Since opening, the Bankhead Theater and Bothwell Arts Center have been powered by hundreds of volunteers. As ushers, ticket takers, greeters, concessions salespeople, art class assistants, and helpers at all kinds of events, they have stepped up whenever and wherever they’re needed. Their energy and enthusiasm are a tremendous and priceless gift to Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center.

Prior to the closure of the Bankhead and Bothwell in March due to the pandemic, more than 170 volunteers were busy supporting a crowded schedule of performances and events, as well as the largest fundraising gala ever in September 2019. Over just seven months, they contributed 7,743 hours!

Carol Edwards, LVPAC’s front of house supervising manager and volunteer coordinator, has often said,

“We could not possibly do what we do without their time, dedication and hard work.

                                                                They truly make the Arts possible!”

Volunteers invest in the organization in multiple ways – not only can they be counted on to volunteer their time, they buy tickets and bring friends to shows. Many invest financially too; approximately 40 percent of current volunteers donate at the Mainstage Membership level or above.

Ushers at all performances are essential but it takes a special kind of energy for the multiple performance dates many dance shows require. We want to particularly honor two volunteers, Mike Marchini and Sheila Akins, who worked seven dance shows each. Not only did he turn up for multiple dance performances, Mike also worked nearly twice as many hours as any other volunteer in that seven month period – an amazing total of 302.75 hours!

We appreciate that, whenever we need them, our volunteers are ready to make a difference. We can’t possibly thank them enough!


These 12 SUPERSTAR volunteers each donated 100 or more hours in the seven month period (August 2019 – March 2020):

Chuck & Michelle Arnett, Helen Barnes, Karen Bauman, Karen Carnahan, Kellie Hoffmeister, Nancy Lear,
Michael Marchini, Cheri Palasek, Joni Schuld, Kim Shepodd, Judy Stephens

 THANK YOU!