VOLUNTEER

The heart and soul of the Opelika Songwriters Festival is our amazing crew of volunteers! Thank you for your interest in joining our volunteer crew, please complete the sign up form to get started.

NOTE: Serving 10 or more hours October 4-8 in one or more of the following roles earns a volunteer a festival tee-shirt, which must be worn while on shift, and a weekend pass.

OSF23 Volunteer Sign Up








    OSF23 Volunteer Opportunities

    Street Team

    This pre-fest role is essential in getting the word out. Members post handbills and posters in the greater Auburn/Opelika region (and beyond in some cases) in addition to sharing the word on social media. A tagged share on a unique social media page counts as one posting location. Street Team members can earn 5 hours credit toward the minimum of 10 hours required to earn a T-shirt and weekend pass; thus, serving on Street Teamplus committing to a 5-hour morning or afternoon shift on site will qualify. Street Team members must share those photos and tagged posts when visiting the volunteer tent at the festival to pick up their venue assignment, shirt, and pass, if not before. Out-of-town members who cannot physically pick up their assigned stack can request that it be mailed.

    • Beginning in August

    Setup/Teardown Crew

    Members work with the production team lead to put their grit, gloves, and closed-toe shoes to work—rain or shine—ensuring that the spaces are set and reset to meet the festival’s needs. Requires moderate-heavy lifting, stooping, climbing, and a team spirit. The ideal crew member is available for most if not all of the festival.

    • Wednesday, 10/4: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
    • Thursday, 10/5: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    • Friday, 10/6: 4:00 pm – Close
    • Saturday, 10/7: 9:00 am – Close
    • Sunday, 10/8: 9:00 am – At Least 5:00 pm

    Box Office, Merch Team, Silent Auction

    Members are vetted, trustworthy, tech-savvy, and enthusiastic! The ideal member of this team has prior retail sales experience and is available for most if not all of the festival. Duties include but are not limited to accurate inventory maintenance and transactions (both cash and electronic) and courteous communication with festivalgoers.

    • Friday, 10/6: 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
    • Saturday, 10/7: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm
    • Sunday, 10/8: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

    Golf Cart Driving Team

    Members work with the team lead to shuttle artists and crew members between the various festival locations in downtown Opelika. Must have a clean driving record and be sober-minded while on shift. Trustworthiness, reliability, and a safety-conscious mindset are essential.

    • Friday, 10/6: 8:00 am – Close
    • Saturday, 10/7: 9:00 am – Close
    • Sunday, 10/8: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

    Hospitality Crew + VIP Area

    Members work with the team lead to make sure that the artists have a comfortable, enjoyable experience.  They are enthusiastic, attentive, and professional.  Responsibilities include serving, cleaning up, and positive communications.  Work sites include the Sound Wall, the Marriott Grand National, VIP area, and backstage.

    • Thursday, 10/5: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    • Friday, 10/6: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    • Saturday, 10/7: 9:00 am – Close
    • Sunday, 10/8: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

    Venue Leads

    The ideal candidate for this role can commit to Thursday through Sunday (if not Weds-Sun) and has volunteered with OSF or a similar festival before. They serve as the main liaisons between the venues and the festival organizers. They are professional, reliable and posess excellent communication skills. Venue Leads will oversee the Venue Greeters and Emcees and ensure that all needs are met at their assigned venues. Venue Lead volunteers are individuals who are passionate about the success of the Opelika Songwriters Festival and are looking to potentially grow into a paid position with the festival in the future.

    • Wednesday, 10/4 Meeting: TBA
    • Thursday, 10/5: 3:00 pm – Close
    • Friday, 10/6: 5:00 pm – Close
    • Saturday, 10/7: 10:00 am – Close
    • Sunday, 10/8: 10:45 am – 3:00 pm

    Venue Greeter

    Greeters are assigned 4- to 5-hour shifts throughout the festival to check wristbands and admit only those who have the correct credentials to enter, redirecting others to the box office for tickets.  A cheerful disposition, enthusiasm for the festival, and excellent communication skills are essential. 

    • Thursday, 10/5: 5:00 pm – Close
    • Friday, 10/6: 5:00 pm – Close
    • Saturday, 10/7: 10:00 am – Close
    • Sunday, 10/8: 10:45 am – 3:00 pm

    Emcee

    Emcees have excellent stage presence, are professional and highly enthusiastic about the festival.  They will be present to assist the greeters throughout performances as needed, and they will introduce each act with a script provided by the festival. 

    • Thursday, 10/5: 5:00 pm – Close
    • Friday, 10/6: 5:00 pm – Close
    • Saturday, 10/7: 10:00 am – Close
    • Sunday, 10/8: 10:45 am – 3:00 pm