Before every curtain call at The REES Theatre in downtown Plymouth, something happens that most guests never see. The marquee glows, the music plays, and the seats fill — made possible not just by programming and production, but by a quiet, dedicated army of volunteers who show up simply because they care.
According to Board President Pat Popa, volunteers are the heartbeat of the historic theater. They greet guests at the door, work the concession stand, usher patrons to their seats, hang posters, assist backstage, and help clean up long after the applause fades. Their contributions touch every corner of the theater's operations, and many do it without seeking recognition.
"Special places like this are built by people willing to show up, pitch in, and believe that places like The REES are worth preserving," Popa wrote in a recent message to the community.
What sets The REES volunteer experience apart, Popa says, is the diversity of people it brings together. Retirees work alongside young people. Couples find a shared sense of purpose on weekend evenings. Music lovers, movie fans, history buffs, and those who simply enjoy connecting with their neighbors all find a home here. Some volunteers give a few hours a month. Others become fixtures — part of the extended family that keeps the theater running season after season.
The REES Theatre, which hosts concerts, films, comedy acts, children's programming, and community events in the Gibson Family Auditorium and the Bob Pickell Stage, is part of a long tradition of community-supported theater in Plymouth. Historic venues like The REES do not survive by chance, Popa noted — they endure because communities decide they matter.
"Every time someone gives their time, they are helping preserve more than a building," Popa said. "They are helping create experiences and memories for future generations."
That sentiment runs deeper than nostalgia. A child attending a live performance at The REES today may one day bring their own children through those same doors. Volunteers, in that sense, aren't just filling shifts — they're shaping the cultural fabric of the community for years to come.
Beyond the impact on the theater itself, Popa says that volunteering gives back to those who serve. In an era dominated by digital interaction, working shoulder to shoulder with fellow community members toward a shared goal offers something increasingly rare. Friendships form in the lobby, backstage, and even during the end-of-night cleanup after a late show.
"There is pride in hearing applause at the end of an event and knowing you helped make the evening possible," Popa said.
The REES Theatre is currently welcoming new volunteers to join their team. Those interested in learning more about available opportunities are encouraged to reach out by email at Events@REEStheatre.org.
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