It’s easy when discussing volunteering with a group like the Oxford Theatre Guild to put the limelight on those members of their productions that are, well . . . in the limelight.

And often tempting, in the midst of the excitement of live theatre, to wonder where the ‘work’ part comes in for the volunteer workers. But, like so many things, a tremendous amount of effort goes in under the surface to achieve the appearance of effortlessness.

The commitment that goes into arranging, directing, designing, building, costuming, and managing on-the-night an outdoor performance for a two-week run — such as the Oxford Theatre Guild’s production of Much Ado About Nothing in mid-July — makes it all the more remarkable that each and every person, in both cast and crew, are volunteering their time and skills towards the effort. Not to mention that the Guild members — school teachers, hospital administrators and PhD students, to name but a few — have already begun organising, casting, and recruiting volunteers for two further productions this year. From the ushers and stagehands that work to make a performance run smoothly, to the hours of work undertaken in advance by the production manager or the set builders, there’s much engaging, creative, volunteer work to be done even for those who’d rather not be in the spotlight themselves.

Whether it’s a lifelong passion (as it is for one actor who has been performing with Oxford Theatre Guild for 41 years), or a chance to gain experience before setting out on a career in the theatre (like one alumnus who recently completed a stint on the stage management crew for Warhorse at the National Theatre), whatever your talents or interest you can get involved.The Oxford Theatre Guild would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining the front of house team for their upcoming shows. They are also recruiting crews for their autumn shows of The Government Inspector, October 24-27 at The North Wall Arts Centre, and Henry VI, December 8-15 at The Theatre at The Old Fire Station.

Get in touch with joanna.matthews@ oxfordtheatreguild.com to find out more.

Tickets for Much Ado About Nothing, July 10-21 in Trinity College Gardens, are on sale from www.ticketsoxford.com