Greetings Music Lovers!

Our volunteers fuel the fire of the Opelika Songwriters Festival! Applicants who use the link below to confirm their volunteer availability and preferred roles by 8/1 will have first dibs on available spots for the 2023 Festival October 5-8! In exchange for a festival tee-shirt and a weekend pass, volunteers commit to 10 or more hours of service.

The following is the updated list of volunteer roles and the days they are needed* followed by the link to confirm your choices.  The ideal volunteer is available for the full day on Friday and/or Saturday, and a minimum of five hours on Weds, Thursday or Sunday, but we accept limited availability on an as-needed basis to fill in the gaps. 

STREET TEAM (beginning in August)

This pre-fest role is essential in getting the word out. Members post handbills and posters in the greater Auburn/Opelika region (and beyond in some cases) in addition to sharing the word on social media. A tagged share on a unique social media page counts as one posting location. Street Team members can earn 5 hours credit toward the minimum of 10 hours required to earn a T-shirt and weekend pass; thus, serving on Street Team plus committing to a 5-hour morning or afternoon shift on site will qualify. Street Team members must share those photos and tagged posts when visiting the volunteer tent at the festival to pick up their venue assignment, shirt and pass, if not before. Out-of-town members who cannot physically pick up their assigned stack can request that it be mailed. 

PRODUCTION (SETUP/TEARDOWN) CREW

(Wed, 10/4, 8a-12:00p; Thu, 3:00p-10:00p; Fri, 4:00-close; Sat, 9a-Close; Sun, 9:00a-at least 5:00p)

Members work with the production team lead to put their grit, gloves and closed-toe shoes to work—rain or shine—ensuring that the spaces are set and reset to meet the festival’s needs. Requires moderate-heavy lifting, stooping, climbing and a team spirit. The ideal crew member is available for most if not all of the festival.

BOX OFFICE & MERCH TEAM 

(Fri, 11:00a-9:30p; Sat, 9:30-9:30; Sun, 9:30-4:30)

Members are vetted, trustworthy, tech-savvy and enthusiastic! The ideal member of this team has prior retail sales experience and is available for most if not all of the festival. Duties include but are not limited to accurate inventory maintenance and transactions (both cash and electronic) and courteous communication with festival guests.  

GOLF CART DRIVING TEAM 

(Friday, 8:00a-close; Saturday, 9:00a-Close; Sunday, 9:00-4:30)

Members work with the team lead to shuttle artists and crew members between the various festival locations in downtown Opelika. Must have a clean driving record and be sober-minded while on shift. Trustworthiness, reliability and a safety-conscious mindset are essential. 

HOSPITALITY CREW 

(Thu, 3:00p-10:00p; Fri, 4:00-close; Sat, 9a-Close; Sun, 9:00a-3:00p)

Members work with the team lead to make sure that the artists have a comfortable, enjoyable experience. They are enthusiastic, attentive and professional. Responsibilities include serving, cleaning up and positive communications. Work sites include John Emerald, Sound Wall, the Marriott Grand, the VIP area and backstage.

VENUE LEADS

(Wed meeting TBA; Thu, 3:00-Close; Fri, 4:00p-close; Sat, 10:00a-Close; Sun, 10:45-3:00)

The ideal candidate for this role can commit to Thursday through Sunday and has volunteered with OSF or a similar festival before. They are the main liaisons between the venues and the festival organizers. They are professional, reliable and possess excellent communication skills. Venue Leads will oversee the Venue Greeters and Emcees and ensure that all needs are meet at their assigned venues. Venue Lead volunteers are individuals who are passionate about the success of the Opelika Songwriters Festival and are looking to potentially grow into a paid position with the festival in the future.

VENUE GREETER 

(Thu, 5:00-Close; Fri, 4:00p-close; Sat, 10:00a-Close; Sun, 10:45-3:00)

Greeters are assigned 4- to 5-hour shifts throughout the festival to check wristbands and admit only those who have the correct credentials to enter, redirecting others to the box office for tickets. A cheerful disposition, enthusiasm for the festival and excellent communication skills are essential.  

EMCEE 

(Thu, 5:00-Close; Fri, 4:00p-close; Sat, 10:00a-Close; Sun, 10:45-3:00)

Emcees have excellent stage presence, are professional and highly enthusiastic about the festival. They will be present to assist the greeters throughout performances as needed, and they will introduce each act with a script provided by the festival.  

Once confirmations are received, we will begin assigning duties, and a draft schedule will be made available on or before August 11 on the festival website for you to reference as you plan ahead. Thanks again for your interest in being a part of OSF23!  

*Schedule is subject to change.