THE GIFT OF VOLUNTEERS

We are fast approaching the festive season and gift buying has started to consume my life, I know it shouldn't, but there is something very satisfying about getting just the right gift to show your appreciation. Which got me thinking about the types of gifts we can offer each other throughout the year to show our gratitude and the best one I can think of is volunteering your precious time for a worthy cause. In this time when almost everything is monetized to give freely is amazing and AMT has been especially privileged this year with the sheer number of people who have volunteered to help us. It seems hollow, but it is deeply sincere when I say that we cannot thank you enough for the time that you have given to help us move forward with our mission.

If you haven't had a chance to listen to our new podcast, AMT After Dark with Joanie & Pete, then do yourselves a favor and start with this one where Joanie and Pete interview Javier Molina. I am highlighting this one in particular because Javier mentions how welcoming AMT Theater is to everyone, from the ushers to the front of house staff to the small, but mighty team. It was especially good to hear that he noticed and recognized the value of our ushers, all of whom are volunteers. They are a core group of lovely people who make sure all our audience members are greeted respectfully and shown where to go, ensuring that our regulars and new attendees are all welcomed and made to feel at home.

I am blown away by how generous people have been this year by volunteering their time and skills to help us. From all the ushers for shows and actors for readings, professionals giving of your time to offer talks to young performers, to friends who have delayed going to appointments to help with sound issues and new friends who organized entire benefits for us. Not to mention our Board of Directors and Advisory Board for your commitment to making sure AMT not only stays alive, but thrives as well. Every small and large act of kindness has been noticed, we only wish we could give more to you.

Antonia Kasper (with her daughter Shea Gabrielle Hinman) volunteering at Something Rotten Jr!

Cast of actors volunteering for the reading of Sophie Smith's new play

Sophie Smith, our wonderful intern who went above and beyond for her internship, with Joan Pelzer

Steven Ditmyer of Meisner International talked to young professionals

Joe Barbara and Bobby Moresco talked to young professionals

Tracey volunteered for the AMT International Film Festival

Joanne Schmidt and Adam Sands organized our Benefit this year

Vernon Reid and Corey Glover gave their time and talent for our benefit this year

The list is too long to mention everyone by name and I am afraid of accidentally omitting someone and that would be awful, so instead I am using my little blog soap box to say loudly that all of you are good people, thank you for your time, it is invaluable and we at AMT Theater appreciate it so very much.