Tibbits Opera House rolled out the red carpet and welcomed their volunteers in style on Tuesday, April 14 for their annual volunteer celebration.
These volunteers bring the magic of theatre to life, and are an integral part of everything that the theatre does, from ushering at performances, to taking tickets, to working at the bar, helping stuff envelopes and a litany of other things which help Tibbits Opera House continue to operate day-to-day.
Tibbits is proud to be a part of the Coldwater and the Branch County community, and is proud of the community’s desire to be a part of Tibbits. Coldwater United Methodist Church (UMC) was honored with the Organization of the Year award. Volunteers from UMC have served at Tibbits for over 22 years in a variety of ways, including ushering, providing rehearsal spaces for Summer Theatre and Tibbits Young Audiences and serving endless amounts of home-cooked meals for the Summer Theatre company members. Tibbits is immensely grateful for the service of Coldwater UMC.
Patrons encounter many of the Tibbits volunteers every time they attend a show at the historic theatre, with volunteers helping in the box office, serving as ushers, tending bar and more. Tibbits was happy to recognize the 20 new volunteers and volunteer groups that joined in the last year, as well as the 15 volunteers that received badges honoring their next level of hundred hours served.
During the celebration, Tibbits also honored its Volunteer of the Year, Jayne Lillis. Jayne has played a vital role in Tibbits Young Audiences for 34 of the program’s 40 years. Her roles included producer, director and music director, among others. The more than 800 volunteer hours recorded for her in Tibbits’ system only reflect the past 12 years, while her involvement goes back to 1988. Through all of the show she’s been involved with, Tibbits estimates she has touched the lives of nearly 1,400 students. Jayne and her husband Chuck have been Tibbits members for 35 years and played a vital role in housing Summer Theatre company members for years. As an advocate for Tibbits in the community, Jayne was instrumental in arranging dinners for the Tibbits Summer Theatre company members provided by the Coldwater United Methodist Church.
Tibbits also honored its Youth Volunteer of the Year, London Elkins, at the celebration. London has served over 375 volunteer hours at Tibbits. After getting her start at Tibbits on stage as part of Tibbits Young Audiences, London went on to volunteer in a variety of ways at the theatre. In the last two years, London has volunteered for Summer Theatre in numerous positions, all while starring in one of the productions.
For more information about Tibbits Opera House and opportunities to volunteer, visit Tibbits.org, email volunteer@tibbits.org, or call 517-278-6029 during business hours.
