Volunteer Opportunities

The BurlExpo is a crazy quilt of talent and effort from people all over the world.  The people who make The BurlExpo go are people just like you -- and, in fact, could even be you.  If you want to join the coolest team in the whole burlesqueverse, read on! 

Below is a list of some of our unusual and oddball volunteer opportunities, along with their requirements.  These are by no means the only things we need volunteers for at BurlExpo10.  We also need friendly folks at the registration desk, technical folks to help set up and run the shows, helpful folks to be ushers and security staff, and more.  

Volunteer Position

Job Requirements

THEATRE BUILD/STRIKE

One of the things that makes the Great Burlesque Exposition unique is our performance space.  We

custom-build a theatre to suit our needs in the hotel ballroom.  We put up our own curtain, lights, eveything! And, of course, at the end of the weekend, we have to take it all down and pack it all up again. 

Build starts late afternoon on Thrusday, Jan. 4.  We typically run until about midnight; Strike starts after the Sunday Showcase on Sunday, Jan. 7.  We're usually done around 1:00 a.m. (and there might be a super-secret, end of the weekend party after that but... shhh).   If you can't be there for all of the fun, we understand.  And you don't have to volunteer for both.
  • Bulid Thursday 1/4/2018, anytime after 3:00pm until about midnight.
  • Strike Sunday 1/7/2018, after the Sunday Showcase
  • A general level of comfort with hand tools and a familiarty with theatre tech is useful but necessary.  This is a great place to learn stuff!
  • This is a physical activity. The ability to lift, carry, climb up a ladder or stairs, and do some fine motor skills all come into play, but not all at once.
  • Wear work clothes; jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, etc.  A lot of the BurlExpo weekend is about glamour.  This part isn't.
  • Absolutely no experience is necessary.  We're happy to teach!

USHER/SECURITY/ROVING INFO

Be part of the few, the proud, the gatekeepers who allow people into places where they belong and keep people out of places they don't belong.
  • Dress fabulously! You want to be noticed.
  • Be polite and helpful
  • Be punctual
  • The ability to be firm without being confrontational.

DOCENT

Do you love burlesque history, costumes, and books? Do we have a job for you! Docents staff the Costume Exhibits – both the modern one and the special Historical Exhibit – and The Athenaeum, our library.  They answer questions and generally keep an eye on things.  It's a great way to learn about burlesque history!
  • Have a love of burlesque history
  • Help keep things tidy
  • Keep an eye on the Exhibits
  • Answer questions

BLINGULATION

Anyone can buy a trophy at a store.  The trophies given at The Great Burlesque Exposition need to scream "Burlesque!" in giant, rhinestoned letters.  We give you a trophy (or a couple of trophies) and a bunch of rhinestones.  You provide the adhesive, creative spark, and patience (and maybe some of your own embellishments). Together, we create a miracle!
  • it helps if you're local and can pick up the stuff, but that's not essential.
  • a love of playing with rhinestones and some experience doing it.
  • your own gluing supplies
  • the trophies have to be on-site by Friday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.m.

SOCIAL MEDIA MAVEN

Be in the wings during the various shows and events.  Shoot candid pictures and short videos with your phone and plaster the internet with them.  Do your best Lois Lane impersonation and do micro-interviews with performers before and after they hit the stage.

The SMM will get a photographer creidt on any photos they take and post and we're happy to link to your photography page if you have one
  • a smart phone
  • experience posting pictures and videos to Facebook, Twitter, etc.
  • an eye for photography
  • a sense of discretion.  Some people aren't going to want to be interviewed, some won't want to be photographed.  Use your head, and err on the side of caution.
  • Be aware! You are in the wings of a live show! Do not get in the way of the performers or stage crew!

OPENING ACT (SATURDAY)

Be one of The Expositionettes! Work with the fabulous Betty Balize and be in the group number that opens The Main Event on Saturday.  In a tight two hours, you'll learn a gorgeous choreography and get a grounding in Delsarte Technique! 

  • attend a rehearsal/training session during the day on Saturday, Jan. 6

  • be willing to bring some specific costume needs (and to get them if you don't have them)
  • you cannot be competing/performing in The Main Event

GO-GO DANCERS

Go-go dancers add energy and excitement before and during shows.  The BurlExpo wlecomes go-go dancers of all body types and gender identifications.
  • A flirty sense of fashion
  • A love to move to the groove
  • ​​​​​​​Good energy

GREEN FEATHER BRIGADE!

We know there are a ton of people who have never been to the BurlExpo before and who may not necessarily know anyone.  The Green Feather Brigade are people who publically say "Hey! I'm friendly and I know something about the BurlExpo!".  When on duty (which is whenever you want), you wear a stylish green fashion accessory and are happy to stop what you're doing and chat with someone new.  It's a great way to meet folks and to help out at the BurlExpo on your schedule.
  • a friendly disposition
  • some experience at the BurlExpo (that is, you've been here a couple of times before)
  • ​​​​​​​a willingness to wear a green fashion accessory

The Great Burlesque Exposition

 

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ABOUT US

The Great Burlesque Exposition supports and funds the American Burlesque Collection, a unique museum that explores the history of The Art of the Tease and profiles its practitioners. The event is three days of spectacular community-building, shows, education, special events,and shopping. The Great Burlesque Exposition is produced by The Professional Burlesque Society, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2007.