I often get asked about voluntourism. It’s a newer word in the travel industry, and it’s here to stay. The concept has been around for decades, but on a different scale than what is currently trending. The difference, in my opinion, is that voluntourism doesn’t have to be a full-fledged, overseas mission trip, such as the one to the Dominican Republic. In contrast, it constitutes anything that makes a positive impact on the community above and beyond typical commerce. Examples include buying souvenirs from a local craftsman instead of mass produced items, taking tours from the locals, eating at Mom ‘n Pop restaurants, staying in locally owned lodging facilities and volunteering for a small portion of your trip.
My Voluntourism Itineraries are now available for purchase! They help make your travel easier all while traveling with intention. Click on the Volunteering dropdown to see the selection.
Community Theatres Depend on Volunteers
Has it been a while since you’ve attended a live theatre performance or concert? Are you looking forward to the thrill of getting dressed up, hanging out with friends and enjoying shared laughs? Now may be the perfect time for you to get out and experience the theatre, as well as helping the community. Performing arts is such an asset to people of all ages. The camaraderie that is established through rehearsal and performances relics that of a sports team. It’s a great venue for youth and adults to interact and learn from each other, creating bonds and mentors for a lifetime.
Even before the pandemic, many small-town community theatres operated on a shoestring budget. With smaller crowds, their revenue is now even tighter. This is where you come in!
Sorg Theatre
The Sorg theatre offers a great option for voluntourism. They need volunteers to help with tickets, concessions and seating. After you have served your shift, you can watch the remaining portion of the show. But wait, the benefits don’t stop there. Each time you volunteer, you earn two free tickets to an upcoming show of your choice. The Sorg offers an amazing array of genres, both live theatre shows and music concerts.
If you are interested, send a private message via their Facebook page. Emails will be sent to you asking which show you’d like to volunteer for and what job you’d like to do. It’s as easy as that. If you get to the theatre early, ask to be shown the mid-century movie projectors that are still in place. They’re pretty cool.
Sorg Opera House 63 S. Main St. Middletown, Ohio 45044
Additional Theatres in Ohio
If you are interested in volunteering at other theatres in Ohio, here are a few that you might want to contact. Maintaining these historic beauties is costly, but so worth the effort. Each remaining theatre is a community gem.
Ritz Theatre
During the 1920s and 1930s, Tiffin was home to four different theatres, but none as grand as the Ritz Theatre. At the time, going to the theatre was the thing to do. Time passed and entertainment changed. The other three theatres no longer exist, but fortunately, The Ritz Theatre fell into good hands and underwent a major rehabilitation in 1998.
The interior is truly magnificent. The performers have a tough job of keeping one’s attention because I found myself admiring the Italian frescos, the architecture, and the glistening chandelier. It is a privilege to sit in a room of such splendor.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Ushers are needed. Inquire at the Box Office
The Ritz Theatre 30 S. Washington St. Tiffin, Ohio 44883
Twin City Opera House
An iconic building which has held a steadfast role in Morgan County’s communities, sits on the town’s square as majestically as when it was built back in 1890. The opera house has been in continuous use for over 130 years hosting live performances and movies. Currently, the public can take in a movie on a weekly basis, very often offered for free. Sit back with your soda and popcorn and enjoy the grandeur.
I was able to go into the basement and when I did, I was wowed by the stacked sandstone pillars. Folklore says there was a tunnel that ran underground to the hotel across the street. This allowed the performers to leave after the show without being mobbed by the media and guests. The owl engraved into the entrance’s arch is a pretty funny political story. Be sure to ask about it!
Twin City Opera House 15 W. Main St. McConnelsville, Ohio 43756
Variations of Voluntourism
Voluntourism can be achieved in multiple fashions. You can travel near or far for different opportunities. Some may be as close as your own hometown. If so, I’d love to hear about them.
Voluntourism Itinerary is now available for Nashville
You can email me directly at bountifulblessingstravelblog@yahoo.com to request your downloadable Voluntourism Itinerary. I accept Venmo and PayPal. This comprehensive document will describe where to stay, where to eat, where to shop, and how to volunteer. These destinations all support local, non-profits. I’ve also included locally owned restaurants that are just plain fun. When we travel intentionally, we speak with our wallets. As consumers we can make such a positive impact on the places we visit.
The downloadable document is linked to all the businesses, making it super easy for you to look up their hours and menus. I’ve also included a Google Maps so you can plan out any extras you’d like to add to your visit. The itinerary is $20 and saves you HOURS of research, as I’ve already done the work for you.
Be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter. Travel tips, inspiration and discounts are available to my subscribers.
