MPM Volunteer Placement Description for Nickelodeon Silent-Film Operator

Placement title:   Nickelodeon Silent Film Operator Volunteer
Department/division:   Education
Department Contact:   Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Contact:   Coordinator of Nickelodeon
Length of Placement:   Minimum: six 4-hour shifts over three months
For “active” status: one 4-hour shift per month over 12 months

Purpose

  • Welcome/educate visitors about Pastimes, the silent-film theatre in the Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit.
  • Meet the visitor needs as pertaining to our turn-of-the-century Nickelodeon, thus assuring the public’s trust in MPM.

Responsibilities

  • Pick up the Nickelodeon key with your Volunteer ID badge; unlock doors, adjust auditorium lights, play DVD's on equipment provided.
  • Welcome visitors into the theater. Educate them with interactive questions about the beginnings of cinema via the movies being shown; respond to questions with age-appropriate responses.
  • Study information on cinema history provided in the volunteer binder (kept in the Nickelodeon).
  • Fill out the evaluation and estimate a count of visitors after each shift. Put completed form in coordinator’s folder in the Volunteer Lounge.
  • Turn off equipment, fan and lights, and lock doors when leaving.
  • Return Nickolodeon key to Security desk/Dispatch after closing and report any maintenance problems.
  • Record hours of service and schedule self for future shifts on Volgistics internet service.

Qualifications

  • Ability to engage the general public and speak to groups of 2-10 explaining the cinema culture of the early 1900's in America, adapting information to the age level of the audience.
  • Ability to climb four steep steps to reach and operate the projector/DVD player.
  • Must be a registered MPM volunteer and attend training for this position, at least 18 years old, be capable of working alone in a darkened theater.
  • Have the physical, cognitive and emotional skills to interact with the public.
  • Good communication skills, cheerful attitude, and strong sense of accountability to MPM guests.

Hours and Availability / Minimum Commitment Required

  • Nickelodeon Volunteer Silent-Film Operator is a seven-day-per-week opportunity.
  • Active volunteers work four hours per session with a minimum of twelve sessions per year.
  • Volunteers self-schedule and record hours on Volgistics.

Training/Dress Code/Support

  • TRAINING: Training will be provided by the Nickelodeon Coordinator. The equipment is similar to home equipment; written directions are in a folder in the theater and will be demonstrated as part of the training. Shadow an established volunteer until you are confident to go solo.
  • DRESS CODE: Business Casual (no jeans, sweatshirts, etc.; see Volunteer Handbook).
  • SUPPORT: Nickelodeon Coordinator will train you, help with the calendar process, communicate with you regularly, and be your primary contact for this position.

Benefits

  • Benefits explained with the Volunteer MEMBER card. 40+ hours earn invitations to recognition events.
  • Parking at MacArthur Square is reduced to $5 with validation.
  • Discounts in the café, coffee kiosk, and gift shop when wearing your volunteer badge.

Success Measures

  • Visitors have a better MPM visit because of you and learn about the beginnings of film.
  • Volunteers honor their commitment and become proficient in using Volgistics to schedule shifts and record hours.
  • Volunteers maintain communication with coordinator of Nickelodeon.