One of the easiest, most affordable ways to get out of the house is to volunteer in your community. Not only do you get to give back to those who need it, whether it be your favorite arts organization or local animal shelter, you also have the pleasure of behind the scenes involvement which, quite often, adds flavor to a rather traditional experience.
Here are some of the places I’ve found both accept volunteers, and require little or no financial output from you.
- Virginia Stage Company – Ushering
The Wells Theatre, home to the Virginia Stage Company, in Norfolk, VA
The Virginia Stage Company, located in downtown Norfolk, produces Broadway caliber shows in Hampton Roads. Ushering allows you to see the show for free, and is far less labor intensive than Ushering on Broadway (Let me tell you, after seeing it first hand, Broadway ushers DEFINITELY get their steps in!). No Experience Necessary! To sign up, click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page. You do not need to pay to usher, though you do need to pay to park.
- Neptune Festival – Varies
The Neptune Festival, the celebrated annual event in Hampton Roads, actively seeks volunteers for their Spring & Fall Wine Festivals, their late summer craft brewing festival, and their annual boardwalk arts show. Its free to volunteer, with some post event tasting (depending on availability) included in the experience. You only need to worry about transportation to/from the event and, at least with the wine & beer festivals, lunch is provided. If you do not live in walking distance, I would definitely consider a Taxi or Uber ride home; The volunteer’s after event tasting is a great way to meet your fellow volunteers and can go on for awhile. To learn more about volunteering, click HERE. No Experience Necessary!
