Dr. Paul Ballard has been a volunteer worker at Vicksburg Theatre Guild for fifty years. He has been part of casts for productions, leadership in administration (President among other jobs), financial guidance in fundraising and finances and all-around help in set construction, costume design, lighting design, choreography, musical preparations, and play selection. Since there are no paid positions at VTG, all this has been on a volunteer basis for the entire time. Paul also has been responsible for identifying talent and working to showcase each person to their best advantage at the theater.

How did volunteering with VTG begin?
I began working at VTG when I graduated college and returned to my hometown as a band director.

How long have you been volunteering with VTG?
My first production was the 1973 Camelot at the Bowmar Ave Playhouse. That makes this month 50 years from my first production with VTG.

What is your favorite memory while volunteering for VTG?
Because I’ve been a teacher and loved watching talent blossom, probably my favorite memories have been seeing the fruition of weeks/months of hard work rehearsing in productions. One of the most exciting moments was when a parent would come to me to say how proud they were of their child and how surprised they were that their child possessed that talent. Once teachers said that their students had always been so introverted that they were amazed at how much they had come out in the part they were playing. This confidence building extended into their whole personality.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering?
I always tell anyone thinking of getting involved at the theater that it is a very intense short-term commitment that carries a lifetime of satisfaction and memories. There are plenty of tasks to be done around the theater such as; set construction, artwork, costume creation, lighting, sound, publicity, house management, acting, singing, playing
in the pit orchestra, and countless other tasks.

What are some of your tasks while volunteering at VTG?
I have been in casts for productions, leadership in administration (President among other jobs), financial guidance in fundraising and finances, and all-around help in set construction, costume design, lighting design, choreography, musical preparations, and play selection.

What have you learned from volunteering with VTG?
While volunteering I have learned that everyone has a gift to offer and everyone is worthy. I’ve learned to be patient while trying to bring out the best in each person’s effort as it contributes to the complex whole of theater.

How can someone else volunteer with VTG?
Anyone can volunteer. All you need is a contact person. Every production has a director who can be identified and asked to be allowed to help in whatever capacity. If the current show cannot use you or doesn’t work into your schedule, then likely the next one will.

If there is a volunteer who should be featured, please submit their name and contact information to volunteer@vicksburgpost.com.