festival volunteer roles

  • Box Office Crew members help guests begin their Festival experience with confidence. Volunteers assist with pass pickup, answer questions, and provide guidance on screenings, venues, and special events, ensuring visitors have the information they need to make the most of the Festival.

    This role requires training.

  • Help create an excellent first impression at the Festival's Box Office. Leads assist guests with ticket sales and pass holder reservations while working alongside the Box Office Manager to support and guide (2) crew members. Some cash handling is required.

    This role requires training.

  • Help host one of the Festival’s most relaxed gathering spaces. Lounge Crew volunteers brew coffee, pitch in to keep the space tidy and inviting, and help guests purchase PTFF merch using our simple iPad checkout. Some cash handling is required.

    This role requires training.

  • Assist with one of PTFF’s most beloved traditions! Parade Crew volunteers help filmmakers check in, coordinate with the classic car drivers, collect information cards, and guide filmmakers through the parade and photo area.

    This role requires training.

  • Join us under the September sky for one of the Festival's VIP gatherings. Held on on Taylor Street, Reception Crew members welcome guests, check lanyards, hand out drink tickets, and help create an inviting atmosphere for filmmakers and special guests. You'll receive a brief orientation before the event begins.

  • Enjoy variety? Float volunteers provide support wherever it’s needed during the Festival. You may assist with scanning passes, transporting materials between venues, or helping staff respond quickly to changing needs. Float volunteers will be assigned to a venue or task upon check-in.

    This role requires training.

  • Help scan passes and welcome attendees at the Forum, a venue full of lively workshops and discussions throughout the Festival weekend. Forum Hosts serve as the main point of contact for staff and (1) fellow crew member throughout their shift.

    This role requires training.

  • As an On-Call Driver, you’ll be one of the essential volunteers filmmakers and special guests count on to get around town. Drivers will also be tasked with food pick-up and drop-offs for special events such as the Opening Night Party.

    This role requires training.

    • Awards Party, Closing Night Party

      Help host one of the Festival's celebrations! Crew members welcome guests and check their lanyards as they arrive, hand out drink tickets, and assist the caterer as needed. You'll receive a brief orientation before "doors open" for the event.

    • Opening Night Food & Drink Crew

      Help bring the Opening Night Party to life by assisting with food presentation and service at the NW Maritime Center. Training will cover the venue layout, menu, food display and plating, event flow, and procedures for packaging leftovers and cleaning up at the end of the evening.

      This role requires training.

    • Opening Night Front Desk Crew

      Welcome guests to the Opening Night Party. Training will cover the NW Maritime Center layout, check-in procedures, distributing programs, passes, drink tickets, and bidder numbers, as well as collecting guest information and supporting silent auction bid tracking throughout the evening.

      This role requires training.

  • Keep the Festival running behind the scenes by starting and monitoring film screenings, operating projection and audio equipment, and coordinating with Theatre Hosts to ensure each screening runs smoothly.

    This role requires training.

    • Set-Up Crew

      Help transform PT into a Festival wonderland. Set-Up volunteers assist with moving furniture, placing signage, and transporting equipment before the Festival. Volunteers must be comfortable climbing ladders and lifting.

    • Strike Crew

      Help wrap things up by resetting venues. Strike volunteers assist with packing supplies, removing signage, moving equipment and furniture, and loading materials for transport. Volunteers must be comfortable climbing ladders and lifting.

  • Help filmmakers and guests travel between the Bainbridge ferry terminal and Port Townsend in a provided van. Shuttle Drivers provide safe, welcoming transportation and ensure that their passenger's visit to PT begins with ease.

    This role requires training.

  • Host one of our 5 indoor theatres for the weekend! Theatre Hosts oversee a crew of (2–4) volunteers, assist with ticket scanning, help pass holders reserve tickets when needed, support crowd flow, and serve as the primary point of contact for PTFF staff during their shift.

    This role requires training.

  • Ushers welcome attendees, assist with seating, answer questions about the venue (like accessible seating, restrooms, and exits), and help reset the auditorium between screenings by helping with tasks like sweeping and collecting leftover items.

  • Welcome Festival-goers as they arrive at the Forum or one of our five indoor theatres. You'll use an iPad to scan passes and tickets (it's quick and easy-we'll show you how!), then work alongside your venue's Host and Usher to help every guest feel comfortable and cared for.

    This role requires training.