Founded in 2023 at Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall, the Community Arts Service in Theaters (CAST) program provides an opportunity for New Jersey high school students to volunteer as ushers and attend a variety of musical and educational events at venues at and near Princeton University. CAST is an exciting service opportunity for high school students interested in music and the performing arts. Students will be granted access to internationally renowned performances, events, and lectures, including select Princeton University programming that takes place at Richardson Auditorium and McCarter Theatre.
CAST @ Richardson
Richardson Auditorium, located in Alexander Hall, is Princeton University’s premiere performance venue. Students will gain experience working in a concert hall environment, as well as be exposed to a diverse and exciting array of performing arts events over the course of Richardson’s concert season.
This is a great opportunity to meet great people both with the rest of the ushering staff and the patrons of the concerts as well as listening to amazing musical performances.
– Princeton High School Student
At Richardson, our mission is to create a welcoming experience for all patrons, staff, community members, and students by providing intentional and exceptional customer service. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion for all people, and with the University, we have an unwavering commitment to service. As part of this mission, the CAST program seeks to welcome students of all backgrounds.
I thought that this was a really cool program, and all the people were very nice. I liked how I would always switch roles at different shows, sometimes scanning, sometimes handing out programs, and other times directing people to their seats.
– Princeton High School Student
CAST @ Richardson operates in compliance with Princeton University’s Policy for Programs Involving Minors. This policy provides the framework that programs are required to follow in order to facilitate successful and safe programming. More information can be found at the Minors On Campus website. All Richardson Auditorium Front of House Managers have undergone background checks and training provided by the Minors Policy Committee. Staff and participants in the CAST program abide by the Minors Policy Committee Standards of Behavior.
It is a wonderful experience and everyone is so kind.
– Princeton High School Student
CAST @ McCarter
Starting in the 2024-25 season, CAST ushers will also be able to volunteer at McCarter Theatre. McCarter Theatre, located on the campus of Princeton University, is a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub of arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages. McCarter’s mission is to create stories and experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations and engage communities via performing arts. Our work is led by our values of justice and joy, beauty and belonging.
Students will gain experience and access all while supporting the variety of work we produce and present in our venues.
Like Richardson Auditorium, CAST @ McCarter operates in compliance* with Princeton University’s Policy for Programs Involving Minors. This policy provides the framework that programs are required to follow in order to facilitate successful and safe programming. More information can be found at the Minors On Campus website.
*Please note that while folks working with minors are not consuming alcohol, McCarter does offer alcohol for sale as part of our concessions.
Student volunteer ushers should be able to do the following:
- Ascend and descend 40 or more steps quickly
- Stand independently for one hour continuously
- Have accurate vision in dim lighting (in order to read tickets) and walk in dark lighting (to assist patrons with seating)
- Hear and speak clearly in areas with significant background noise (in order to answer patron questions)
- Move quickly and calmly in an emergency
Students may register for this program here.
If student participants, school teachers and counselors, or parents/guardians have any questions, they can reach out to Sharon Maselli, Audience Services Manager and CAST Team Leader, at [email protected].