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Careers and volunteering /

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteer ushers

Volunteers play a vital role in the success of the Folger’s numerous performances and programs. Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks, such as welcoming visitors, scanning tickets, distributing playbills, seating, and more!

Under the supervision of the Visitor Services team, including Visitor Experience Experts, volunteers graciously welcome visitors to the Folger from around the local community and the world. At the Folger, we strive to maintain a welcoming environment for all and ensure everyone has a memorable experience.

Our volunteers are essential members of our daily operations and help implement the vision the daytime staff work tirelessly to produce. A welcoming demeanor and a willingness to help are key aspects of gracious hospitality, as well as being a welcoming presence to our visitors.

As a benefit of volunteering, you’ll receive exclusive opportunities to engage with the Folger, such as free seats at performances, special tours, and more.

To learn more, please contact the Visitor Experience team at VisitorServices@folger.edu.

Register to usher for the 2024-2025 season!

Want to join our team for the upcoming season? Simply fill out our registration form and choose your preferred date for a start of season orientation.

Register to usher!

Docents

Are you a curious individual interested in engaging with members of the public about Shakespeare? Consider applying for the Folger Shakespeare Library’s Docent Program! 

A Folger docent is always asking questions of themselves and the visitor. They interact with each other and all who enter the Folger to heighten curiosity and inspire deeper observations. A Folger docent leads tours of the newly reopened museum galleries and discusses meaningful and relevant topics as they relate to the Folger and its collection.  

Applications are closed for the Winter 2025 Docent Class.

Questions? Email docents@folger.edu for more information!

Become a docent!

Applications are CLOSED for the Winter 2025 Docent Class.

Still interested? Email docents@folger.edu for more information!

Code of conduct

The Visitor Experience team, on behalf of the Folger Shakespeare Library, is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and equitable environment for all who engage with us.  We invite you to bring your authentic self as you explore everything the Folger has to offer and ask that you help us maintain a respectful space for others to do the same.  Behavior that causes verbal or physical harm, or discrimination to our visitors, staff, and/or facility will not be tolerated and may result in your dismissal from our building and dismissal from volunteering at future Folger events. 

If you have questions or concerns, please the Visitor Experience team at VisitorServices@folger.edu