Looking for Community? Find it through Volunteering!

By Quinette Rogers, box office ticketing representative and volunteer programs assistant 

---

Northwest Arkansas is experiencing rapid population growth, drawing new residents from across the country thanks to its vibrant job market, quality of life and access to outdoor recreation. Moving to a new place often comes with the challenge of building social connections and finding a sense of belonging, but with the volunteer opportunities at Walton Arts Center, you can join a community of kind, theater-loving individuals. 

For those passionate about the arts, Walton Arts Center offers a welcoming space to engage with others, give back to the community and support the region’s growing cultural and arts scene. The regional performing arts center serves as both an artistic hub and a community gathering place, making it an ideal space for those looking to become more involved in their new home. Whether assisting patrons as an usher, helping with educational outreach programs or supporting community events, volunteers play a crucial role in making the arts fun and accessible to all. 

Research shows that volunteering fosters social connections and improves mental well-being. A study by the Mayo Clinic found that individuals who volunteer regularly report lower levels of stress and a greater sense of purpose. Additionally, a University of Maryland study indicated that volunteers are 24.4% more likely to develop strong community ties compared to non-volunteers. Engaging in volunteer work at a place like Walton Arts Center not only benefits the organization but also enhances personal fulfillment and a sense of belonging for those who participate. 

Volunteer Appreciation Night / 2024

Volunteering is also an opportunity to become part of something bigger. Volunteers have the chance to meet fellow arts enthusiasts, interact with performers and gain hands-on experience in event coordination and customer service. There are also appreciation events for volunteers, to celebrate all they do for the organization. Many volunteers have shared that their involvement has led to long-lasting friendships, professional networking opportunities and a deeper appreciation for our region.  

Volunteering also strengthens the entire community. By contributing time and effort, volunteers help sustain cultural programs that educate, entertain and bring people of all ages together. From first graders to retirees, the arts unify this diverse community and foster grow, creativity and engagement in Northwest Arkansas.  

Volunteers play a critical role in mission-critical programs – including our Classroom Series which welcomes thousands of local schoolchildren to our venue each year for free – bridging gaps in arts accessibility for underserved populations.  

As Arkansas continues to grow, finding ways to connect through community service is more important than ever. Walton Arts Center offers a unique space where new residents can form lasting relationships while enriching the cultural fabric of the region. Whether you’re passionate about the arts or simply looking for a way to meet new people, volunteering at Walton Arts Center is a rewarding way to become part of the Northwest Arkansas community. 

Interested individuals can click the link below to learn more! 

Five stars for our Fantastic Volunteer Crew

The reviews are in, and our volunteers are the best in Northwest Arkansas!  

Volunteers help with nearly every aspect of the work we do at Walton Arts Center, from taking your tickets and helping you find your seat to stuffing programs into this magazine to helping with administrative tasks and so much more. They provide thousands of hours of service every year and we couldn’t operate without them! In the words of our director of Facilities Tom Debari, volunteers are “the glue of this performing arts center!” 

But you don’t have to take our word for it – here are some stories shared by patrons about our volunteers going above and beyond! 

“My three-year-old son has autism and we went into the theater a few times, but it seemed to upset him so he and I spent most our time outside of the theater,” says Mary Wilson, who attended Bluey’s Big Play with her family. “The volunteers and staff were so kind to us the entire time. Someone showed us to the sensory area, someone brought him pencils and paper to draw on ... they even let him touch the big balloon balls used for the end of the show before they brought them into the theater! He may not have sat through the whole show, but he had a great time thanks to the wonderful ushers and staff. I wanted to reach out with sincere thanks for everyone who worked in the lobby that day – everyone was so kind and so understanding of my son’s needs.” 

“This volunteer at Walton Arts Center, Peggy, did the sweetest thing for me, a total stranger, last night,” says patron Bobbi Austin. “I had to step out during the first act of Mean Girls the Musical to do some over-the-phone-parenting (of which she had to hear every stern word). She reassured me that she was a mom and remembers those days and calmed me down enough to go back in and enjoy the musical. While we talked, she was crocheting something and explained that it was a dishtowel that she gives out to friends and family every year for Christmas. After the play was over, she found me in the crowd and gave me the dishtowel she had been working on during our conversation. It might be the best gift I receive this year – how kind and thoughtful!”  

If you are interested in joining this stellar volunteer team and creating great experiences for patrons, students, teachers, donors and staff, please visit waltonartscenter.org/volunteer. 

And, when you come to see a show during Volunteer Appreciation Month, you can leave your own note of appreciation! All month long in April, you can write down a special thanks or a memory for a volunteer on Post-it and put it on the displays in our lobby.  

Volunteers Building Community Beyond the Theater

There’s an age-old saying in theater: “the show must go on.” We say something similar about our volunteer team: the show can’t go on without them! Our dedicated corps of volunteers are involved in every aspect of the work at Walton Arts Center—helping in the administrative office, box office, the Friends lounge, ushering in the hall and more. The volunteers say that a major perk of volunteering at Walton Arts Center is that it is so much fun!  

Volunteering isn’t all work and no play. There is an incredible sense of community that is established inside and outside of the performance hall, and when asked what they enjoy most about being a volunteer, most will mention friendships with staff, other volunteers and patrons. The volunteer team is a wonderful place to meet other service-minded individuals.  

As a thank you for our volunteers, we dedicate the whole month of April to Volunteer Appreciation Month and host an annual volunteer appreciation night, complete with a party and awards. The fun doesn’t stop there. Just like with volunteering, social activities occur at a variety of times so that everyone can join in and share their skills. We have morning coffee chats, afternoon potlucks, and movie and trivia nights. Our volunteer social outings also take advantage of all our local community has to offer like Lights of the Ozarks, retro arcades, downtown concert nights, and nature hikes. 

To learn more or become a volunteer, please visit waltonartscenter.org/volunteer 

Fun Facts About Our Fantastic Volunteers

At Walton Arts Center, the entire month of April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. This standing ovation is well deserved – our volunteers help us every single day, by welcoming you to the theater, scanning your ticket and helping you find your seat. In addition to working these public performances, volunteers also give their time to support our school shows, special events such as Art of Wine and Masquerade Ball and assist our staff with administrative tasks throughout the year.  

Since July 2023, our volunteers have served over 14,839 hours, scanned over 72,027 tickets and stuffed over 49,000 OnStage magazines with programs for shows. 

You’ve heard it said that “the show must go on.” We say something similar about our volunteers – the show could not go on without them! With 216 total volunteers, there are many fun facts and amazing stories to share as we celebrate our entire volunteer troupe.  

These current volunteers have volunteered for over 25 years each, resulting in over 140 years between the five of them.

Of the volunteer crew,  

• Three have served over 30 years  

• Three have served 25 years  

• Five have served over 20 years  

• 16 have served 15 years  

• 50 have volunteered for five or more years  

• 125 have served five years or less 

Based on a recent survey of our volunteers – you can see there are some definite shared interests and some varied backgrounds: 

• 40 volunteers have visited five or more countries 

• 22 are in the education profession or are currently a student (other professions include healthcare, sales/marketing, public service and Armed Forces and so many more) 

• 39 said their favorite series at Walton Arts Center is the Procter and Gamble Broadway Series (four said 10x10 Arts Series was their favorite)  

• Favorite activities among volunteers include cooking, traveling, gardening, doing puzzles, sewing and painting, playing piano and singing! Several play instruments or participate in community theater, and one volunteer was a magic clown for 30 years! 

• Languages spoken include Spanish, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Russian, French, German and Filipino.  

• 74% of our volunteers live in Washington County, but also include residents of Centerton, Rogers, Bentonville, Lowell, Bella Vista, Siloam Springs, Garfield and Kingston. 

Volunteering is all about working with others for a common cause, and our volunteer corps excels there. But they’ve also done some amazing things on their own including: 

• Participated in a Guinness World Record for “singing ‘YMCA’ in a crowd” 

• Babysat Chicago Bear’s football player Mike Ditka’s four children 

• Became fluent in three languages 

• Helped start the first Big Sisters organization in Wichita, Kansas in the 1970s 

• Survived a hot air balloon accident 

• Met their wife on a bicycle ride from New Orleans to Canada 

• Sailed on the Queen Elizabeth II 

• Visited Rwanda for work twice in the years leading up to the civil war 

• Lived overseas for 27 years 

• Stepped foot on six out of seven continents 

• Drove a car in President Kennedy’s motorcade 

• Rode their bicycle across the U.S. four times 

• Worked as a merchant seaman 

• Ushered for University of Arkansas athletics for 21 years 

• And so much more!  

No matter your background or interests, you can find a fun, rewarding, inspiring place to serve here at Walton Arts Center with our volunteer team. Volunteers surveyed said that their favorite things about being a volunteer are the people they have met through volunteering and getting to see the shows.  

If you see a volunteer – thank them for their service. And if you are looking for a place to plug in – come join the team! 

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Leslie Redmon

At Walton Arts Center, we truly depend on our volunteers on a daily basis – but especially on show days! They greet you when you walk in the door, help you get your ticket at  Will Call, scan your ticket when you go into the theater and help you find your seat. But that’s not all… they assist with educational programs, special events and assist with administrative tasks. We have a dedicated corps of volunteers that are involved in every aspect of the theater, providing thousands of hours of service each year.  

The show couldn’t go on without our volunteers. From all the staff at Walton Arts Center, THANK YOU to each and every volunteer.  

During April, Volunteer Appreciation Month, we will be highlighting a few of the amazing people who help make up our outstanding team of volunteers. 

For Leslie Redmon, local social media guru and mom, volunteering is the best way to see new shows, and to experience what she calls “the perks,” including complimentary tickets and social opportunities.  

Redmon started volunteering in 2022, though she has been coming to see shows here since she was in middle school. Her first Broadway show as a volunteer was Fiddler on the Roof, a show which she has loved since high school. “It was amazing to be in the presence of the amazing cast and crew of a show I already knew,” she said. As a lifelong patron, she loved the atmosphere at Walton Arts Center and knew she wanted to be a part of it. Redmon gets to use her natural people skills to greet patrons and make sure their entire experience is memorable.  

One time, ahead of a shift, Redmon was getting some sushi across the street and started chatting with a cast-member from Bluey’s Big Show. “It was nice to interact with someone from the show and to let them know that we appreciated what they were doing here,” Redmon said. “Especially in what feels like such a small town, volunteering lets you meet so many different people.” She didn’t watch “Bluey” with her kids before meeting the cast member and volunteering during the run – now it is regularly on the TV in their home.  

About volunteering, Redmon says, “Jump in and do it! Sometimes it can be intimidating as a younger person to start something new, but the other volunteers and staff are so welcoming and are so helpful,” she said. “Volunteering is easy, it’s typically during nights, so I can easily do it while my kids are already in bed!”  

Alongside being a mother and a volunteer, Redmon loves to take pottery classes, garden and make videos that go “kinda-viral” on social media. Redmon was a twirler in the band at the University of Arkansas, performing for 80,000 people regularly during football games. She got into theater later in life, but love of the arts runs in her family – her uncle is the saxophone player in Earth, Wind & Fire and author of Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love,” for which he won a Grammy®. Seeing her uncle play at the Walmart AMP was one of her first dates with her now husband.  

The complimentary ticket program, volunteer appreciation night, trivia nights and other social gatherings are just a few “the perks” of volunteering at Walton Arts Center. There is also an incredible sense of community that is established inside and outside of the performance hall, and you can be a part of it! If you are looking to make new friends in a fun, creative environment and to support the arts in your local community, volunteering at Walton Arts Center is a great way to get involved. For more information, please visit waltonartscenter.org/volunteer. 

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Annee Littell

There’s an age-old saying in theater: “the show must go on.” At Walton Arts Center, we say something similar about our volunteer team: the show can’t go on without them! Our dedicated corps of volunteers are involved in every aspect of what we do—helping in the administrative office, box office, the Friends lounge, ushering in the hall and more.  

Our volunteers make a difference not only to the success of our organization and visiting artists, but to our community. Volunteers help create unique experiences for the first-time visitor or the patron that has been with us for our 30-year history (some of our volunteers have been here that long too).  

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month here at Walton Arts Center and over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of the amazing people who help make up our outstanding team of volunteers. 

 Annee Littell has been volunteering at Walton Arts Center for 27 years. “I was here in Fayetteville before Walton Arts Center was ever built. I was thrilled when it came into being and thought, ‘Volunteering will give me a chance to see more art.”  

“When I moved here decades ago, it was just a little college town,” Littell continued, “But it is still that funky place I knew back then. Walton Arts Center has spiffed it up and now people come here to share their art. It is an arts destination! Now, the arts are much more accessible – especially as a volunteer. I get to learn so much about arts and entertainment and I get to see things that I wouldn’t have before.”  

Littell’s favorite memory is using her volunteer complimentary tickets to take her daughter to see Kinky Boots. The complimentary ticket program allows volunteers to work up to receiving tickets to shows that are presented at the venue, and Littell turned their day at the theater into a party, with access to the lounge and a great show to top it off. 

Littell is a lifelong learner, springing from her experience living in Istanbul, Turkey at just 17 years old. Littell was an educator and particularly loves working education shows, where students from schools all across the area come to Walton Arts Center for a field trip, to see a show made just for them. “I love all of the things Walton Arts Center for kids through the educational programs. I was a teacher for years and I know how much those arts experiences change their lives.”  

She volunteers at multiple places across the community, helping at the library, donating her time removing invasive plant species and visiting people in hospice. She also enjoys gardening, knitting and she fosters dogs.  

If you are looking for a way to experience more performing arts or to support the arts in your community, volunteering at Walton Arts Center is a great way to get involved. For more information about volunteering, please visit waltonartscenter.org/volunteer. 

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Ben Walworth

At Walton Arts Center, we truly depend on our volunteers on a daily basis – but especially on show days! They greet you when you walk in the door, help you get your ticket at  Will Call, scan your ticket when you go into the theater and help you find your seat. But that’s not all … they assist with educational programs, special events and with administrative tasks. We have a dedicated corps of volunteers that are involved in every aspect of what we do, providing thousands of hours of service each year.  

The show couldn’t go on without our volunteers. From all the staff at Walton Arts Center, THANK YOU to each and every volunteer.  

During April, Volunteer Appreciation Month, we will be highlighting a few of the amazing people who help make up our outstanding team of volunteers. 

Growing up in Branson, Mo., Ben Walworth’s family loved seeing shows, often driving down to Walton Arts Center to see the latest Broadway hit. Walworth started attending college at the University of Arkansas in August 2020, and with restrictions still in place, it was hard to connect with like-minded people. Now, as a junior marketing major, Walworth has been volunteering at Walton Arts Center for a few years, alongside getting involved in lots of activities on campus.  

“I instantly fell in love with the whole volunteer experience,” Walworth said. His favorite memory is working Hamilton in spring 2022 – he loved meeting different audiences each night.  

“It's really helpful as a college student to get to engage with people outside of the college setting,” he continued. “It has been really cool to get to know all of the volunteers. Lots of them graduated from the University of Arkansas, even from the school of business, and I have been able to get advice and different perspectives from them, all while working alongside them.”  

About volunteering, Walworth says “you should just do it! It is so flexible; you create your own schedule and there are tons of opportunities based on what you enjoy.” His favorite part about volunteering is how welcoming the staff and volunteer team are. 

Outside of volunteering, Walworth loves to read and visit art museums. He has been a lifelong fan of the arts. Walworth plays piano, saxophone and was a drum major during high school. 

If you want to be a part of the behind-the-scenes team that makes performing arts happen, or if you need volunteer hours for a student-run organization, volunteering at Walton Arts Center is a great way to get involved. For more information about volunteering, please visit waltonartscenter.org/volunteer. 

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Jerry and MariAnne Retallick

There’s an age-old saying in theater: “the show must go on.” At Walton Arts Center, we say something similar about our volunteer team: the show can’t go on without them! Our dedicated corps of volunteers are involved in every aspect of what we do—helping in the administrative office, box office, the Friends lounge, ushering in the hall and more.  

Our volunteers make a difference not only to the success of our organization and visiting artists, but to our community. Volunteers help create unique experiences for the first-time visitor or the patron that has been with us for our 30-year history (some of our volunteers have been here that long too).  

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month here at Walton Arts Center and over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of the amazing people who help make up our outstanding team of volunteers.  

Jerry Retallick started volunteering in 2017, following a lifetime of volunteering at arts centers across the world. MariAnne, his wife, started two months after, “because I saw he had such a good time volunteering here!”  

They met in Wisconsin while Jerry was in the Navy. Having previously been on a few double dates together – but, with other people – MariAnne heard where Jerry was stationed, “went to bother him and the rest is history!” The Retallicks have lived in China, Korea, Germany, Canada and throughout the U.S. While living in Europe, Marianne volunteered at the USO.  

“We’ve lived in a number of places, and I would do volunteer work for the local community theaters there,” Jerry said. “So we moved here, I retired, and looked around for something to do in the community. That’s ultimately what led me to Walton Arts Center.”  

Jerry and MariAnne enjoy spending time together though they “don’t very often work on the same side of the hall.” They look forward to catching up in the car afterwards, laughing about all of the things that happened at the shows. Most of all, the Retallicks love to volunteer at Walton Arts Center because of the socialization. “It really is about the group of volunteers and staff that you work with–this is a positive place,” MariAnne continued, “with the patrons too, they leave laughing, having had a great experience.”  

“Volunteering gives you purpose and a way to spend your free time,” MariAnne said.” They also volunteer to pick up trash on highway 127 and help with the annual community spring cleanup. 

Outside of volunteering at Walton Arts Center, the Retallicks live on Beaver Lake, and love to fish, boat, swim and hiking. Their grandkids in Kansas often come to visit.   

If you are looking to make new friends in a fun, creative environment and to support the arts in your local community, volunteering at Walton Arts Center is a great way to get involved. For more information about volunteering, please visit waltonartscenter.org/volunteer.  

We Aren't WAC Without Our Volunteers!

At Walton Arts Center, we truly depend on our volunteers to function on a daily basis – but especially on show days! They greet you when you walk in the door, help you get your ticket at  Will Call, scan your ticket when you go into the theater and help you find your seat. But that’s not all…  

Our volunteers also assist with our educational programs, special events such as Art of Wine and Masquerade Ball and assist with administrative tasks as well. We have a dedicated corps of volunteers that are involved in every aspect of the theater from helping in the administrative office, to box office, concessions and ushering in the hall. The donation of time and talents from our volunteers enables us to fill some key roles, and that helps keeps our overhead low, allowing us to pass those savings on to our patrons.  

Volunteers create their own schedule by signing up online for opportunities that best meet their needs. Shifts are available during the day and at night, as well as weekdays and weekends. We encourage volunteers to try something new or explore more than one area of service. We love seeing volunteers expand their skills and shine in a variety of positions. 

We ask members of our volunteer corps to contribute a minimum of 30 hours per season, which averages to about one volunteer opportunity a month. Volunteers also have the option of joining a more flexible volunteer path with our Volunteer Ambassador Program. This program is ideal for students that need to fulfill a service requirement, corporate employee volunteers or individuals with schedule restrictions.  

All new volunteers will be asked to attend an orientation session before making the decision to join the team. The orientation sessions are designed to inform prospective volunteers about policies and procedures, plus details about opportunities. New volunteers are offered a mix of virtual, hands-on and mentorship training in order to provide the best possible patron experience. Seasoned volunteers will also attend a training session once a year in the summer as a refresher course.  

Every year Walton Arts Center honors our volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Night. During this special evening, awards are given based upon years of service and number of hours. In addition, Walton Arts Center recognizes volunteers throughout the year with a complimentary ticket program, social outings, Volunteer Appreciation Month activities and more. 

Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people in the community or for students to build leadership and job skills. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit waltonartscenter.org/volunteer. Orientation sessions are offered throughout the season so it’s always a good time to apply!  

We Love Our Volunteers!

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we’re here to let you in on a little secret about the Walton Arts Center – the volunteers are show stoppers! 

Our volunteers provide support to virtually every aspect of our operations with thousands of hours of service each year. Even during the height of the pandemic and our limited Intermission Season, we had a team of dedicated volunteers that provided over 2,800 hours of service!  

As our community continues to grow, our volunteers continue to represent a diverse cross-section of the Northwest Arkansas community and speak more than 11 different languages including French, Korean, Vietnamese and Spanish. Though they hail from a variety of backgrounds, they all share a love for the arts and their community. 

Our volunteers make a difference not only to the success of our organization and visiting artists, but to our community. Volunteers help create unique experiences for the first-time visitor or the patron that has been with us for our 30-year history (some of our volunteers have been here that long too).  

From all the staff at Walton Arts Center, THANK YOU to our outstanding team of volunteers.

With April being Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’d like to take a moment to highlight just a few of our amazing volunteers.

Joyce Richards

When did you start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

I began volunteering in 2017.

What drew you to start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

I had attended events and performances at Walton Arts Center for many years and wanted to give back for all the enjoyment I had received over the years.

Why do you like volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

I like being in the building with all the people who work, perform, attend and volunteer there. It’s a good feeling every time I walk in the door.

What is one special memory from your time volunteering at Walton Arts Center?  

I love watching a student group who has never been in the building look around and be amazed at being there. 

Why do you think others should volunteer at Walton Arts Center?

It’s a way to give back for everything Walton Arts Center gives to the  community and you meet lots of great people.

If you could see any show on Broadway, past or present, what would it be?  

Sweeney Todd

What are your hobbies outside of Walton Arts Center?

Outside of WAC I love reading, walking and volunteering at other organizations in Fayetteville.

What are 3 things someone would be surprised to know about you?

I like edgy and dark movies and TV shows. I worked on a Wyoming dude ranch for two summers while in college. I drove a car in a presidential motorcade.  

Barry and Colleen Brown

When did you start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

We started in 2017.

What drew you to start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

It was recommended by fellow volunteers Jeremy Hess and Peggy Treiber.

Why do you like volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

You get to meet interesting people with diverse backgrounds and unique life stories.

What is one special memory from your time volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

We loved meeting several of our former colleagues from the U of A who we hadn't seen in many years. We also love the yearly volunteer parties.

Why do you think others should volunteer at Walton Arts Center?

You should volunteer to meet other likeminded people who are interested in promoting the arts and to see the shows!

If you could see any show on Broadway, past or present, what would it be?

Anything (and everything) Rodgers and Hammerstein - my favorite is South Pacific (favorite song is “Some Enchanted Evening”).

What are your hobbies outside of Walton Arts Center?

We love to travel, cycle, play golf, read and write novels and Colleen loves gardening.

What are 3 things someone would be surprised to know about you?

I was an assistant concert master (violin). I gave it up when I broke a string! I completed medical school at Michigan State University, but decided to forego MD degree and finish my Ph.D. to pursue research. Colleen is a wonderful cook (over 500 recipes rated 9 or 10 and only one rated a 1 that even the dog wouldn't eat).

Shannon Dillard Mitchell                                           

When did you start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

I started around 2013 or 2014.

What drew you to start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

I enjoy live music and theater and appreciated the quality of the performances at Walton Arts Center. 

Why do you like volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

The volunteers at the WAC are really wonderful people and I enjoy connecting with the arts community in NWA.

What is one special memory from your time volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

One of my first volunteer opportunities was for a Roots Festival performance – hearing Jerry Douglas play the dobro live was mesmerizing!

Why do you think others should volunteer at Walton Arts Center?

 We are a fun crew!

If you could see any show on Broadway, past or present, what would it be?

To Kill a Mockingbird with Jeff Daniels – but I am thrilled that the play is coming to the WAC in 2023!

What are your hobbies outside of Walton Arts Center?

I love hiking and travel – usually to visit museums or something art-related – and I am learning how to fly-fish.

What are 3 things someone would be surprised to know about you?

I am an accredited art appraiser (since 2008!). I walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain… (but not all 500 miles!). And, I performed in community theater musicals (as a dancer!) when I lived in Santa Fe.

Marc Villalva

When did you start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?  

This is my first season. I started in October 2021 with Come From Away.

What drew you to start volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

I saw a social media ad about it, the same day I volunteered for our company’s COVID clinic. It was a sign.

Why do you like volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

The staff and other volunteers are really friendly.

What is one special memory from your time volunteering at Walton Arts Center?

Just tonight, after scanning someone’s ticket, she asked if I’ll be performing and told me I look like one of the cast. It must have been the face mask I was wearing!

Why do you think others should volunteer at Walton Arts Center?

You can't go wrong volunteering for the performing arts!

If you could see any show on Broadway, past or present, what would it be?

The original casts of Wicked or Hamilton.

What are your hobbies outside of Walton Arts Center?

I got my first houseplant when we started working from home because of the pandemic, now I have a jungle.

What are 3 things someone would be surprised to know about you?

Lots of people assume I am Latino, but I was born and raised in the Philippines. Northwest Arkansas is the first US region I stayed in, and it’s totally different than how the US is portrayed in the movies. There are a lot of cows here. Also, I’m very shy in person.

Five Reasons to Volunteer at WAC

We’re looking for people to join our team of dedicated volunteers! Jessica Temple, volunteer programs assistant, shares more about the program in this guest post.

There’s an age-old saying in theater: “the show must go on.” At Walton Arts Center, we say something similar about our volunteer team: the show can’t go on without them! We have a dedicated corps of volunteers that are involved in every aspect of the WAC—helping in the administrative office, box office, concessions, ushering in the hall and more. What is it about WAC that keeps this team engaged and keeps them coming back to volunteer? We asked and according to our volunteers, it’s the people, patrons, volunteers, shows and fun. We think you might agree that these are great reasons to volunteer with us too! 

Volunteers work closely with WAC staff

Volunteers at Walton Arts Center get to interact with a variety of people behind the scenes and during performances. Volunteers work alongside staff and crew at Walton Arts Center before performances to stuff and deliver programs, greet vendors, decorate, and set up for special events. At performances they provide excellent customer service to our patrons.

Volunteers are central to patron experience

For the volunteers at Walton Arts Center, the patron experience is the top priority. Volunteers are the first and last people patrons see when arriving at and departing from a performance! Our volunteers love interacting with our patrons and ensuring that they have the best possible experience. They make this a priority for patrons of all ages whether it’s helping students at education shows get to and from buses or scanning tickets for a family attending a Broadway performance. 

Volunteer relationships turn into friendships

The volunteer team is a great place to meet other service-minded individuals. Friendships are formed and socializing occurs as our volunteers work alongside each other in a supportive and creative environment.  

Volunteer perks include social activities

Volunteering isn’t all work and no play. There is an incredible sense of community that is established inside and outside of the performance hall. We host a variety of social activities like game nights, happy hours and potlucks for our volunteers! 

Volunteers are part of the show!

All of our volunteers share a common interest in support the visual and performing arts for our community. Our volunteers help us bring a variety of world class entertainment to the area and our volunteers are a vital part of that process.  

To sign up to receive more information about volunteering at WAC, create a volunteer profile by clicking below!

Walton Arts Center Celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Month

Our volunteers are a diverse group of people who use their time, talents and skills to support Walton Arts Center’s mission of bringing inspiring arts programs to Northwest Arkansas. Without their dedication to our community and the performing arts, Walton Arts Center could not provide the high-quality programming it does year-round. For Volunteer Appreciation Month, we want to highlight just a few of the amazing people who make everything we do at WAC possible.

Fernanda Kanashiro

Fernanda began volunteering at WAC in August 2018 after moving to Fayetteville from Brazil earlier that year. Because she wasn’t able to work, Fernanda was looking for ways to engage with the community. While she was studying English at Ozark Literacy Council, she learned about the opportunity to support the arts by volunteering at WAC and has been doing so ever since. Fernanda enjoys working with the kind staff and volunteer team, meeting new people and enjoying shows.

Fernanda’s favorite part of volunteering is working on educational programming for children. She said, “I love to see their reactions as they laugh, sing, clap and are amazed by the new world they discover.”

Denise & Curtis are on the far left dressed as Eddie & Magenta

Denise May & Curtis Hendricks

Denise May and Curtis Hendricks were looking for a way to give back to the community and support the arts when they retired after teaching overseas for 26 years. After seeing a few shows at WAC and being impressed by the quality of the performances, they decided to volunteer. They said, “If someone loves the arts and has time on their hands, volunteering at WAC is a very fulfilling experience.”

Denise and Curtis love to dress up in costumes. So, when they got to work as ushers for Rocky Horror Picture Show, they dressed for the part. Seeing the smiles of patrons as they helped them throughout the show is one of their favorite memories at WAC.

While it was a difficult choice, Denise and Curtis agree that Les Misérables is their favorite Broadway show they have seen at WAC. They are both excited that Hamilton is coming in 2022.

Hali McMillan

After hearing about her friend’s positive experience, Hali McMillan decided to start volunteering at WAC and worked her first show in February 2018. Hali loves helping people as they get to experience live performances. She said, “The service patrons receive impacts the way they feel about the entire experience, and everyone deserves to have a positive, comfortable and memorable experience when engaging in the performing arts!”

Hali would encourage other people to volunteer because of the friendly atmosphere at WAC. She says that volunteering allows her to meet people with similar interests and that she always leaves with a good feeling for having done something productive and fun in her spare time.

Richard Gerety

Newly retired and new to Fayetteville, Richard Gerety was looking for ways to connect with the community, meet new people and find structure. He found all of this and more when he started volunteering at WAC.

Richard believes that giving back to the community, either through donations of money or time, is important. He said, “I’ve lived all over the Southeast of our country and what we have here in NWA is very special.”

Volunteering at WAC, allows Richard to play a role in helping to enrich NWA by making performing arts accessible to the community.

Chidam Iyer

Chidam Iyer has been a volunteer at WAC since September 2018. While volunteering, he enjoys making friends almost as much as the scrumptious cakes he sometimes gets to enjoy from other volunteers. (Several of the bakers in the volunteer corps make cakes during our multi-day shows to keep them energized. You have to be a volunteer to experience it!) Recently, Chidam enjoyed the opportunity to be the on-stage usher for Once on this Island and he loved getting to see the show from a different perspective.

Chidam encourages others to volunteer if they are looking for a way to make new friends, get to know people who a different than them and experience quality performing arts.

Want to volunteer? Click here to learn more!