Volunteer with
Northern Lakes Arts Association

This is how the arts happen in Ely.

Northern Lakes Arts Association is built by neighbors showing up for each other.
Volunteers make it possible for NLAA to keep tickets affordable, programs open, and arts experiences accessible to everyone in our community.

You do not need theater experience.
You do not need to commit long-term.
You just need to be willing to help.

Ways You Can Help

Front of House

Ushering and ticket scanning
Greeting patrons and assisting in the lobby

Events and Fundraising

Membership renewal phone banks
Special events and community gatherings
One-day or one-evening support roles

Behind the Scenes

Set build, painting, and strike
Costume and prop support
Light tech and run crew assistance

Youth and Education Support

Theater camps and workshops
Rehearsal and classroom assistance

No prior experience required. Training and clear instructions are provided.

Summer 2026
Volunteer Opportunities

The summer is where a majority of our performances occur, we're hosting actors, and have weekly concerts at Whiteside Park! Therefore, we have more volunteer opportunities available throughout the summer.

Submit the interest form to get the conversation started! We'll contact you with more information and potential dates based off the activities you are interested in.

First name

Last name

Email

Volunteer Opportunities

Duluth Airport Pick Up/Drop Off - Are you headed to Duluth or willing to make the trip? Most of our actors are flying in and out of Duluth and will need a ride!

In-Town Rides - Show the actors around town or help them run errands!

Housing Set Up - Ensure the rooms the actors will be staying in are ready to go.

Park Tabling Assist - Assist at our table during the Tuesday Farmer’s Markets to help provide information about NLAA, sell tickets to the performances and register new members.

Theater Cleaning - Help us make sure our costumes are looking fresh for each performance.

Help Artists Feel Welcome (Summer BBQ!?) - Help the actors experience the joys of an Ely summer! Do you have a fun backyard, access to a lake front, or want to host a gathering at Semer’s? Have the actors over for a fun, summer afternoon picnic or bbq.

Laundry/Ironing - Help us make sure our costumes are looking fresh for each performance.

Have another idea? Let us know below!

Your idea here:

Oklahoma (Box Office)

We are looking for three people each night to help greet patrons, check guests in, and sell tickets. You will be assisted by an NLAA board member. All volunteers receive a complimentary ticket to the performance they volunteer at.

Thank you for helping us make this show come to life - Ian Francis Lah

Sign Up to Volunteer.

Jesus Christ Superstar (Box Office)