Blog Layout

Volunteer Spotlight - Pat and Mike Fails

Mar 26, 2024

highlighting our dedicated volunteers

As National Volunteer Month unfolds, we're excited to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes behind the scenes of our enchanting theatre productions. Dive into the captivating world of our dedicated volunteers who infuse passion and dedication into every aspect of theatrical magic. Join us in celebrating their invaluable contributions, ranging from ushering to tech crew and more, as we honor their commitment to bringing stories to life onstage.

Our first volunteer, or rather, volunteers are Pat and Mike Fails.

Pat and Mike Fails, volunteers with Attic Theatre, Inc

How did you get involved in Attic? How long have you been volunteering with Attic?

Pat: I was an actor in the 2012 production of “Mame,” directed by Carol Jegen. Carol was either the Attic President or the Past President at that time.

Mike: I started volunteering in 2017 when Pat retired. I wanted to get out of the house and be around people.

What are some areas you volunteer with for Attic?

Pat: I'm an usher during performances. I help people find their seats, pass out playbills, and assist with any accommodation patrons may have.

Mike: I help out at "Will Call" for Attic's Box Office. I also help Jim Forbeck with other Box Office tasks during performances as needed.

Do you have a memorable experience of volunteering you’d like to share?

Pat and Mike: We really enjoyed the Volunteer Appreciation Night that Attic hosted, The Baehman Theater (Black Box) was decorated with little tables, tablecloths, flowers and everything. There was also snacks and wine catered by the Board of Directors for Attic Theatre, Inc. This event also announced the Volunteer of the Year Award; the last time we went the award was given to both Jim Forbeck and Ellen Schreiter.

Why do you like volunteering with Attic?

Pat: We like talking with other theatre people; helping where needed.

Mike: As I mentioned before, it gets me out of the house! While enjoying the retired life, I still like to have some activity planned or some sort of structure in my day, and volunteering with Attic has been great for incorporating both of those things.

How do you balance volunteer work with other aspects of your life?

Pat and Mike: Make plans, set priorities and boundaries, and keep your eyes on the prize.

What do you do outside of volunteering/theatre?

Pat: Gardening, taking care of the cats (Edgar, Allan, & Poe), and seeing as many local theatre performances whenever possible.

Mike: Same, haha.

What advice would you give to someone interested in volunteering?

Pat: It’s a chance to get started if you’re interested in theatre. There are so many aspects to explore, more than acting or singing. Try something around the “edges” of the stage: costumes, lighting, spot lights, sound board, makeup, hair, build crew, painting sets, finding props, assistant stage manager, stage manager, run crew, deck crew, programs, publicity, assistant director, and director.

Mike: You never know what your skills can offer for the theatre community until you ask!

Want to join the fun? Consider volunteering! Like many nonprofits, Attic Theatre, Inc. depends on our volunteers to do a variety of tasks. And there are many different ways you can get involved, regardless of your experience or the amount of time you have to volunteer.

If you're interested in volunteering, please visit the "Volunteers" page on our website and fill out the form with your information.

< Older Post

Newer Post >