Maltz Jupiter Theatre to Celebrate Volunteers at Luncheons

In honor of National Volunteer Week in April, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre celebrated its cast of more than 500 volunteers with three luncheons to say "thank you."

An annual tradition, this season's luncheons took place in the Theatre's newly-renovated space, The Green Room Club Level Lounge. Each luncheon was complete with a cocktail hour, donated catered luncheon from Outback Steakhouse of Jupiter, cake, a comedy performance by associate producer Rachel Blavatnik and a private concert by multi-talented entertainer Billy Bones.

Volunteers currently serve as bartenders, ushers, wardrobe specialists, box office personnel, office administrators and more. They work in every department at the award-winning not-for-profit Theatre, and spend countless hours working backstage, assisting with artist relations, helping with facility maintenance and representing the Theatre at special events and festivals, among other tasks. In addition to the volunteer team, the Theatre's Conservatory parents have also contributed close to 6,000 hours of service.

"If we were to add up all the hours of work our volunteers put in each season, it would probably equal more than $100,000 worth of work," said Andrew Kato, the Theatre's producing artistic director. "We are so grateful to our hundreds of volunteers and the wonderful work they do for us here."

At the luncheons, the Theatre presented its annual "volunteer of the year" awards, given to one volunteer from each department who went 'above and beyond' to do extraordinary things through service. This year's winners were Betty Leavitt, representing the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts team; Terry Campani, representing the Development team; Judy Stock, representing the Marketing/Community Outreach team; Lori Richards, representing the Production team; Chris Cordova, representing the Bar/Patron Services team; and two representing the Usher/Operations team: Fran Hyde and Sylvia Holland.

And there's always room for more "cast members" at the Theatre.

"Our not-for-profit theatre is the place to meet new people, experience wonderful entertainment and learn about the art of theatre," Kato said. "We are made up of staff, a board of directors, visiting artists, Conservatory students and volunteers. Together, we are 'family.'"

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Theatre, please visit www.jupitertheatre.org/volunteer.