage alone would cost the theatre over $59K!

Theatre Charlotte is “Charlotte’s Community Theatre”. It is “for the community… by the community”. While the organization relies on the monetary contributions of many… it cannot exist without its community of volunteers. The importance of the volunteer can never be understated or exaggerated. So, if you’re interested in helping out your community theatre but may not have the means to contribute financially … please remember that your time and effort is just as important (and as appreciated)!

So, come. Entertain. Build. Paint. Pour. Guide. Organize. Have fun. “Charlotte’s Community Theatre” needs you…