VOLUNTEER
WE ARE A PEOPLE-POWERED CIVIC THEATRE
THE GIFT OF TIME
Theatre isn’t just about acting, although it’s a critical part of what do. It’s more about teamwork. People coming together, offering the skills they have, acting or otherwise, to achieve a common goal.
The South Bend Civic Theatre welcomes actors and volunteers of all ages and skill sets. Everything we do is driven by people power, so there will always be a need for those willing to give of themselves to help ensure that the shows will, indeed, go on.
South Bend Civic Theatre counts on its volunteers to produce one of the most ambitious theatrical schedules in local community theatre and in the state. This is your chance to become involved with one of the premiere community theatres in the United States.
GET INVOLVED
Whether you like to be “in the spotlight,” or prefer to stay “behind the scenes,” South Bend Civic Theatre offers plenty of opportunities to volunteer in every aspect of theatrical production.
FREE CIVIC PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS
Stage Management 101
Instructor: Debra Gasper
Mondays: October 13 & 20 & 27, 6:00-8:00PM*
Location: CIVIC Rehearsal Room
Cost: FREE
Ages 14+
SBCT invites you to learn the art and process of Stage Management from seasoned professional Debra Gasper.
This free workshop will guide you through the entire process of stage management, from pre-auditions right through to the show’s closing. This is also a great opportunity to be assigned to serve as a stage manager for SBCT’s 2026 Season!
Debra Gasper brings a rich background as both an educator and a theatre creative. She currently serves as the Producing Director for Shakespeare at Notre Dame at the University of Notre Dame. Debra has also been an adjunct professor at Indiana University South Bend for 12 years and has enjoyed roles as a resident stage manager for esteemed organizations like the Actors Theatre of Louisville and Long Wharf Theatre.
*This is a three-session workshop and participants will be expected to attend all three dates
FREE AFTER SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
Middle and high school students! Explore theatre through workshops that introduce acting basics and present hands-on projects for students to explore lighting, sound, costume design, and more! Students are encouraged to drop in at any time to participate in interactive games and activities that introdue acting basics and improvisation while encouraging group collaboration and individual curiosity. Each workshops will also include a craft that introduces students to the technical side of theatre including mask making, lighting design, costume, sound, illustration, and prop creation.
SCHEDULE
WEEK 1: PROPS, 9/30 and 10/2
Tutt Branch: 9/30 4-6pm
Western Branch: 10/2 3:30-5:30pm)
Our first theatre workshop focuses on the creative use of props to enhance storytelling and character development. Blend playfulness with culinary imagination by creating your own food prop and learn the art of aging paper to craft your own letter or treasure map. Participants will explore the unexpected ways that props can shape narrative and spark creativity on stage.
WEEK 2: COSTUME and PRINTMAKING, 10/7 and 10/9
Tutt Branch: 10/7 4-6pm
Western Brach: 10/9 3:30-5:30pm)
Learn how to bring characters to life through the transformative world of Costuming for the stage! Examine how wardrobe choices shape character identity and narrative and then learn the art of printmaking to create wearable pieces of your own! A creative fusion of fashion, art, and theatre that encourages bold self-expression.
WEEK 3: LIGHTING and SHADOW PUPPETRY, 10/14
Tutt Branch: 10/14 4-6pm (No workshop on 10/16)
Explore the art of storytelling through light in this workshop on theatrical lighting design and shadow puppetry. Participants will explore how light creates mood, highlights action, and transforms a performance space. After learning the basics of equipment, color, and design, have fun experimenting with shape and shadow to create immersive visual storytelling. A creative blend of technical skill and imagination, perfect for all ages.
WEEK 4: MASK MAKING and BEGINNING STAGE MAKE-UP, 10/21 and 10/23
Tutt Branch: 10/21 4-6pm
Western Branch: 10/23 3:30-5:30pm)
Unleash your creativity in this week’s Mask Making & Stage Makeup Workshop! Participants will design and decorate their own masks and learn beginner-friendly stage makeup techniques to enhance character age and expression. Special guest artists from the South Bend Museum of Art will guide students through the mask making process so students get the experience of blending artistic techniques with theatrical creativity to bring fantastical masks to life. A fun, hands-on experience perfect for performers, artists, and Halloween enthusiasts alike.
WEEK 5: HALLOWEEN STAGE MAKE-UP, 10/28 and 10/30
Tutt Branch: 10/28 4-6pm
Western Branch: 10/30 3:30-5:30pm
Get into the spooky spirit with our hands-on Halloween Stage Makeup Workshop! Learn how to create creepy characters, realistic wounds, and dramatic transformations using professional techniques. Perfect for performers, costume lovers, or anyone who wants to elevate their Halloween look.
WEEK 6: CHARACTERS and COMIC BOOKS, 11/4 and 11/6
Tutt Branch: 11/4 4-6pm
Western Branch: 11/6 3:30-5:30pm
This week’s workshop delves into character development through the lens of comic book storytelling, where participants create dynamic, larger-than-life characters inspired by iconic comic styles. With the guidance of special guest artist and lecturer John Thompson, attendees
WEEK 7: SET DESIGN and DIORAMA CREATION, 11/18 and 11/20
Tutt Branch: 11/18 4-6pm
Main Branch: 11/20 4-6 pm
Step into the world of theatre design in our Set Design Workshop! Participants will learn the fundamentals of creating compelling stage environments and bring their ideas to life by building detailed dioramas. A hands-on experience that combines creativity, storytelling, and practical design skills.