The Roundhouse, which re-opened in London in June 2006 following a £30m redevelopment, is an international performance venue and creative centre for young people. A 235-strong volunteer base supports the 200 front of house staff.
The venue advertises its volunteer placements as "...a unique opportunity to gain invaluable work or back-to-work experience in one of Britains hottest venues." Apart from the obvious perks of seeing performances for free and being invited to exclusive social events, volunteers are encouraged to sign up to enhance their CVs, develop their skills and get a real insight into how this major London venue operates.
Induction sessions are run by Volunteer Co-ordinators, Linda Hapgood and Jacky Fairfax, themselves volunteers, who believe the real incentive to donating ones time to the Roundhouse lies in making a contribution to the local community: A lot of local people are delighted to see the Roundhouse Studios, the creative centre which lies at the heart of the Roundhouse project, doing something for local youth and so are pleased to play a role. During our launch show Fuerzabruta the contribution of the front of house volunteers amounted to approximately £35,000 in financial terms. Positive outcomes for some volunteers include landing a full-time paid job in the arts, though other volunteers enjoy the work as a good break from their roles as parents or carers of the elderly.