The Shaw Guild is an organization of more than 300 individuals who share a common belief in the power of theatre to create real human connections. As an all-volunteer group, they donate over 12,000 hours each year to support the Shaw Festival. Their varied interests and skills provide the expertise and enthusiasm required for almost any project.\u00a0 They are true ambassadors.<\/p>\n
Generally, the Shaw Guild\u2019s efforts fall into two categories: hands-on support and fundraising activities.<\/p>\n
Hands-on support, primarily in and around the theatres, includes a Guild volunteer providing a warm welcome to the theatre, which is usually the first person-to-person encounter for a patron with the Shaw. Volunteers greet outside, host and scan tickets at the doors, and assist with Festival outreach programs such as backstage tours and Continue the Conversation. You\u2019ll also find them maintaining and enhancing the Festival\u2019s gardens, and delivering Shaw booklets to merchants on Queen Street.<\/p>\n
Annual fundraising events, such as the Shaw Guild Garden Tour, and Sip, Savour & Stroll, donate proceeds to support Shaw Festival productions, such as A Christmas Carol<\/em>, the Shaw Guild Endowment Fund and other programs.<\/p>\n The Shaw Festival appreciates and recognizes the Guild for its valuable support. Volunteers stay connected and engaged through special backstage activities, social gatherings, and educational events that explain the inner workings of the Shaw Festival. They are invited to preview sets in their construction phase, attend talks by Directors and Designers, watch a dress rehearsal and observe a \u201cset changeover\u201d. Those who greet or host often have the opportunity to stay and see the performance for a modest contribution which helps cover Guild operating costs.<\/p>\n