The brilliant New Vic ‘Vols’ are a really important and valued part of the New Vic team. They share our love of theatre and generously give their time to support our performances front-of-house, offering a warm welcome and helping hand to ensure audiences have a great experience whenever they visit.
In 2019, their dedication and passion was reflected when they deservedly received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, equivalent to an MBE. We have Vols of all ages, some who live on our doorstep and some from further afield, some who are couples, some who are quite new and some who have been with us for over 20 years! They all work together and help make the New Vic an amazing place.
To mark Volunteers’ Week, which runs from 1 to 7 June, we wanted to say a big thank you to all our Vols past and present. We are so pleased to have you as a part of the New Vic team. We also asked some of them to take a moment to reflect on what volunteering at the New Vic means to them, and here’s some of the things they said…
“I decided to volunteer at the New Vic to help myself gain confidence and public speaking skills, as well as broadening my thoughts about the theatre industry – hoping to find inspiration about potential creative career paths or just broaden my creativity. I love seeing how everything is organised and put together and how they work in the theatre in-the-round. Volunteering has meant the world to me over the past year, it is something I always look forward to every week, seeing the other vols and members of the theatre. I feel like it has done so much for my mental health as well, it always gives me a real sense of joy. One of the things I enjoy the most is the social aspect of volunteering, I love seeing all the other vols every week, and catching up about what is going on. Everyone is so lovely and kind, there is a real community within the volunteers. I have gained a passion for the theatre volunteering here and more confidence within myself and I have met a great group of people!”
Eliza
“I’ve been a volunteer at the New Vic for nearly 17 years. I must enjoy it if I’m still happy to regularly go along to volunteer after all these years! I’ve met new friends, spoken to so many lovely people, learnt a lot about the life of a theatre and been able to mix with folk of all ages. Actively being busy is good for my health and wellbeing, and this is one of my favourite retirement activities. Volunteering for me is also a way of supporting a theatre I love. Being a volunteer at the New Vic enriches my life.”
Pam
“I attended many productions [at the New Vic] and thoroughly enjoyed the unique experience. When I retired, I felt I would like to give something back, applied to be a volunteer, was successful and I have never regretted my decision. The New Vic Theatre is special with its friendly and intimate atmosphere which gets under your skin, and you find you can’t give it up. Volunteering has given me many more friends and acquaintances both with fellow volunteers and the regular theatre goers.”
Kath
“Kathleen had been accepted as a volunteer and not wanting to be left out I joined her. Volunteering has become so much of a way of life for us that we don’t know what to do when there is no show. Over the years we have become acquainted with a great group of volunteers, regular audience members and regular cast members.”
Bryan