The Capitol Centre has been part of North Bay's cultural landscape since 1929, providing a vibrant space for the community to engage with the arts. Emmanuelle Faucher, the Audience Services Coordinator, shares insights into the Centre's mission, its reliance on community support, and the diverse volunteer opportunities available.
"The Capitol Centre brings the arts and people together," Faucher explains. "It is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the community through arts development, education, and programming."
This non-profit organization has been cherished by generations who have enjoyed their first movie or live performance in the Betty Speers Theatre or experienced the art exhibitions in the WKP Kennedy Gallery.
As a non-profit, the Capitol Centre relies heavily on volunteers and community support.
"Donations and volunteer time allow us to keep ticket prices low and support various events and initiatives throughout the year," says Faucher.
These include Free Family Films, the annual Children's Festival, and the Arts for All program, which offers complimentary tickets to those who might not otherwise afford them.
Volunteering at the Capitol Centre
Volunteering at the Capitol Centre is a rewarding experience with several avenues available:
- Front-of-House Volunteers: These volunteers play a crucial role in every event, handling tasks such as ticket taking, concession sales, and ushering. They also serve as docents in the WKP Kennedy Gallery.
- Board of Directors: The Board oversees the organization’s goals and ensures continuity, though they are not involved in daily operations.
- Bingo Team: Bingo volunteers help with fundraising by selling bingo sheets and managing payouts. This role requires only a few hours of commitment every other Thursday.
Faucher emphasizes that volunteering can fit various schedules.
"For those deterred by the time commitment, the Bingo team requires less frequent participation, making it a great way to contribute without a large time investment."
For students, volunteering helps fulfill graduation requirements while providing valuable skills and experience in customer service, communication, and time management, all while contributing to a variety of events.
“Although students are not eligible to volunteer as part of the Bingo Team, there still are many opportunities where they can volunteer their time as part of the Front-of-House team. Intake starts at 14 years of age (grade nine).”
Volunteers like May Seguin exemplify the positive impact on the Capitol Centre and the broader community. A dedicated volunteer for over 22 years, Seguin has significantly contributed to the Centre’s programs and the WKP Kennedy Gallery. Her efforts were highlighted through a grant from the RTOERO District 43 Nipissing, which funded a free Youth Workshop Series at the gallery.
“We cherish the fact that we have a strong and dedicated volunteer team at the Capitol Centre. Many volunteers have been part of the program for over a decade, which helps provide a loyal sense of community and belonging to our volunteers.”
“As the program has grown and adapted, we have also seen our volunteer base flourish alongside it. Capitol Centre volunteers can expect to create friendships, work in a team setting and gain tenacity as part of the volunteer program. Some of our volunteers have gone off to pursue careers in the arts and entertainment sector after their exposure and experience as part of the Capitol Centre volunteer program.”
Join the Volunteer Program
The Capitol Centre offers online application forms for adults and students interested in volunteering. Orientation sessions are held biannually, and prospective volunteers can contact Faucher directly for more information.
"Time spent at the Capitol Centre as a volunteer is a creative way for individuals in North Bay to give back to their community," Faucher concludes.
An online application form is available for those interested in volunteering at the Capitol Centre. Separate forms are provided for adults and students. Volunteer intakes are typically conducted twice a year, in the fall and the new year. After submitting their applications, successful applicants will be contacted to attend an orientation session.
For any questions about the volunteer program, please contact Emmanuelle Faucher at [email protected] or 705-474-1944 ext. 224.