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Volunteer Opportunities

Admissions

The all-important ticket sales and ticket takers. We will have four admissions gates. Ticket sales volunteers will need to take money, give the correct change, operate credit card machines (training will be provided) and answer simple questions regarding admissions. Ticket takers will check that all visitors have tickets, stamp wrists for re-entry, give directions to activities within the festival and assist in providing wheelchairs as needed.

Beer

All concessions are managed by the master concessionaire for Fair Park, however, we are allowed to staff and take the profits from a number of beer booths under their license. Volunteers are needed to staff these booths. You must be TABC certified (we pay for the training) and you must be 21 or over. Some knowledge of traditional beers is required, such as the difference between an Ale and a Lager, and how to pour a "Black and Tan" or a "Half and Half".

Finance

The job description for Finance is kept very “hush-hush” simply because of the nature of the work done in that area. Suffice it to say that you help with counting money, making up tills and making deposits. Experience in banking or finance is a plus for this area. We reserve the right to conduct background checks on anyone volunteering for Finance.

Hospitality

Have you ever fed a small army of staff and musicians? Do you have catering experience? If so, volunteering in this area is for you. Mix with the not-so rich but certainly famous in the NTIF Hospitality room. Meals and drinks are served from breakfast to supper, and light snacks along the way.

SCMA Booth

The SCMA operates a large booth at the festival to promote upcoming activities, concerts, meetings etc. Volunteers will provide information on the association, encourage membership and assist with information on the various musicians and directions to locations within the festival.

Product Sales

In our product sales booths we sell all of the festival logoed merchandise, both current year and past years. We sell T-Shirts, Caps, denim shirts, jackets and programs. We also provide information regarding the location of various points of interest. All items are even dollars, so we do not deal in change. There will be one credit card machine per booth, and checks have special requirements that must be met. There will be a laminated sheet with a copy of the festival map and points of interest clearly labeled. Prices for merchandise will be clearly marked.

Setup

Setup starts very often on the Wednesday night before the festival and continues Thursday and Friday and occasionally early on Saturday. Volunteers will construct the stage decorations, hang signage, distribute tables and chairs and generally do whatever is needed to get things ready for opening time. If you can spare a day or two this is a great way to volunteer and then be free to enjoy the entire weekend of the festival.

Teardown

If you can drag yourself out of bed on Monday morning and have enough energy to help pack everything back in the various storage locations, then the teardown crew sure needs you help. One of the less glamorous jobs, but certainly a necessary one.

Coupon Sales

Under our contract with Fair Park we are required to sell food and beverage coupons rather than take cash at the concession stands. Coupon sellers will also provide information regarding the location of various points of interest. Coupons are one dollar each, so we do not deal in change. There will be one credit card machine per booth, and checks have special requirements that must be met.

Stage Manager

If you have experience in public speaking or just fancy yourself as the next host of the Oscars, then try out your skills as a Stage Manager. Duties include ensuring that musicians are backstage in time for their set (radio provided to contact our performer staff), water and ice is available, letting bands know when their set time is about to end (5 minute warning etc.), introducing and announcing bands, calling for additional applause at the end of the set.

Urchin Street

Our kids area, known for many years as Urchin Street is a educational, entertainment and fun area for kids of all ages. We provide various activities such as finger painting, sand casting, puzzles and games as well as a petting zoo and numerous animal rescue groups. Experience in kindergarten or teaching is a plus. We reserve the right to conduct background checks on anyone volunteering for Urchin Street.

Vendors

Vendors will check-in starting early on Friday and leave Sunday night. Volunteers are needed to assist with both activities. Upon arrival each vendor will be provided with their location, passes and additional information. Some may need assistance locating their booths, electrical outlets, additional tables and chairs etc.

Transportation

Drivers are needed for our courtesy vans which take performers to and from the airport, hotel, and festival grounds. Must be a licensed driver with a clean record for the past 3 years and over 25. Drivers may provide their own SUV or mini-van or drive one of our rented vehicles. Proof of Texas Insurance must be provided.

Performer Products

As a service to all bands we operate a Performer Products booth where visitors may purchases CDs and other products. Over 3,200 CDs were sold at NTIF 2010, and we expect 2011 to break that record. All CDs are an even $16, so we do not deal in change. There will be two credit card machine per booth, and checks have special requirements that must be met. Knowledge of the bands, the latest CD and the type of music is a plus.

Volunteer Area

All volunteers arriving on site will register at the Volunteer Center. They receive their badge, shift assignments and instructions. Cup of coffee and donut are optional! Walk-up volunteers will be assigned areas based on need, and some will be reassigned due to no-shows or other circumstances.