Browse the opportunities below to learn about each volunteer role, including responsibilities, training, and any special requirements. If you’re unsure which role is the best fit, our volunteer team will help match you with a position that fits your interests, skills, and schedule.

Volunteer Interest Form HERE

Questions? Email volunteers@glendalearts.org

GUEST EXPERIENCE

Role Overview
Welcome guests and help screenings and events run smoothly by providing outstanding customer service throughout the Festival. 

Responsibilities

• Greet attendees and participating guests
• Tear or scan tickets
• Assist with crowd control and line management
• Direct attendees to their screening locations

Support screening and events at various festival venues

TICKETING

Role Overview

Assist guests with tickets and festival pass purchases while providing high-quality customer service.

Responsibilities

• Sell festival passes, individual tickets, and accept donations using iPads at the Laemmle Theater or ace/121 Gallery
• Apply discounts when appropriate
• Provide excellent service for attendees, pass holders, and sponsors
• Have access to and be responsible for the cash box if any attendees wish to pay in cash.

Training

Volunteers will receive training on the ticketing system and event technology before their shift.

Q&A SUPPORT

Role Overview
Support post-screening Q&A sessions by assisting with room setup, guest transitions, and event timing.

Responsibilities

• Greet patrons and participating guests
• Support transitions between screenings and panel discussions
• Monitor attendance
• Work with moderators and house managers to run Q&As
• Move chairs and microphones into the auditorium for panelists.
• Coordinate with Laemmle staff to ensure microphones are working and the auditorium is ready before each Q&A. 
• Ensure the Q+As end at the correct time and assist in moving equipment back outside the auditorium.

Special Note

If volunteers are not scheduled for any other duties prior to their Q+A shift, they may attend that screening if space is available.

FESTIVAL LOUNGE & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Role Overview

Support festival panel discussions and lounge operations while providing a welcoming experience for attendees.

Responsibilities

• Set up chairs and tables for the panel discussions 
• Check passes and tickets
• Greet attendees and participating guests
• Assist with ticket scanning
• Help with crowd control and line management
• Support food and beverage service during Festival Lounge events

Requirements

All Festival Lounge volunteers must be at least 21 years old.

FESTIVAL OPERATIONS

Role Overview 
Assist with transporting supplies, setting up event spaces, and breaking down equipment at festival venues and events.

Responsibilities 

• Assist with delivering supplies to festival venues. 
• Help with load-in, load-out, and set-up. 
• Set-up tables, tablecloths, iPads, cash box, and the step & repeat equipment at the Laemmle Theater prior to the first screening.
• Break-down tables and step & repeat to store them in the Laemmle lobby after the final screening of the night has begun.
• Return the iPads and cash box to the ace/121 Gallery before shift check-out.
• Set-up and break-down volunteers will be needed at the Opening Night Reception and Awards Night event.

Requirements

Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

PHOTOGRAPHY & AV

Role Overview

Capture festival moments through photography and video while supporting audio and visual production during screenings and special events. 

Responsibilities

• Operate camera and audio equipment during festival events
• Record filmmaker Q&A sessions.
• Integrate audio from the Laemmle sound system into recordings.
• Upload completed recordings and media to the Glendale Arts Dropbox.

Requirements

Volunteer must have prior camera and sound experience.

SPECIAL EVENTS 

Role Overview
Support the Opening Night Reception, Awards Night, and other special festival events.

Responsibilities

• Check guest tickets 
• Assist Event Managers throughout the event
• Volunteer(s) assigned as award handlers will assist with presenting awards on stage

Requirements

All volunteers must be at least 21 years old

Dress Code

Business casual attire (black pants or skirt with a white shirt or blouse).

PUBLICITY & OUTREACH 

Role Overview
Support festival marketing and community outreach efforts.

Responsibilities

• Assist festival staff with publicity efforts as needed
• Hang promotional posters 
• Distribute flyers
• Staff information tables and assist with community outreach at GIFF events.