Prescott Center for the Arts Creates Myriad Learning Opportunities Through Volunteerism

By Tara Fort

For many, volunteering fulfills that special calling to showcase and offer personal gifts and skills to those who need them. And, for the people who spearhead volunteer efforts at Prescott Center for the Arts (PCA), providing education through their various roles only adds and enhances the volunteer experience.

Barbara Wills, a volunteer since 2004 and current member of the Visual Arts Committee that manages the aspects of the PCA Gallery and Gift Shop, said, “Volunteering in the Gallery allows people to step ‘behind the scenes’ in all aspects of the juried Gallery shows—not just in a single area.  It’s a great way for artists and art lovers new to the quad-cities to meet with others who have the same interests and learn about the bigger picture of Gallery operation.”

Jeannen Calvin, who started volunteering in the Costuming Department for the stage show South Pacific in 2016 said, “Helping out in the costuming area where I work really gives someone the chance to learn new textile skills and be creative with fashion. They also receive the experience of learning about stage theater needs, such as film production needs or street theater needs, both of which influence design and outcome.”

“Volunteers in the set design area can learn practical skills like basic carpentry, painting, stagecraft and design,” said Ed Gates, who started volunteering with PCA in 2012, and is now involved with Set Design and Stage Construction. “Opportunities are endless as a volunteer in an organization like PCA because once involved, the volunteer works closely with all the aspects of the production team.”

Sylvia Ximi first became involved in PCA as an assistant for the instructors and directors of the PCA’s Youth Summer Programming in 2017. She enjoyed it so much, she then became one of the instructors.  Sylvia is now the In-house Graphic and Web designer for PCA, and said, “The graphics for a show or event have to communicate the essence of the event to the audience so the audience is propelled to learn more before they even realize it! Those who volunteer in this area learn how to communicate with others by stretching the imagination and creativity in a way to entice viewers to focus on continuing their support for PCA.”  Ximi adds that staff themselves can also learning through volunteering in other departments. She states, “I have had to learn sound design and running the sound board or light board, and I’ve had the chance to contribute to projection designs or prop designs.”

PCA Director, Robyn Allen, said, “Volunteering at PCA provides more than just filling time with one or two duties.  All our our creatives love educating their volunteers about their departments and what they will gain in life by doing so. PCA has always loved educating others through our efforts and performances, and we are so grateful that we have many volunteers who support our mission.”

To find out more about PCA, visit: https://www.pca-az.net/.  To find out more about auditions taking place throughout the year visit https://www.pca-az.net/season/auditions, or email the box office at [email protected] to be put on the audition notification email list.