Wordfest works with approximately 100 volunteers each year. A small cohort of front of house volunteers help with our year-round in-person programming (approximately 4 positions per show). Then for our fall Imaginairium Festival we scale up our team to 50-75 volunteers who help in a variety of areas: front of house, bar service, venue setup & strike, and ground transportation.
If you have any questions about volunteering or are a returning volunteer inquiring about upcoming opportunities, please get in touch!
If you’re looking to swing by the Wordfest office, please note that confirming an appointment ahead of time with Wordfest staff is strongly recommended. Please also note the public hours of the Memorial Park Library building when planning your visit.
The majority of our volunteer opportunities are in the event crew. These volunteers perform the critical roles of greeter, ticket taker, and usher. They help with the signing line, crowd control, answering patron questions and other event support as required. There is usually (although not always) the opportunity to watch the event when you are in working as event crew.
There are opportunities to volunteer as event crew all year round.
This position supports the Festival Book Seller (Owl’s Nest Books) with set up, sales, and moving inventory. Retail or sales experience is an asset. Must be able to lift 50lbs. This volunteer shift is only required during the festival.
The Production/Stage Management crew assists backstage at events helping with set up and strikes as well as calling the show and supporting the artists. Other duties include stage management and troubleshooting throughout the Festival. Some heavy lifting may be required for this position. Stage management experience an essential.
Wordfest needs daytime drivers to get very important people picked up from the airport and safely to their events. We provide the vehicle; you provide the license. Our driving territory includes the entire City of Calgary and the occasional out of town trip to High River or Banff trips.
Transportation crew members must be over 25 years of age (for insurance purposes), have a valid class 5 license with a clean driving record and the ability to interact with artists in a friendly, respectful and professional manner.
Pack ‘em up and move ‘em out! The Wordfest office moves twice – first, the office packs up and travels over to the Hotel and main venues. At the end of the Festival we move it all back to the Wordfest office. We need strong individuals who are willing and able to lift heavy objects to support this essential move. Each move takes between 2-4 hours depending on the amount of help. Volunteers with trucks, vans and cars are greatly appreciated!