Thalian Hall volunteer opportunities: How to get involved in Wilmington's arts scene

When audiences arrive at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Wilmington, they are often greeted by a smiling volunteer, guided to their seats by an usher, or helped by someone scanning tickets at the door. These volunteers are the heartbeat of the oldest continuously operating theatre in the country. 

Sean Gallagher, Thalian’s house manager and volunteer coordinator, oversees a volunteer corps that is remarkably larger than some bigger markets. “I have a core of about a hundred really active volunteers,” he says. “And an overall list of about 300.” Those volunteers fill a variety of roles, including ushers, ticket scanners, concession workers, concierge greeters, and historic tour guides. Their work not only shapes the visitor’s experience, it’s essential for Thalian’s function.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Volunteers are the backbone of Wilmington's arts venues, helping preserve cultural institutions while creating meaningful community connections.
• The details: Thalian Hall's 300 volunteers serve as ushers, ticket scanners, greeters, concession workers and tour guides, keeping performances running smoothly.
• Why it matters: Volunteering supports local arts, combats isolation, builds friendships and creates a strong support network for participants and patrons alike.
• The more you know: Beyond Thalian Hall, volunteers are also needed at the Wilson Center, Cameron Art Museum and UNCW Office of the Arts.

“Arts do not sustain themselves without help," Gallagher says. "That help comes in the form of financial contributions or government assistance such as grants, but a lot of that help comes from people. Volunteers absolutely make this place run.”

For volunteer Mark Levy, the decision to get involved came shortly after moving to Wilmington three years ago. Invited to a performance at Thalian Hall, he was immediately captivated by both the building and its atmosphere. “I just thought the vibe here was fantastic,” Levy says. “The theater itself, the history – I’m a bit of a history nut myself. Just walking into that theater, it’s awe-inspiring.”

While volunteers enjoy perks such as seeing performances when space allows, both Gallagher and Levy emphasize that the biggest rewards are social. Volunteers interact with people of all ages and backgrounds. “If you’re a social person, this is a great opportunity,” Levy says.

Although many volunteers are retirees – a reflection of Wilmington’s status as a retirement destination – Thalian welcomes a diverse range of participants. Volunteers begin with an orientation and onboarding process that pairs them with experienced team members during slower events. This training helps ensure they feel comfortable while maintaining Thalian’s welcoming atmosphere.

Beyond supporting the arts, the volunteer program serves a deeper community purpose. Gallagher says one of the most meaningful aspects of the program is the support network it creates.  

“Some of our best volunteers have had spouses pass away while volunteering, providing not just support, but also a distraction has helped several volunteers,” he says. In some cases, the close-knit community has gone beyond friendship. Gallagher recalls instances when volunteers were missed at scheduled shifts, prompting calls to check on them – efforts that led to discovering someone had fallen at home. “Everyone wants to help each other,” Gallagher says. “And that’s really important to me.” 

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Find a venue

Click on the links below to read more about some of Wilmington's entertainment and arts venues that offer volunteer programs:

Thalian Hall: 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington

Learn more online or email Sean Gallagher at [email protected].

Wilson Center: 703 North 3rd Street, Wilmington

From usher, ticket scanner, hospitality host, and more, there are many roles to play on show night at the Wilson Center. 

Cameron Art Museum: 3201 S. 17th Street, Wilmington

Gain exposure to the day-to-day life of a major regional art museum and contribute valuable visitor services to a nonprofit institution. Learn more online, email [email protected], or download a volunteer application. 

UNCW Office of the Arts

UNCW's Office of Arts organizes volunteers for Kenan Auditorium, Beckwith Recital Hall, Mainstage Theatre, and SRO Theatre. Explore more online and contact Abigail Beck, operations manager, with any questions.