In 2022 after the pandemic, I decided I wanted to volunteer in an arts and culture capacity. What is one of the most influential arts and culture events in the GTA? It’s TIFF. Here I will put my experience, tips and advice.
First, here is my proof:
Where and When to apply
The TIFF festival typically happens in early to mid-September. Applying a couple of months in advance is recommended as they do have orientation/training before.
The application was easy, and I applied back in late July. I was quickly accepted and sent material to help me prepare.
I will say one thing. Volunteering at TIFF means you will STAND a lot. If you cannot stand for long periods, reconsider signing up. TIFF does make accommodations; you can check with them. However, there are a few positions where one can sit.
Tips
Yay, you got accepted! TIFF is on top of sending their volunteer material, such as the volunteer booklet, training, etc. One of the things I highly suggest you take time to consider is WHERE YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER. In 2022 these were the volunteer locations and my thoughts and tips.
Locations
Roy Thomson Hall
Chance to see celebrities (Fanzone/Red Carpet). Tip: if you select this location. If they ask, “Does anyone have a loud voice and have to problem telling people what to do?” Say yes! Chances are they will put you near the Red Carpet to tell people to move away.
Royal Alexandra Theatre
– Chance to see celebrities (Fanzone/Red Carpet). Tip: if you select this location. If they ask, “Does anyone have a loud voice and have to problem telling people what to do?” Say yes! Chances are they will put you near the Red Carpet to tell people to move away.
-Highly inaccessible. If you hate walking upstairs, don’t go to this location.
– They tell you to go around the back if you miss orientation and don’t know where to go to the volunteer lounge. They don’t mean around the building but instead go down Duncan street, then turn on Pearl and get to the back of the building.
Princess of Wales Theatre
Chance to see celebrities (Fanzone/Red Carpet). Tip: if you select this location. If they ask, “Does anyone have a loud voice and have to problem telling people what to do?” Say yes! Chances are they will put you near the Red Carpet to tell people to move away.
Cinesphere – Ontario Place
One of the furthest away from transit in the downtown core. There is a lovely waterfront, so if you want to explore that area, you can choose this location.
Scotiabank Theatre
If your goal is to watch movies, this is the location I would sign up for. They have the most screenings and have a specific position called Usher, where they will put you in the theatre. Lots of downtimes, especially in the morning. You can talk to your fellow volunteers the most here.
TIFF Bell Lightbox
This is also where a lot of press will be. If you are into marketing, you can select this place.
Glenn Gould Studio
This year it held workshops and panels. If you are lucky, you can sit in on those. Very few volunteers get to go here.
Industry Centre at the Hyatt Regency Hotel
If you want a behind scene look at the press industry, this is the place you want to be. They have highly specialized roles and will require a minimum of shifts, so be aware. You can’t hop around to other locations.
Office Support
They have highly specialized roles and will require a minimum of shifts, so be aware. You can’t hop around to other locations.
Airport Greeter
You will need to have reliable transport to get the Pearson Airport. A limited number of people and you will be standing for long periods.
Festival Street
You have to be outgoing and okay with talking to many people. Rain or shine, you must be okay working in any weather condition.
Events Support
TIFF holds special events at various locations. If you want a chance to see stars, industry people, etc., choose this one. There is mandatory training for this specific role.
Ace volunteer
If you can’t decide where you want to go, choose his position. You are a floater who will be sent to various locations.
What to Bring
- Water Bottle: You will get thirsty, and they do not provide any.
- Bum Bag/Fanny Pack: You want your items on you because they could get stolen.
- Charger: They don’t provide one, and there are few places to charge your phone. Your shifts will be a minimum of four hours, so be prepared.
- Additional Shirt: You want to change out of the volunteer uniform when you aren’t on shift, or you will get bothered. I wore a different shirt underneath, others had a light jacket.
Positions
There are the following positions available that I am aware of.
- Usher: Will be in the movie theatre to ensure no illegal activities are happening, helping people find seats, and other activities.
- Clicker: You will be outside of the theatre, counting the number of people going into the theatre.
- Readmittance: There will be people leaving the theatre, and to ensure you aren’t double counting anyone, you will give them a ticket or token. They will give it back when they return.
- Scanner: You will scan people’s tickets for entrance.
- Line Management: You will help people find the line, direct them, and guide them.
- Wayfinder: You have to be able to read the fine print as you will be letting people know what movies are playing and giving directions.
- Admin: Helping with menial administrative tasks.
- Flyer Distributor: You will be giving out materials, such as tickets, flyers etc, to people on the street.
VACCT Awards
The Volunteer Award for Arts and Culture in Toronto (VAACT) is a program that recognizes volunteers who contribute their time to multiple arts and culture organizations throughout the year in the city of Toronto. The program ends yearly with an awards ceremony for VAACT participants, scheduled on International Volunteer Day (December 5, 2022). For more information, please visit vaact.org.
Here’s my recommendation. Do you read this in January or November, haven’t volunteered at any of the organizations yet, and want the VAACT award? Your timing is lucky.
The minimum requirements are the following:
- You have to volunteer with three organizations recognized by the VAACT
- You have to complete their minimum volunteer shifts
- You have to volunteer within their term, which runs from November to October of that year
I suggest you choose three organizations ahead of them and apply. Early as possible.
These are the organizations:
• Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
• Arts in the Parks
• Luminato Festival
• Pride Toronto
• The Toronto Fringe Festival
• Toronto International Film Festival
• imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
• Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
• Harbourfront Centre
I only have done TIFF and imagineNative and couldn’t be eligible since I only volunteered in September and Oct. I wanted to do Reel Asian, but they run in November, thus does not count towards VAACT.
My Experience at TIFF
Finally, after all the tips and advice from my personal experience. I enjoyed it! There was lots of variety and things to do and see. The captains were awesome! Everyone there was amazing. I got to usher for some movies, saw some celebrities, and loved interacting with the festival goers. If you have any questions, let me know!
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