Volunteers
Volunteers are the part of the essential support system of Westben. From the Board of Directors right down to ticket-takers on the day of the show, we need people like you who are willing to give the gift of time, energy and your own unique talents.Opportunities for volunteering are year round!
Board of Directors
Westben as a charitable organization is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors. The Board’s responsibilities include:
- Setting the vision, mandate and strategic direction
- Financial accountability
- Developing policy
- Community relations
- Fundraising
- Evaluating performance of the Artistic and Managing Director
The Board is composed of local and international people from business, the community and the arts.Elections are held annually in March at the Annual General Meeting for membership on the Board as well as for the positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Board of Directors 2009/2010
Chair: Lionel Bennett
Vice-Chair: Debra Richardson-Edge
Secretary: Patti Schabas
Treasurer: David Pollack
Past Chair: Judy Kaufmann
Members:
Joan Bale
Ian Fraser
Jim Harvey
Richard Lowery
Jim MacDonald
Greg McEwan
Michael Nitsch
Patti Schabas
For more information on the Board please contact Teresa Castonguay at
Committees
Advisory Committees are formed as needed from Board Members and non-Board members as expert consultants. As these committees are more specific in their mandate. i.e. Membership, Fundraising, Education, etc., and meet only as required, there is less time commitment. Should you like to serve on committee please contact Teresa Castonguay at
Artist Hosts
Our artists come from all across Canada, North America and even Europe, and need accommodation while they are rehearsing and performing. Billeting with local families not only cuts down on the expense of an artist’s visit, it also enhances the experience for both host and artist. In fact, many friendships have evolved over the seasons.Being a host involves bed and breakfast and is usually for two nights. There are some longer terms for our educational programs such as Master Classes or special events, such as UBC Opera Ensemble.If you are interested in adding your name to our billeting list, please contact at
On-Site Volunteers
The first face a Westben patron sees is probably a volunteer, helping them to park their car, greeting them, taking their tickets, showing them their seats or purchasing an ice-cream at intermission. As well there are volunteers behind the scenes, backstage, costumes, artist hospitality as well as maintenance of the grounds and the facility.
Volunteers are an essential and delightful part of the Westben experience.Volunteering has its rewards as well, experiencing Westben first hand, learning something new and being part of a great group of people.If you have a talent or a skill you would like to share or you would like more information about volunteering please contact .