For those who would like to get involved on the IU campus, volunteering at IU Cinema is a great opportunity.
“The IU Cinema is truly a gift to film lovers,” donor Bill Holiday said on IU Cinema’s website.
The cinema’s vision statement includes that they want to make exclusive and life-changing cinematic viewings available to everyone. They want students to "fall in love even more with film" and host more than 300 events every year.
IU Cinema has volunteer opportunities specifically for students who want to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on within the theater each night.
One program the IU Cinema has is the Creative Collaborations program, where partners at IU or in the community can contribute to the events at IU Cinema by selecting films to show in the theater.
Some collaborations they have debuted recently include the series "Queer Disorientations," "Art and a Movie" and the "City Lights Film Series." Only a few of the proposals are selected from the contributions, and what is selected is decided by the Program Advisory Board consisting of members of IU's campus, an undergraduate representative, and a community representative. The deadline for proposals for the Spring 2019 semester is Sept. 10. Groups can apply and find out more information on IU Cinema’s website.
Another way to get involved with IU Cinema is to become one of its volunteers. Volunteer ushers are required to work a minimum of five shifts per semester and interact directly with audience members by greeting them, handing out programs and answering questions. Ushers will also be able to stay and watch the films being shown.
“I love hearing the comments of audience members as they leave because it’s always so positive and happy,” Michaela Owens, an IU Cinema usher, said on its website. “That’s been the magic of the cinema to me.”
Besides volunteering as an usher, students can volunteer to promote IU Cinema's events by joining the cinema's street team. The volunteers of the street team speak to others about IU Cinema events, pass out flyers and hang up posters around Bloomington.
This position would be ideal for people who like being outside, like talking to others and have an interest in IU Cinema which they want to share. Street team members need to volunteer a minimum of six times a semester.
Anyone who is interested in being a volunteer can apply directly at the IU Cinema website under “Support the Cinema.” There will be a call-out meeting 5 p.m. Aug. 21 inside the IU Cinema for more information.
