Pearl Theater seeks new volunteers

At its recent annual meeting, members and guests were given an astonishing number: In fiscal year 2018-2019, volunteers graciously gave 27,892 hours in helping The Pearl Theater, 7160 Ash St., Bonners Ferry, support and promote the performing arts in Boundary County. And, after a year that saw a lot of change, it was recognized that the majority of those hours were given by just a handful of supporters.

The board also recognized that the fault for that lay at its own feet.

“We’ve had countless offers of help from many, many of them with amazing talents and skills,” said board chair Jessica Tingley, “but we’ve fallen into the mode of thinking that it’s easier to just rely on the same dedicated few rather than to make the effort of organizing volunteers and avail ourselves of their talents. In so doing, we’ve burned out many of our most faithful supporters. It’s time we fix that.”

An effort is now underway to not only make volunteers welcome, but to make the best of everyone’s skills, talents and interests, from running lights and sound to administration, to helping on the floor to building upkeep and maintenance to tending the lawn and garden and more. There’s plenty to do, and many hands make light work.

To get involved, please contact The Pearl Theater by phone, 208-610-2846, email, info@thepearltheater.org or go to www.thepearltheater.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Volunteer-Application-Final.pdf for an application that can be filled out and mailed to The Pearl Theater, PO Box 1888, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.

The Pearl, a non-profit 301c organization, is also seeking people with an interest in the promotion of the performing arts in the community to serve on the board and perhaps to take charge of one of the committees. The board meets once per month, typically on the second Thursday of each month to manage the overall operation of the Pearl Theater.

Those interested should send a letter of interest to The Pearl Theater, PO Box 1888, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.