imago dei community
The Hollywood Theatre, a project of Film Action Oregon, is a predominantly volunteer run nonprofit looking for people that want to make a difference by helping to serve concessions in their cozy lobby while chatting about their favorite films and batting around obscure pop culture references. Theatre volunteers have helped to save over $300,000 in staffing costs since the Theatre's re-opening in 1997. This money helps keep tickets affordable, fund restoration efforts, film workshops for teens, and various initiatives to support emerging filmmakers. To learn more about Film Action Oregon and the Hollywood Theatre Project visit www.filmaction.org.
"Once a fortnight, I don a
lanyard proclaiming myself a volunteer and get ready for a night of scooping
popcorn, promoting candy and assorted drinks, and asking the age old question
of 'Would you like buttery flavored topping on that?'. Sure, sweeping up
popcorn and sorting recycling may not sound as glamorous as stating that I work
at the Hollywood Theatre, but it's all in the experience -- not in the actions.
Popcorn. Need I say more? The smell of freshly popped popcorn wafting through the theatre is just enough that people buy it on the way out to take home. The last time I worked a gal came in just to buy popcorn for her dinner, she wasn't even there to see a movie.
People. I'm an extroverted introvert. Almost every shift I work is with someone different and the lull between films is a great time to have conversations with the people working that night. I find out all sorts of interesting things, even get new recipes, in just a short three hour shift. It's the interactions with people outside of my daily sphere of reference that I find most appealing.
Film. Sure, I could be on the email list and see all sorts of interesting movies/documentaries come and go. But I'm more likely to actually go if I interact with people excited to see it, especially if they stop by after and tell me how they liked it. The movies they show are a great mix of obscure, old, cult, documentary, indie, and some current. Not too many theatres in town will show a movie just because they think people should see it as opposed to banking on how much revenue it will bring in. The free passes help too. "
(Amber Elstad: Imago Dei Volunteer at the Hollywood)
The Hollywood Needs:
Ushers
Volunteers to work the concession stands
Help with large scale maintenance work from time to time
Occasional Graphic Design or Photography Assisstance
Voluntary help with admin. and secretarial needs
For more on volunteer opportunities at the Theatre please contact our Imago Representative at the Hollywood, Mari Yeckel: mari.yeckel@gmail.com
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