VOLUNTEER FAQs

1. Who can volunteer?
The Santa Barbara Film Festival’s only restriction for volunteers is a minimum age requirement of 18.  If you meet this requirement, you may volunteer for as many shifts as you like.

2. How are volunteers chosen?
All of the volunteer applications and other potential volunteers are forwarded to the Volunteer Manager. Returning volunteers are given priority and the rest are chosen based on availability. Remember the better your availability the better your chances are of getting chosen.

3. How many hours are we required to work?
The SBIFF asks that all volunteers work a minimum of 20 hours. This allows volunteers to get acquainted with their jobs and also qualifies them for a volunteer badge.

4. What do I need to do to volunteer?
All you need to do is fill out the volunteer application on our site.  Once it’s submitted a screen will pop up with the dates of two volunteer meetings. You must attend one of the two to finalize the volunteer process.

5. When and where is the volunteer meeting?
There are two volunteer meetings. One is on January 4th, 2006 and the other is on January 7th, 2006. The times and locations are at the bottom of the page on this link.

6. What happens at the volunteer meetings?
The volunteer meetings are an opportunity for the volunteers to meet not only the Volunteer Manager but the rest of the SBIFF staff. It’s also a chance for volunteers to learn more about the festival and their roles as volunteers.  Volunteers will also get the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about this year’s festival.

7. What is a ‘volunteer badge’?
A volunteer badge is given to all volunteers, and should be worn at all times while volunteering.  It is also what allows volunteers entrance to films and other events.
 
8. What are some of the jobs available to me as a volunteer?
Volunteers are needed most at each of our six theatres.  We have needs for ushers, line monitors, ticket takers, and friendly people to man our merchandise table.  There are also opportunities to volunteer in other areas such as our Welcome Center located in the Hotel Santa Barbara. Or if you are interested in some of the technical aspects of event production or stage management we have opportunities for you to get involved as one of our film techs.

9. What venues are being used this year?
There are six different theatres being used for this year’s festival.  They are:
The Marjorie Luke Theatre
The Metro 4 Theaters
Center Stage Theatre for the Performing Arts
Victoria Hall
The Lobero Theatre
The Arlington Theatre

10.  Who do I report to at the start of each shift?
You should check in with the Theatre Manager at the beginning and end of each shift. If the Theatre Manager is not readily available you should look for either the Volunteer Manager or a Crew Leader that will be assisting the Theatre Manager. 

11.  What is a ‘Crew Leader’?
A Crew Leader is a volunteer that will communicate directly with the Theatre Manager.  The Crew Leader is also someone who will be on hand the majority of the time and will work directly with the Theatre Manager.

12.  How long does a typical shift last?
We try and schedule all of our volunteers for either 4 or 5 hour shifts but we expect our volunteers to be available most of the day in case of any last minute changes.

13.  Can I watch a film during my shift?
Yes. We allow volunteers into screenings if there are seats available, but only once all ticket and pass holders have been admitted, and only with the permission of the Theatre Manager.

14.  What do I wear during my shift?
All volunteers are required to wear their volunteered t-shirt, which will be issued before the festival, and pants.

15.  Where do I park?
The SBIFF does not provide parking for any of its volunteers.  Volunteers are encouraged to arrive early and use one of the many parking structures located in downtown Santa Barbara.