Theater in a Box Volunteer
DO YOU ENJOY TELLING STORIES AND WORKING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?
BE A VOLUNTEER FOR THEATER IN A BOX CAMP!
WHO? Elementary teachers, parents, college students, or current high school students who love working with younger students AND enjoy storytelling, theater, iMovie, and art projects.
WHAT? Volunteer with Des Moines Performing Arts as Camp Assistants for Theater in a Box Camp.
- Help students entering grades 1 through 3 to write a story to present on their Theater-in-a-Box stage. Assist as they create characters, make props and backdrops, and perform their scenes.
- Use your tech skills as you help students record and edit their performances.
- Lead and guide these young theater students as they move from station to station and throughout their day.
WHEN? Theater in a Box Camp runs for two week-long, half-day sessions at the Civic Center, downtown Des Moines. Daily hours Monday - Friday are 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteer for both weeks (preferred) or one week.
WHY? Share your passion for storytelling, art, and theater with younger students. Note: Hours for high school volunteer programs such as Silver Cord are available.
HOW TO APPLY? Complete the online application HERE. Contact Lynnae at LynnaeL@DMPA.org with any questions.
VOLUNTEER TODAY!
Click here to apply for summer 2026!
Applications are accepted by March 10. Earlier is better as volunteer spots fill up quickly.
Note: A simple background check is required for all DMPA volunteers. Parental consent forms will be sent to all who are accepted as volunteers.
QUESTIONS? Email LynnaeL@DMPA.org
DATES AND TRAINING
DATES AND TRAINING
THEATER IN A BOX Volunteer:
Theater in a Box camp runs for two weeks in June at the Des Moines Civic Center, 211 Walnut St., Des Moines. Volunteer hours are 8:15 AM - 12:30 PM Monday through Friday.
- June 15-19, 2026
- June 22-26, 2026
If selected to serve as a Theater in a Box volunteer you will be required to attend a 3-hour training session to be scheduled based on staff availability during late May/early June.
APPLICATION DETAILS
APPLICATION DETAILS
APPLICATION DETAILS
Complete the Online Application Form by March 10. Earlier is better as spots fill up quickly.
All applicants: once your application is accepted, you (and, if under 18, your parent/guardian) will be emailed forms that give your consent for a background check. All volunteers at DMPA are required to have a background check for the safety of all.
Returning volunteers, please indicate on the application form. You will need to submit your contact information; the dates you are available; and the name, email, and phone number for a parent.
First-time applicants, have the following materials ready when you begin filling out the application form:
1. PERSONAL INFORMATION: Your contact information and the name, email, and phone number for a parent.
2. STATEMENT OF INTEREST: 50–150 words on why are you interested in working as a camp counselor this summer? What do you bring to the position?
3. EXPERIENCE: Provide a short list of your experience working with children, leading theater activities, working on art projects, and/or writing stories.
4. REFERENCE: Provide the name, email and phone number of an adult who can speak to your qualifications for this position and/or leadership skills. A reference could be a current or past teacher, current or past employer, supervisor, adult co-worker, clergy, etc. References may not be family members or minors. Please alert your reference to let them know that they may be contacted.
Screening of applications will begin as applications are submitted. The summer camp manager may contact applicants via email or phone to schedule a follow-up interview if needed.
