WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH THE POWER OF THEATRE?
Whether you’re helping out at workshops, supporting live shows, or pitching in behind the scenes, you’re helping young people shine- and that’s huge.
Join a crew of creative, passionate folks who care about community, storytelling, and making things happen.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Be part of the creative process and support young artists as they grow! Workshop Assistant Volunteers help our Teaching Artists during theatre arts workshops, offering hands-on support while building meaningful connections with students. Experience with youth is a plus.
What You’ll Do:
- Assist Teaching Artists with setup, facilitation, and breakdown at Conservatory, Residency, and/or Alumni workshops.
- Engage with students by participating in activities and encouraging involvement
- Support administrative tasks such as survey collection and documentation
- Provide help during student performances as needed
Ideal For:
- Individuals who are passionate about working with youth, enthusiastic about theatre and storytelling, and eager to contribute to a supportive, create learning space.
Time Commitment:
- For Residency and Conservatory volunteers:
- Must be available for a 7 – 12 week commitment
- On-site support 1-2 times per week for 3 hour sessions, depending on the site schedule
- For Alumni Program Volunteers:
- 5-hour shifts on select weekends of the year
To qualify, volunteers will need to complete:
- Sexual Harassment training
- Mandated reporter
- TB test
- Live Scan fingerprinting
This is an unpaid, volunteer role with The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company. Please email volunteers@theunusualsuspects.org with any questions.
Help us create unforgettable experiences for our students – while enjoying free access to top-tier theatre productions! Field Trip Assistant Volunteers support our staff and Teaching Artists during student outings to live performances. Volunteers available for multiple trips will receive priority placement.
Past field trips have included:
Hamilton, Wicked, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Pantages); The Piano Lesson, A Christmas Carol (A Noise Within); Cirque du Soleli’s Kooza and Echo; American Contemporary Ballet’s The Nutcracker Suite; and Annie (Dolby Theatre).
What You’ll Do:
- Assist with student check-in and check-out
- Keep track of student headcounts during the trip
- Help set up and clean up as needed
- Watch and enjoy the show alongside students!
Ideal For:
- Responsible, enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy working with youth and are excited about live theatre. Great for those looking to make a positive impact while experiencing world-class performances.
Time Commitment:
- Must be available for the full duration of field trip (approximately 6 hours)
- Field trip dates will be shared once you’ve completed volunteer requirements and have been cleared to participate.
To qualify, volunteers will need to complete:
- Sexual Harassment training
- Mandated reporter
- TB test
- Live Scan fingerprinting
This is an unpaid, volunteer role with The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company. Please email volunteers@theunusualsuspects.org with any questions.
Join the team behind the scenes and help bring student performances to life! Production Support Volunteers assist with the technical and operational aspects of our shows – from lighting and sound to wardrobe and front-of-house support. No prior experience is required – we’ll teach you everything you need to know.
What You’ll Do:
- Support technical elements such as lighting, sound, set changes, and costumes quick changes
- Assist with hair and makeup, load-in, and tear-down
- Serve as run crew during performances
- Help with front-of-house duties like ushering and audience setup
- Ability to lift 50lbs is a plus but not required.
Ideal For:
- Reliable, hands-on individuals interested in learning or expanding their technical theatre skills. Great for those who enjoy working behind the scenes in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Team Commitment:
- Opportunities available each year between March-May and November-December
- Must be available for 3-5 tech rehearsals (3 hours each) if supporting technical elements
- Must attend all scheduled performances
- Dates will be shared with cleared volunteers closer to prep and showtime
To qualify, volunteers will need to complete:
- Sexual Harassment training
- Mandated reporter
- TB test
- Live Scan fingerprinting
This is an unpaid, volunteer role with The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company. Please email volunteers@theunusualsuspects.org with any questions.
Play a key role in making our special events shine! Event Support Volunteers help bring energy, organization, and a welcoming atmosphere to our fundraising events, community gatherings, and annual gala. Whether behind the scenes or on the floor, you’ll help create meaningful experiences for our guests and supporters.
What You’ll Do:
- Assist with event setup and breakdown (decor, signage, seating, etc.)
- Greet guests, check RSVPs, and support registration or check-in tables
- Help guide guests, answer questions, or assist with wayfinding
- Provide support during activities such as auctions, raffles, or performances
- Represent The Unusual Suspects with professionalism and warmth
Ideal For:
- Friendly, dependable individuals who enjoy fast-paced environments and being part of a collaborative team. Great for those with an interest in events, hospitality, or nonprofit work.
Time Commitment:
- Opportunities are occasional and event-based, including evenings and weekends
- Shifts typically range from 3-6 hours, depending on event needs
- Event details and shifts will be shared with cleared volunteers in advance
This is an unpaid, volunteer role with The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company. Please email volunteers@theunusualsuspects.org with any questions.
Help us spread the word! Outreach Support Volunteers play a role in connecting our programs with the community by assisting with flyering, distributing materials, and helping fulfill mailers. Your support helps ensure more youth, families, and partners hear about our work and get involved.
What You’ll Do:
- Distribute flyers and outreach materials to local schools, libraries, and community centers
- Assist with assembling and mailing promotional packets or program materials
- Help organize and restock outreach supplies
- Support other community engagement tasks as needed
Ideal For:
- Organized, detail-oriented individuals who enjoy hands-on work and engaging with the public. Great for those who want to support behind the scenes and contribute to community-building efforts.
Time Commitment:
- Flexible schedule’ shifts available on weekdays based on outreach needs
- Most shifts range from 2-4 hours
- Opportunities will be shared with cleared volunteers as they arise
This is an unpaid, volunteer role with The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company. Please email volunteers@theunusualsuspects.org with any questions.
Help us capture the magic of our programs! We’re looking for Photography Volunteers to document student productions, rehearsals, and behind-the-scenes moments. Your photos will be used to celebrate our participants, share our story with the community, and promote future programs.
What You’ll Do:
- Photograph student productions. rehearsals, and events
- Edit and organize images for use across digital and print platforms
- Work with staff to identify key moments and visual needs
Ideal For:
- Creative individuals with a passion for storytelling, experience in event photography, and comfort working in dynamic, youth-centered environments.
Time Commitment:
- Flexible, with assignments scheduled based on production calendars and your availability.
Interested? Send your portfolio to volunteers@theunusualsuspects.org
Help bring our student productions to life through videos! We’re seeking Videography and/or Video Editing Volunteers to document performances, rehearsals, and community events – and shape that footage into compelling content that celebrates our students’ work and amplifies our mission.
What You’ll Do:
- Film student productions, rehearsals, or interviews as needed
- Edit footage into highlight reels, promotional content, or documentation for internal use
- Collaborate with staff to ensure the final product aligns with program goals and storytelling needs
Ideal For:
- Volunteers with experience filming live events, editing narrative or documentary style video, and working in collaborative, youth-focused settings.
- Familiarity with editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve is a plus.
Time Commitment:
- Flexible based on production schedules and post-production timelines. Volunteers can support one-time events or ongoing projects.
Interested? Send your portfolio to volunteers@theunusualsuspects.org
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The Development Research Intern will assist the Advancement Department staff with completing a comprehensive research report on the Unusual Suspects’ current funding streams, prospective donors, and new trends/innovations in fundraising and philanthropy. The project will gather data and reveal anecdotes that help uncover the current motivations and barriers within our communities of support. Must currently be enrolled as an undergraduate and a resident of Los Angeles County to qualify.
The Bilingual Program Coordinator will support the Programs Department by serving as a key liaison between Teaching Artists, partners sites, and on-site staff. This role is responsible for providing daily on-site support at workshop locations across Los Angeles County, ensuring smooth communication and coordination. The Bilingual Program Coordinator will assist with day-to-day program administration, including maintaining and assessing program data, and supporting outreach efforts for workshops and events. Must be bilingual (English and Spanish) and have access to reliable transportation.
Teaching Artist (TA) lead programming in our schools and after-school hours, community centers, youth detention centers, parks, and other sites. TAs play a critical role in the success of our programs, taking on a variety of responsibilities within our programming including; facilitator, mentor, coach, actor and teacher.
