Granada Theatre Volunteer Ambassador Program Accepting Applications

The Granada Theatre is now accepting applications for its Volunteer Ambassador Program. Created in 2008 after the renovation of The Granada Theatre was complete, the program boasts over 125 volunteers who work as ambassadors for the theater with the community, and serve an important role in delivering the best possible guest experience for every performance. The Ambassador Program will hold an orientation on Tuesday, September 19 at 6:30pm at the Granada Theatre (1214 State St.). Interested applicants are encouraged to fill out applications (available on the Granada Theatre's website here), and are required to attend the orientation and theatre tour training in order to become a Granada Volunteer Ambassador.

"It is only through the concerted effort of all the various Granada Theatre staff - from the backstage and front of house, to facilities, and all the administrative departments - in conjunction with a robust and best-in-class contingent of volunteers, that we can fulfill our role as the premiere theater destination in Santa Barbara, and deliver an audience experience unlike any other in the Central Coast region," shared Craig Springer, President and CEO of the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts.
Volunteer Ambassadors at The Granada Theater play a key role in helping to shape the overall patron theater experience.

Ambassadors facilitate the efficient, professional and safe movement of ticket holders from the street to their seats in a manner that enhances each patron's enjoyment of the performance they are attending. Volunteers take pride in providing outstanding customer service and maintaining the highest level of service to the theatre community. Their mission is to be gracious, welcoming and focused on the patron, all to enhance the theatre experience for their guests.

"I've volunteered for the Granada for over 10 years, since before the renovation," shared Jean Nell, who is 95 years old, and The Granada Theatre's longest-serving Volunteer Ambassador. "After the renovation, I became an Ambassador. I get to stand by the stairs and hand out the programs, so I see many of the same patrons all the time - it's nice to see the familiar faces! The Santa Barbara Symphony is my favorite to hear, and I always volunteer for the Vienna Boys Choir and the Nutcracker during the holidays!"

"I grew up coming to see performances at The Granada Theatre, and it's always been such a special experience and a great place to hear music. Participating in the ambassador program is a really unique way to get involved with The Granada Theatre, and an incredible opportunity to see the various performances in a whole new way, while helping out the theater and my community at the same time!" shared Nick Mata, age 18.

Jean's advice to aspiring ambassadors? "You must enjoy music, and of course meeting people - you have to be an extrovert! You are representing the theater, and it's a very special experience. You meet a lot of people!"

For more information, please visit www.granadasb.org.

The SBCPA, a privately-funded 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1983, is dedicated to providing best-in-class production, sales and administrative support to arts organizations from throughout the Santa Barbara region, including its Historic Theatre District partners (Lobero Theatre and the New Vic Theatre) as well as its eight resident companies (CAMA, Music Academy of the West, Opera Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Choral Society, Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet, Theater League and UCSB Arts & Lectures).

The SBCPA's most visible service is operation of The Granada Theatre. Purchased by the SBCPA in 2003, restored and reopened in 2008, The Granada Theatre has state-of-the-art electrical, sound, lighting and fly systems, large and up-to-date dressing rooms, as well as contemporary audience amenities. By providing a world-class venue with skilled house management staff, production staff, marketing and ticketing services staff, the SBCPA is making it possible for many of Santa Barbara's finest performing arts organizations to present their programs with the highest level of contemporary production support and audience comfort. For more information please visit www.granadasb.org.

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