Volunteer at UTEA
Volunteer at Under the Edge Arts and be part of our vibrant Arts Centre bringing a wide range of events to the local community.
Interested in joining UTEA as a volunteer?
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We have a wide variety of ways for you to help out!
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Whatever your background or situation, we have many opportunities to get involved and are sure to have a role that will suit you. No regular commitment is required at UTEA!
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We would love to hear from you, even if you can only help out at one event, occasionally or at short notice. Every little bit helps to keep UTEA running! With all of our roles listed below, Volunteering entitles you to see the relevant event for free! This is a great way to experience some fantastic events you might not normally go to.
Signing up to Volunteer is easy!
The best way to keep informed on volunteer roles for upcoming events is to sign up to the Volunteer Newsletter. You can then sign up for specific roles/events via email or our Online Form.
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Alternatively, keep an eye out on our social media (links below) for our next Coffee Morning where you can speak to our Volunteer Coordinator to find out more information and sign up for roles/events in person. These run approx. every other month.
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Or send an email to our Volunteer Coordinator, Caitlin at
volunteer@utea.org.uk for more information.
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Can’t volunteer but still want to help?
A quick and easy way to help is to "Follow" or "Like" us on social media (Facebook/ Instagram). Additionally, sharing our events on your pages/ local noticeboards can make a big difference. We really appreciate help advertising our events and reaching new people in this way.
Main Roles
These roles are crucial for the majority of our events to be able to run successfully and need to be filled on a weekly basis (not that you need to volunteer every week- unless you want to!). Training and support is provided in advance for all roles when possible.
Bar Volunteers
Running a successful bar at UTEA is hugely important as it is one of the Art Centres main sources of income. To keep with the times we have moved to an easy to use fully electronic system meaning no maths or cash to deal with!
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We are also proud to offer a wide range of local beers & wines as well as soft drinks.
Most events start at 8pm, with doors open at 7:30pm. Therefore we would ask you to be at UTEA for 7pm for the Bar set up. This is just a guide, details are confirmed via email prior to the event.
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Door Volunteers
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The majority of our events are ticketed and so a door volunteer is essential. You will check in guests using a designated iphone pre-logged into our ticket system. A paper sheet can be provided if preferred.
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Anyone wishing to buy tickets on the door should be directed to the bar. You will not need to process any payments or handle cash.
Most events start at 8pm, with doors open at 7:30pm. Therefore we would ask you to be at UTEA for 7pm for the Door set up. This is just a guide, details are confirmed via email prior to the event.
Set Up Volunteers
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Every event needs to be set up to some degree. This involves putting out chairs, occasionally bistro tables and a stage for the performers. Trolleys are provided for moving chairs and staging but you will need to be reasonably physically fit.
Set up can take up to 1hr to do prior to sound check for the event and then you are free to enjoy the event as a guest. Help to clear up at the end of the event is also appreciated.
Meet & Greet (Coordinator) Volunteers
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When a band arrives at UTEA, a volunteer is needed to meet and greet them.
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Opening up the hall before they arrive, showing them around and locking up the hall at the end of the event. You will then be there during the event as an extra helping hand to the other volunteers if the night gets busy.
Sound Engineer Volunteers
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Quality sound is crucial for both our bands and guests having a good experience at UTEA. Previous history in PA Sound or a keen interest in music is helpful but not essential as training can be provided by our experienced PA Sound Volunteers. They will then continue to support/ guide you as long as you need until you feel ready to run events alone.
Refreshment Volunteers
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Daytime events such as exhibitions, craft fairs and the “Why not?” workshops need volunteers to serve tea, coffee, cake and welcome guests to UTEA.
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This generally does not require the use of the till system.
Other Roles
These roles only happen a few times a year but are equally important to the successful running of events and UTEA as a whole. As a charity, we are always on the lookout for people with special skills who might be willing and able to help with specific things.
Accommodation Hosts
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In order to provide a varied programme of events, some acts are travelling from across the country to get to Wotton and need to stay overnight. If you have a spare room and would be prepared to host some of our bands/ musicians, please get in touch.
Hospitality Volunteer
As with the accommodation hosts above, when an act is travelling across the country they not only need accommodation but also a meal before the event itself. If you have a love for cooking, perhaps you would be able to provide an occasional snack or meal?
Similarly, if you are a passionate baker, at daytime events we like to offer cakes to guests. More details can be provided.
Behind the Scenes
An event's success isn’t just determined by the event itself but by all the work that goes on behind the scenes to make an event happen and sell tickets. Putting up posters, distributing programmes, doing the recycling, organising fundraising and joining working groups for projects are all hugely important roles that create successful events and allow UTEA to survive year after year.
Maintenance Volunteers
The Chipping Hall is a Grade II listed former School Hall built in 1837 and therefore requires constant love and attention. There are a wide variety of repair jobs for which we seek willing volunteers, especially those with experience in building/ carpentry, plumbing, electrics and general maintenance (painting/decorating).