Volunteering at the Fountain Theatre
Read on!
The Mesilla Valley Film Society is looking to fill the position of film programmer for the Fountain Theatre in Mesilla. The individual would receive a stipend or may choose to be a member of the board of directors.
Responsibilities would include (but may not be limited to):
The individual should have a strong knowledge of film history and culture as well as good communication, research, time-management, computer and organizational skills.
The Mesilla Valley Film Society is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization. To learn more about the MVFS and the Fountain Theatre, visit www.mesillavalleyfilm.org. Information about the board of directors may be found under the “Volunteer” tab.
If you have questions and to submit a letter of application describing your qualifications, please email info@mesillavalleyfilm.org.
Wait, there's more...
The Fountain Theatre is operated entirely by volunteers and new help is always welcome.
Set your own schedule -- at least twice a month -- and stay to see the movie for free.Volunteers may enjoy popcorn and a beverage during their shift.
There are three functional areas: box office, concessions, and projection.
Box office volunteers are asked to be at the theatre at least 15 minutes before doors open to prepare the ticket sales area. Duties mostly entail the sale of admissions for that day's screening but also include the sale of posters, t-shirts, memberships, and answering patron questions. Since our ticket sales is a digital system, a basic knowledge of computers is required.
Concession volunteers are asked to be at the theatre 30 minutes before doors open for preparation and set-up. They sell concessions before the movie and clean up the concession stand after the movie.
Concession and box office volunteers do not have to stay for the movie, but are encouraged to do so to assist with clean-up of the theatre afterward. If they choose not to stay, they are still responsible for completing their closing tasks before they leave.
Projection volunteers start the film and will learn lighting and sound management as well as troubleshooting in case of any movie emergencies. A mechanical aptitude is helpful, but not required. Projectionists must stay for the entire show and may bring one guest.
After a few months as a volunteer, the possibility of taking your ‘movie career’ even further increases:
A Theatre Host acts as an ad hoc theatre manager for screenings of their choice. They arrive early and make sure that everything is ready to go by show time. This may mean filling in for other volunteers in an emergency, so they must be familiar with all aspects of operation. A board member is always on call for any questions that arise. Managers must stay for the entire screening and may bring one guest. They are responsible for all steps required to open and close each film screening.
Board members are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the theatre and for the administration of the MVFS. If you have a greater interest in the film society, consider serving on the board of directors. We specifically need board members with computer (MS Office), website management, bookkeeping, and marketing skills. Interested? We prefer that you volunteer in another capacity for a few months before applying to be on the board. See a manager on duty or email info@mesillavalleyfilm.org. Click this link to download the board member application.
Contact Us to Volunteer or fill out the form below
Mesilla Valley Film Society
PO Box 1131
Mesilla, NM 88046
Administrative Office
(575) 524-8287 then press 2
The Fountain Theatre is located at
2469 Calle de Guadalupe
one-half block south of the plaza in Mesilla.
The Mesilla Valley Film Society is a non-profit organization with a working board of directors and a volunteer staff. Our mission is to promote a film culture for all audiences by providing a venue for independent, foreign, art, documentary and other under-represented films.
