VOLUNTEER/STUDENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
The Jesters offers service learning
opportunities and student observation opportunities to all USF students,
regardless of major. However, over the last several years, most students have
tended to come from the following departments: School of Professional Studies
(Martha Myer), Nursing (Kristen Morris) and Art Education (Rick Cartwright).
The Jesters program meets Saturdays from September to March. From September to December, the Jesters meet at the North Campus building from 10:00 to 12:00 for movement, drama and music activities. Participants then move to the Rolland building to participate in visual arts activities from 12:00 to 2:00. Volunteers can serve for just the morning session, just the afternoon session or both. From January to March, the Jesters meet at the North Campus stage from 10:00 to 2:00 to prepare for the performance that is presented in March. Volunteers can join us for the whole four hours or may just attend from 10:00 to 12:00. Volunteers may attend a single program day, a series of program days or commit to all program days.
The following volunteer opportunities are available:
1. HANDS-ON DIRECT SERVICE AND/OR OBSERVATIONS
Needed skills include:
- Interest/willingness to support and work with people with special needs.
- Ability to self-initiate and assess/respond to moment-to-moment needs;
- Ability to work as a supporting team member. Creative thinking
- Opportunities to facilitate can be provided. In these cases, a willingness to learn facilitation skills and receive constructive feedback is required.
Volunteers must contact the Director ahead of time to discuss what day/times they expect to attend. To provide hands-on service, a volunteer must attend the 9:00 volunteer meeting on the program day they plan to attend. Facilitation opportunities require observation of a program day and a conversation with the Director to discuss goals, program plans and delivery methods.
2. ACTORS, DANCERS, VOCALISTS, NARRATORS and MUSICAL ACCOMPANISTS
Each year, the Jesters seeks outside talent for the annual performance presented in March. To participate in the performance, volunteers must commit by Dec/Jan, learn material and attend assigned rehearsals January- March (specifics regarding rehearsals to be determined in keeping with the scope of service being provided). Volunteers must also assigned performance material (script, music, choreography, etc.), attend selected rehearsals and be willing/available to perform at the annual performance presented in early March.
Needed Skills:
- Interest/willingness to support and work with people with special needs.
- Proficiency at talent of choice.
- Ability to work on deadline.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to work collaboratively as team member.
3. BACKSTAGE SUPPORT, SET DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, COSTUME DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Needed from February to early March of each year, back stage volunteers will need to attend a specified number of planning meetings, details to be determined by the scope of project involvement. Backstage/technical support will have to attend selected rehearsals and be available/willing to work the annual performance presented in early March.
Needed skills:
- Interest/willingness to support and work with people with special needs.
- Proficiency in project of interest.
- Ability to work on deadline.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to work collaboratively as team member.
- Ability to think creatively and participate in creative process.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Reliability. Follow-through is absolutely essential.