Whether you like to work behind the scenes of the theatre or in an office setting, there is a place for you at the Oconee Performing Arts Society!
At OPAS we take great pride in our Figaro Society. Figaro is the quintessential "get it done" character famous for his ingenuity, enthusiasm, and pluck! The engine of OPAS is fueled by the countless hours of our dedicated Figaros, who give their time and talent to help supplement the OPAS staff members in several different areas.
Volunteering is a great way to help others. It gives a person the time and ability to help the organization, connect with new friends, continue building like skills, and learn new life skills. It is an excellent way for someone to interact with others in their community. When volunteering, people become close to the ones with whom they are volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and gain more friends for life.
OPAS has many ways one can contribute their time and talents. Recently, we added committees to assist with our annual "Fun" raiser, Soiree en' Blanc & Noir. Some of those duties include decorating, collecting auction items, choosing the menu, designing the dessert station, and assisting with finding and preparing the "secret location."
We formed a membership committee to help grow our Member bade. We have representatives from Reynolds, Harbor Club, Cuscowia, and Harbor Club on the committee. Some are dedicated board members who also volunteer on our committees.
We are pleased to have paid intern opportunities for students who want to continue their career path in the performing arts, education, music, and theater. The behind-the-scenes skills the interns learn are invaluable, and we are profoundly grateful for their dedication and commitment to our organization.
OPAS is always seeking community members willing and able to help in the office, selling tickets, assisting in the administrative areas, and volunteering for our mainstage programs and outdoor events. Our volunteer opportunities include ushers, ticket takers, greeters, decorators, helping with hospitality, and more.
Throughout the year, OPAS may request ongoing or specialized short-term volunteer assistance. Much of this work is clerical, such as filing, photocopying, shredding, etc. In addition, there is always a need for people who are computer literate in data entry and word processing. Assistance is always needed to ensure our donor database is accurate and updated.
Each year OPAS has a Circle Member event to show our gratitude to our donors. This year's event was an elegant champagne reception after Michael Feinstein's concert, which took place on Saturday, March 4th. Lutini's catering provided some light cocktail fare and dessert. A reception like this could only occur with our hard-working volunteers. The helpers got to watch an American legend in his prime.
On March 31st, the OPAS lounge Series will return. OPAS rents Festival Hall and completely transforms the space into an elegant nightclub setting. It takes a team of volunteers for the magical transformation to occur.
As many as 1,200 people attend our Memorial Day weekend concert. This year attendees will marvel at a symphony orchestra playing patriotic music, followed by Grammy and Tony Nominee Michael Cavanaugh joining the orchestra to sing the music of Billy Joel. An event of this magnitude with countless moving parts requires dedicated and committed volunteers.
Mary Elzy is our resident OPAS cookie baker. Carol and Lee Arberg share their extraordinary hospitality skills, and many OPAS supporters open their homes for meet and greets, receptions, and special OPAS events.
As a former volunteer, Operations Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Sandra Meng said, "We extend a heartfelt thanks to all who support our mission to enrich, educate, and entertain. We could not do it without them!"