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VOLUNTEER ROLES & RESOURCE LIBRARY
Photo by Mark Saran
Explore our Volunteer Roles
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Are you detail-oriented and enjoy systems? As an Administrative Support volunteer, you’ll be the backbone of our operations, flexing your organizational skills and ensuring everything runs smoothly in the lead-up to the Festival.
What You’ll Do:
Organize and alphabetize Festival passes
Assist with stuffing and addressing envelopes
Work closely with PTFF staff to support operations during the busy season
Why You’ll Love It:
Make a tangible impact on the Festival’s success
Enjoy a mix of tasks that keep each day interesting and engaging
Join a collaborative, supportive team
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Do you like meeting new people and making traveling easy? As an On-Call Filmmaker Driver, you’ll be one of the essential volunteers filmmakers and special guests count on to get around town. This role is perfect for those who love conversation and making others feel welcome.
What You’ll Do:
Use your personal vehicle to transport filmmakers and PTFF guests within Port Townsend
Provide a smooth and friendly ride, helping guests feel at ease
Why You’ll Love It:
Meet talented filmmakers and creative minds in a relaxed, one-on-one setting
Play a vital role in ensuring our guests have a seamless and enjoyable Festival experience
Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic of the Festival
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Do you love driving? As a Shuttle Driver, you’ll be the first friendly face filmmakers and special guests meet as they arrive for the Festival. Your warm hospitality and dependable driving will ensure a smooth start to their PTFF experience.
What You’ll Do:
Use a PTFF-provided van to drive filmmakers and guests between Port Townsend and the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal
Ensure safe and comfortable transportation while engaging your passengers
Why You’ll Love It:
Meet and connect with creative minds from around the world
Be part of the Festival buzz from the very beginning!
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Are you a someone who loves creating a warm, inviting atmosphere? As a Festival Lounge volunteer, you’ll help make our Lounge a cozy retreat where Festival-goers can relax, connect, and discover unique merchandise.
What You’ll Do:
Brew coffee, stock merchandise, and keep the Lounge clean and welcoming
Help guests purchase PTFF merch using our iPad checkout (we’ll show you how!)
Why You’ll Love It:
Meet film lovers from near and far
Help host one of the Festival’s most relaxed hangout spots
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Are you a natural host with a knack for creating warm, inviting spaces? As a Festival Lounge Lead, you’ll oversee one of the most vibrant spots at PTFF - where folks relax, connect, and browse our Festival merch.
What You’ll Do:
Work alongside your fellow volunteer to keep the Lounge running smoothly
Brew coffee, sell and stock merchandise, and ensure the space stays welcoming and tidy
Be the point of contact for any needs, coordinating with PTFF staff as needed
Why You’ll Love It:
Immerse yourself in the buzz of the Festival
Build your leadership skills in a fun, collaborative environment
Take pride in creating a space where guests can unwind and make memories
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Are you passionate about storytelling and diving deep into films? As a Film Reviewer, you’ll play a key role in helping select the incredible movies that make PTFF special. This is a perfect opportunity for cinephiles who want to be part of the magic behind the scenes.
What You’ll Do:
Watch and evaluate submitted films from February through April
Write thoughtful critiques and share your insights during group review meetings with staff
Use our online reviewing platform to help guide our programmers
Bonus Opportunities:
For those with public speaking or interviewing skills, you could introduce films or conduct interviews with filmmakers at the Festival.Why You’ll Love It:
Be among the first to see potential Festival films before anyone else
Engage in collaborative discussions with a team of fellow film enthusiasts
Make a lasting impact on the Festival lineup by sharing your voice and perspective
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Do you love live events and classic cars? As a Filmmakers Parade volunteer, you’ll ensure that filmmakers have a seamless experience during one of the Festival’s most celebrated traditions. Your role will help make the parade a highlight for filmmakers and attendees alike!
What You’ll Do:
Assist filmmakers in filling out index cards before the parade begins
Communicate with staff to ensure drivers are ready to roll
Collect cards from filmmakers as they exit their vehicles and guide them to the photographer
Why You’ll Love It:
Enjoy the collective effervescence of helping filmmakers shine
Play a vital part in creating unforgettable Festival memories
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Do you enjoy variety? As a Float Volunteer, you’ll be ready to jump in at any venue or activity during the Festival. This is the perfect role for those who flexible and like to stay on their feet.
What You’ll Do:
Be on-call during your shift to provide support wherever it’s most needed
Assist with tasks like scanning passes or transporting goods from venue to venue
Communicate with PTFF staff to respond quickly to assignments
Why You’ll Love It:
Experience the excitement of working across multiple venues and activities
Meet new people and connect with a variety of teams throughout your shift
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Do you love being part of meaningful discussions? As a Forum Lead, you’ll play a key role in enriching events that connect audiences with the heart of filmmaking.
What You’ll Do:
Ensure each event runs smoothly, from scanning passes to assisting with ticket reservations
Be the point of contact for any needs, coordinating with PTFF staff and tech crew as needed
Why You’ll Love It:
Be in the center of engaging discussions and inspiring workshops
Get hands-on leadership experience in an exciting, creative setting
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Do you have a knack for hospitality? As a Gold Lounge volunteer, you’ll help transform the Lounge into a welcoming retreat where filmmakers and special guests can recharge, connect, and feel inspired.
What You’ll Do:
Greet filmmakers as they arrive and help them feel at home
Ensure the space stays clean, comfortable, and inviting throughout the Festival
Why You’ll Love It:
Enjoy the unique opportunity to rub elbows with creative and talented guests
Know you’re playing a key role in making filmmakers’ Festival experience unforgettable
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Do you enjoy being part of a bustling, lively environment? As a Hospitality volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in assisting attendees, making sure they feel invited and taken care of at our Box Office
What You’ll Do:
Greet film-goers, distribute passes, and assist with ticket reservations
Provide information about films, venues, and other events
Support the Hospitality Leads by keeping pass pick-up running smoothly
Why You’ll Love It:
Interact with attendees from all walks of life
Flex your customer service skills while contributing to a fun, fast-paced environment
Set the tone for a warm and welcoming experience for all
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As a Hospitality Lead, you’ll play an important role in creating a welcoming experience for Festival attendees. You’ll be a valuable resource for both patrons and volunteers at our Box Office.
What You’ll Do:
Train with the Box Office Coordinator to learn our pass and ticketing systems
Answerin questions and assist Festival-goers with ticket reservations, ticket sales, pass inquiries, and other Box-office related transactions
Be the problem-solving expert for patrons and volunteers during your shifts
Why You’ll Love It:
Welcome guests at one of the first stops of their Festival journey
Gain valuable skills in customer service, event operations, and leadership
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Do you love creating memorable experiences? As a Party Crew volunteer, you’ll help facilitate the Festival’s gatherings for filmmakers, donors, sponsors, and patrons. Your attention to detail and enthusiasm will help make every event special.
What You’ll Do:
Assist with setting up and tearing down decorations, food, and drink stations
Support catering staff and manage food service, ensuring everything looks amazing
Greet guests, check them in, and distribute drink tickets to kick off the festivities
Help keep the party space clean and welcoming throughout the event
Why You’ll Love It:
Be part of the excitement and magic of PTFF’s annual events
Interact with filmmakers, patrons, and other Festival-goers in a lively, fun atmosphere
Gain valuable event experience while helping create memories
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Are you a tech-savvy film lover who enjoys working behind the scenes? As a Projectionist, you’ll be the wizard behind the curtain, ensuring every screening runs smoothly.
What You’ll Do:
Start and monitor film screenings, ensuring appropriate timing and sound quality
Operate essential equipment like projectors and microphones
Coordinate with Lead volunteers to monitor screening times, provide mic instructions to speakers, etc.
Why You’ll Love It:
Be a vital part of the Festival’s most magical moments…the films!
Build or refine your technical skills with hands-on experience
Take pride in knowing you’re helping bring incredible films to life for Festival-goers
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Do you enjoy live events and being around creative people? As a Reception Crew volunteer, you’ll help host gatherings for filmmakers and special guests. Your attention to detail and welcoming presence will help make these events feel truly special.
What You’ll Do:
Manage snack and beverage stations, keeping everything well-stocked and inviting
Help set up and clean up the event space to ensure it’s picture-perfect
Why You’ll Love It:
Be part of intimate, exciting events where filmmakers and guests mingle
Gain hands-on experience in event coordination and hospitality
Contribute to the success of the Festival’s high-profile celebrations
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Do you love creating welcoming spaces and unforgettable experiences? As a Reception Lead, you’ll take charge of special gatherings where filmmakers come together to share ideas, stories, and inspiration.
What You’ll Do:
Collaborate with the event host to create an inviting atmosphere for mingling and networking
Oversee reception logistics, from guest flow to food and beverage coordination
Lead a small crew of volunteers to ensure every detail is picture-perfect
Why You’ll Love It:
Build relationships with filmmakers, industry professionals, and fellow film lovers
Gain event management experience while being part of something truly special
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Do you enjoy cinema and film discussions? As a Scanner, you’ll set the stage for an incredible Festival experience. This role is perfect for anyone who’s comfortable using a smartphone or iPad.
What You’ll Do:
Greet Festival-goers as they arrive at venues
Scan passes, collect paper tickets, and guide guests to their next event
Answer basic questions about the venue and film schedule
Why You’ll Love It:
Enjoy a fun, fast-paced role where no two shifts are the same
Be part of the dynamic crew of volunteers who help make our films and forum happen!
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Are you hands-on person who loves seeing a big event come together? As a Set-Up/Strike volunteer, you’ll be part of the team that transforms Port Townsend into a Festival wonderland and helps pack it up once the fun is over.
What You’ll Do:
Assist with setting up tables, signage, and equipment before the Festival kicks off
Help tear down and organize materials after the Festival concludes
Work closely with PTFF and TPA staff to ensure everything runs smoothly
Why You’ll Love It:
Be part of the action behind the scenes, seeing how the Festival takes shape
Get a sense of accomplishment by helping create an unforgettable event
Enjoy a collaborative, team-oriented role with other Festival enthusiasts
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Do you enjoy being out and about in the community? As a Street Team volunteer, you’ll help get the word out about PTFF by distributing posters, rack cards, and other materials that inspire excitement for the Festival. Your efforts will ensure the buzz reaches every corner of Port Townsend and beyond!
What You’ll Do:
Distribute promotional materials to local businesses and community spaces
Expand the Festival’s reach by taking materials to regional locations if you’re able to travel
Why You’ll Love It:
Be an integral part of the team that builds anticipation for the Festival
Enjoy a flexible schedule and the chance to explore your community
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Do you enjoy meeting new people and sharing your passion for film? As a Tabling Team volunteer, you’ll help spread the word about PTFF at local events, connecting with the community and building excitement for the Festival.
What You’ll Do:
Represent PTFF at events like the Port Townsend Farmers Market, Outdoor Movies, and Film Pop-Ups
Chat with event-goers, encourage newsletter sign-ups, and share Festival information
Help manage fun activities like raffles and answer questions about upcoming events
Why You’ll Love It:
Be part of the vibrant Port Townsend community while promoting something you love
Enjoy a lively, social role that lets you connect with fellow film enthusiasts
Play a key part in ensuring the Festival reaches new audiences
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Are you a natural leader who thrives in the excitement of live events? As a Theatre Lead, you’ll help ensure everything runs seamlessly at one of our many venues. From guiding a stellar team of volunteers to creating a welcoming atmosphere for filmgoers, your leadership will make all the difference.
What You’ll Do:
Support a small crew of 2-4 volunteers
Coordinate with PTFF staff to keep everything running like clockwork
Oversee key tasks like ticket scanning, attendance counts, and post-event resets
What’s in It for You:
The chance to hone your leadership skills while working alongside passionate film lovers
A meaningful role that leaves a lasting impact on our community
Time Commitment:
We ask Leads to commit to three shifts during the Festival, preferably at the same venue. Our goal is to have one Lead covering morning shifts and another covering evening shifts at each venue so there’s a familiar presence for volunteers and staff throughout the weekend. That said, flexibility is important to us. If you’re interested in being a Lead but can’t match that exact structure, we’d still love to hear from you.Venues include: The iconic Rose Theatre & Rosebud Cinema, the Starlight Room, Key City Public Theater, and the American Legion.
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Do you enjoy making people feel welcome and ensuring everything runs smoothly? As an Usher, you’ll be an essential part of the Festival experience, helping attendees find their seats and enjoy the show with ease.
What You’ll Do:
Greet pass holders as they arrive and assist them in finding their seats
Support the Lead with attendance counts and venue cleanup between screenings
Why You’ll Love It:
Meet film lovers and sharing in their excitement
Help create a smooth and enjoyable experience for Festival-goers
Enjoy being part of a team dedicated to making every screening memorable
Welcome to the Resource Library
Want to get a head start on your volunteer training or just need a quick refresh? You’re in the right place! Explore these resources to learn more about what it’s like to volunteer with PTFF.