VOLUNTEER
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the 2026 Cans Film Festival! Volunteers are a crucial component to our success. Volunteers are the face of the festival and will often be the first (and sometimes, only) person to interact with film-goers, supporters and patrons. Outlines below are volunteer role descriptions and other FAQ details.
What kind of work is available during the festival?
Exact assignments will be given upon arrival at the venue at the start of your shift.
Ticketing & Pass Check-In: Volunteers will sell passes and individual screening tickets to people who come in the door. Volunteers will also check in those who have pre-purchased tickets and passes.
Information Table: Volunteers will be seated at the main entrance and will be the first to greet patrons. Some responsibilities will include advising festival goers about the schedule, answering questions about the festival, selling merchandise, and offering other information as requested.
Floater: This position is flexible and requires a volunteer be able to jump between any of the different spots listed here depending on needs throughout their shift. Some areas may need extra help to move patrons through rush times. You may also fill in for a position that has to be covered because of any no-show volunteers.
Ushers: Some festival events will require ushers to help seat patrons. Ushers may also provide general festival information.
Line Management / Crowd Control: Volunteers will work in the venu lobby to manage any lines that may form and help people with questions.
Setup & Teardown Champions: Volunteers will help with the setup and the cleanup of venues, getting them ready for the next event. This involves a range of duties including carrying boxes, tidying up tables and chairs, etc. Some of these shifts may be later in the evenings.
Concessions: Volunteers will bring smiles to faces with concession offerings — some responsibilities may include sales of food and beverage, cleanup/setup, and taking inventory. Be prepared for more standing than sitting.
Rentals & Inventory: Volunteers will help manage, order, organize and transport stock to venues. This may include promotional materials (advertising, banners, etc.), managing concessions, venue kits, venue equipment rentals, etc. These efforts will not interface with the public and will require organizational skills, attention to details, and independent thinking.
If you have other ideas on how you would like to contribute to the success of the Cans Film Festival, please reach out to us!
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If you’d like to volunteer at the Cans Film Festival, you can sign up for shifts here.
You must attend an in-person training to volunteer this year. If you cannot join us in-person, contact us so we can discuss an alternative plan to help you be as prepared as possible.
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Absolutely! Let’s chat more. Contact us here to start the conversation.
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In addition to our gratitude, you’ll get some cool festival perks such as:
All-Access Pass — good for entry at all festival events
T-Shirt and Swag
Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages during your shift
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Yes, you must be 16 years of age or older to volunteer. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and job options may be limited.
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You may bring your own water or non-alcoholic beverages with you. If you sign up for a longer shift, consider bringing food with you. We cannot guarantee a secure area for you to store personal belongings, so do not bring any valuables or large/bulky items.
You should plan to bring only what you can fit in your pockets or a small bag. Cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off or silenced during film screenings.