Explore Volunteer Opportunities
No matter what your interest, the Houston Grand Opera Guild provides members numerous choices for involvement. Volunteers are needed throughout the Guild’s programs to support the objectives of the Guild in providing educational programs for children and adults and assisting in the development of the young artists in the Houston Opera Studio. Other volunteer activities include:
- Hosting visiting artists
- Working in the boutique
- Ushering at HGO educational productions
- Supporting special events
- Supporting the HGO Studio Artists
With each activity, you not only help our world-class opera company, you learn about more opera, meet people who create the marvelous productions, and realize personal fulfillment. Opportunities range from one-time commitments, to a few hours a week over a few months, to longer commitments of a few hours a week for a year or more in some cases.
As a volunteer, you will help spread the word about opera and educate people about this wonderful art form. You can also learn about what goes into producing an opera and running a world-class opera company.
⊕Events Planning
Event-planning skills can be useful in many areas – from a simple get-together to organizing a staff of volunteers for Theater District Open House to planning a Spring Event silent auction.
⊕Theater District Open House
Each year on the last Sunday afternoon in August, the Theater District puts on an open house to promote its many performing arts organizations to the general public. Houston Grand Opera Guild volunteers assist with introducing Houston Grand Opera to those unfamiliar with HGO and the Wortham Center.
For more information Click Here
⊕Fall Awards Brunch
HGO Guild kicks off opera season with a salute to volunteers and community supporters whose outstanding efforts contribute to achieving HGO Guild goals. This seated meal includes light entertainment by HGO Studio artists.
For more information Click Here
⊕Opera Night Live!
Three times a year, hosts an informative presentation with an artist associated with one of the upcoming productions. HGO Studio members provide musical selections. The presentation is proceeded and followed by social periods where opera lovers can get to know each other.
For more information Click Here
⊕Neighborhood Ambassadors
Each ambassador, based on knowledge of the neighborhood, works with HGO to develop programs that will reach potential audience and supporters. Programs can include home informational events with HGO guest speakers and group outings with HGO VIP treatment.
For more information Click Here
⊕Artist in Residence
The Artist In Residence program gives the public a personal experience with opera by putting on free informational performances. Each performance features an HGO Studio singer and an accompanist performing classical selections, talking about their backgrounds and HGO Studio, and answering questions from the audience. An HGO Guild volunteer introduces the HGO Studio performers, explains who HGO Guild is, and talks a little about what the Guild does.
For more information Click Here
⊕Spring Event
The most elaborate of the HGO Guild Special Events happens each Spring and includes a seated meal, silent auction, and entertainment. The honoree is someone who has contributed greatly to Houston Grand Opera or the Guild.
For more information Click Here
⊕Picnic in the Park
Prior to an HGO performance, join friends and other Guild members for a picnic supper at a meeting room within easy walking distance of Miller Outdoor Theatre.
For more information Click Here
⊕Volunteer Gathering
This public event allows existing and potential volunteers to meet with committee chairs to learn about plans for the next season. Volunteers can sign up individual committees. The event is held in late May or early June after the final HGO performance for the season.
For more information Click Here
⊕Fundraising
HGO Guild raises money to fund its education and service programs. Most of this funding comes from the Opera Boutique, the Fall Awards Brunch, and Spring Event.
⊕Opera Boutique
Guild volunteers operate the pop-up opera shop in the Wortham Center Grand Foyer. The shop is opens an hour and a half before each performance in the Brown Theater and at intermission. Including setup and take down, a session lasts four to five hours.
For more information Click Here
⊕Fall Awards Brunch
HGO Guild kicks off opera season with a salute to volunteers and community supporters whose outstanding efforts contribute to achieving HGO Guild goals. This seated meal includes light entertainment by HGO Studio artists.
For more information Click Here
⊕Spring Event
The most elaborate of the HGO Guild Special Events happens each Spring and includes a seated meal, silent auction, and entertainment. The honoree is someone who has contributed greatly to Houston Grand Opera or the Guild.
For more information Click Here
⊕Guild Board of Trustees
HGO Guild is led by a Board of Trustees. Many board members find their ‘day-job’ professional skills can be put to good use furthering the HGO Guild mission to educate and spread the word about the operatic art form.
For more information Click Here
⊕HGO Studio Young Artists Programs
HGO Guild volunteers assist and support the young artists of HGO Studio through three separate programs.
⊕Artist in Residence
The Artist In Residence program gives the public a personal experience with opera by putting on free informational performances. Each performance features an HGO Studio singer and an accompanist performing classical selections, talking about their backgrounds and HGO Studio, and answering questions from the audience. An HGO Guild volunteer introduces the HGO Studio performers, explains who HGO Guild is, and talks a little about what the Guild does.
For more information Click Here
⊕Young Artists’ Vocal Academy
The Young Artists’ Vocal Academy (YAVA) works specifically with singers at the undergraduate level. HGO Guild volunteers provide airport transportation for the singers and introduce them to Texas hospitality by hosting informal events during their stay.
For more information Click Here
⊕Studio Buddies
The HGO Studio provides comprehensive career development to young artists who have demonstrated potential to make major contributions to the field of opera. HGO Guild members are paired with a performer in HGO Studio and commit to ‘be there’ during the artist’s entire residency of up to three years.
For more information Click Here
⊕Education & Community
A major component of the HGO Guild mission is education, introducing both children and adults to the world of opera. Several programs have been developed to meet these goals. The Houston community is encouraged to take part in these events as spectators or volunteers.
⊕Education Docents
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For more information Click Here
⊕Opera Night Live!
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For more information Click Here
⊕Artist in Residence
The Artist In Residence program gives the public a personal experience with opera by putting on free informational performances. Each performance features an HGO Studio singer and an accompanist performing classical selections, talking about their backgrounds and HGO Studio, and answering questions from the audience. An HGO Guild volunteer introduces the HGO Studio performers, explains who HGO Guild is, and talks a little about what the Guild does.
For more information Click Here
⊕Neighborhood Ambassadors
Each ambassador, based on knowledge of the neighborhood, works with HGO to develop programs that will reach potential audience and supporters. Programs can include home informational events with HGO guest speakers and group outings with HGO VIP treatment.
For more information Click Here
⊕Theater District Open House
Each year on the last Sunday afternoon in August, the Theater District puts on an open house to promote its many performing arts organizations to the general public. Houston Grand Opera Guild volunteers assist with introducing Houston Grand Opera to those unfamiliar with HGO and the Wortham Center.
For more information Click Here
⊕Volunteer Gathering
This public event allows existing and potential volunteers to meet with committee chairs to learn about plans for the next season. Volunteers can sign up individual committees. The event is held in late May or early June after the final HGO performance for the season.
For more information Click Here
⊕Service Volunteers
Service Volunteers assist HGO with activities that are not specifically Guild programs. Frequently these are HGOCo educational activities, but occasionally provide assistance to other HGO departments.
For more information Click Here
⊕Guild Boutique
Guild volunteers operate the pop-up opera shop in the Wortham Center Grand Foyer. The shop is open an hour and a half before each performance in the Brown Theater and at intermission. Including setup and take down, a session lasts four to five hours.
For more information Click here