Volunteer Sign-Up
The KFS depends on volunteers from the community to help with screenings. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please sign up for our weekly volunteer newsletter.
Volunteer Duties
Volunteers can sit in on the movie of their choosing, and get a free small drink and small popcorn as a thank you for their hard work. Volunteers are divided into two groups: Theatre Ushers, and Concession. On occassion we may call for additional volunteers in case of poor weather, busier events, or to sell raffle tickets.
Theatre Usher Volunteers:
These volunteers will be stationed near their respective theatres checking tickets. Generally, Theatre Usher Volunteer duties include:
- Scanning ticket codes with provided device.
- Checking tickets and names from the guest list provided by the staff.
- Handing out pamphlets and flyers as needed.
- Closing the theatre doors as the pre-film show begins.
- Opening the theatre doors as the credits begin.
Volunteers can leave their posts to watch the film once it has begun. While in the theatre watching the film, all volunteers are also asked to watch out for illicit recording. After the film has ended and patrons are leaving, volunteers are asked to go through the theatre to pick up drink containers, candy wrappers and popcorn bags.
Concession Volunteers:
These volunteers will work behind the concession counter with theatre staff. It is a good idea to not wear especially nice clothing as it gets quite messy behind the counter, especially the popcorn area. Closed-toed shoes are mandatory. Generally, Concession Volunteer duties include:
- Buttering popcorn
- Dispensing drinks
- Sweeping the lobby of spilled popcorn.
Volunteers can leave their posts to watch the film once it has begun. While in the theatre watching the film, volunteers are also asked to watch out for illicit recording. After the film has ended and patrons are leaving, volunteers are asked to go through the theatre to pick up drink containers, candy wrappers and popcorn bags.
Note: Volunteers may be moved around to different positions as needed by theatre staff.
Shift Cancellation Policy
If you cannot make your shift, please call (236) 425-3456 to let a staff member know so they can try to fill your position.
Repeated lateness, cancellations or no-shows are unacceptable as we depend on our volunteers for the smooth operation of our screenings and events.
Signup for the Volunteer Newsletter
We will send out a newsletter with event updates and volunteer shift requests.
FAQ
What time should I arrive?
The start times are mentioned in every volunteering slot, and if you sign up for a slot on SignUpGenius (the website we use for volunteer shifts), it is expected that you arrive ready to hit the road at the specified time. The doors may be locked when you arrive, so please knock on the door or ring the doorbell, and one of us will let you in.
Do I need to sign anything?
Yes, on your first shift, you will be given a ‘Volunteer Agreement’ providing information about The Kamloops Film Society and your role as a volunteer. You’ll need to sign the back and return it to us. We would also like to have an emergency contact for you on our records. After that quick paperwork, you’ll be given a brief tour and an overview of the position you signed up for.
What should I wear?
We don’t have a dress code at The Paramount currently, so wear what you’d like on a movie night! Please make sure to wear closed-toed shoes, regardless of the volunteer duties you sign up for. Due to the dynamic nature of our work, it’s nice to have the flexibility of assigning tasks to volunteers. You’ll be required to wear an apron during your shift, which will be provided to you on-site.
How easy/hard are the shifts?
This question is best answered by other volunteers, but we’d like to think they’re pretty easy. The concession can get busy, but it can also be quite fun if you enjoy making popcorn and hanging out with staff behind the counter. We like to think we are fun people to hang out with. Ushering is a more relaxed position where you get to greet patrons and check off their names as they arrive. You’ll also need to help the staff clean the theatre after the screening.
What are the perks?
Other than being able to watch the show you sign up for free, every volunteer gets a small popcorn and a small drink (or a bottle of water). If you work at the concession, you also receive a ticket voucher, which you can use for a future screening or give away to a friend or family.
Do I need to sign up for anything to see the shifts?
We use SignUpGenius for all our shift sign-ups. When you use the link, you’ll be asked to create a login to sign up for shifts. If you’ve already created one in the past, your computer should log you in automatically when you follow the link. If not, you’ll have to sign in again when you submit your sign-ups. Make sure to write down your login information somewhere safe and convenient.
What is the minimum age for volunteering at The KFS?
Anyone over 15 years can volunteer with us. Events serving alcohol will require 19+.