Center Stage

Consider your ‘I wonder what it’s like’ question

By John Busbee

1/3/2024

Al Downey in a Final Act Ensemble show at Des Moines Playhouse (2022 Holiday Show). Steve Gibbons, for the Des Moines Community Playhouse.

The term “volunteering” does not begin to cover the gamut of opportunities that await the cultural adventurer. Your time and enthusiasm are desired contributions for cultural organizations. Since you are reading this column, you have an interest in the performing arts scene. Perhaps 2024 can bring a new perspective on your interests. Most regional companies are deep in the rehearsal throes for their first 2024 shows. They also offer great ways that you can get special peeks behind the curtain of a production while being part of a production team. The rewards are many, both for the participant and the organization.

In the Greater Des Moines region, in 2020 (the most recent statistics), 47.1% of Iowans volunteered regularly, ranking Iowa as fourth in the nation for volunteerism. Americans for the Arts reported that 7,590 volunteers donated a combined 277,644 hours in the Greater Des Moines region in 2015. This donated time represents the equivalence of $6.5 million. That has a powerful and positive impact for organizations that need to maximize their resources to continue serving their mission.

Calling all cultural adventurers: What have you wanted to try?

In the world of performing arts, when anyone first volunteers to help, they are introduced to a deeper understanding of what it takes to bring a production to performance readiness. Not only do cultural volunteers bring their experience and energy to a project, they also bring a life-long learning attitude that seeks discovering new realms in which to engage. Whether you want to share a lifetime of learned skills, such as construction or sewing skills, or want to learn something new, the company members welcome new volunteers. Short-term engagement can sometimes lead to long-term benefits. Al Downey understands this better than most.

A Legacy volunteer

Allen W. Downey is a Korean War Army veteran and retired from the USPS. His quest: “I moved to Des Moines from Chicago,” remembers Al, whose local status has gained him single-name fame. “I didn’t like Des Moines, and I didn’t know anybody and nobody knew me.” His brother, Bill, told him that Des Moines had a playhouse, which Al admitted to not knowing about. Bill was going to audition for a show there.

His brother’s rejection of a small role in the Des Moines Community Playhouse’s 1960 production of “The Madwoman of Chaillot” gave Al his start. He walked into the first rehearsal, the director asked him what he wanted, and he said, “My brother said you needed some idiot to ride across the stage on a bike.” The director responded, “The role is yours.” Al was, in his own words, “hooked.”

This was his entrance into a long-term relationship as a multi-talented volunteer at the Des Moines Playhouse. From that initial small role, Al continued helping, from working lights, to set construction, to sound, many stints as stage manager and, of course, performing.

When asked what made this so appealing, Al stated, “Oh, my,” giving a reflective pause. “I loved the Playhouse since the first time I walked through the door.”

Driven by his curiosity and sense of social engagement, Al continues his rewarding relationship with the Playhouse. A vibrant 95 years old, “One thing about the theatre is that it’s fun. Everybody’s your friend when you do stuff in the theatre.”

Al was recognized in 2011 as a Playhouse Legend and continues his work there. He had a small role in the Cloris Award-winning “Kinky Boots” (2023) and is a company member of Final Act Ensemble, which performs popular live performances of bygone era radio shows, such as Burns and Allen, and Fibber McGee and Molly sketches.

Exploring options

In the world of our community’s performing arts organizations, the range of volunteer opportunities range from short-term commitments to relationships that can be as long-term rewarding as Downey’s. Helping with front-of-house duties (ushering), to pre-production work (set construction, painting, costuming, properties, lighting), to production crew (stage manager, lighting operator, sound board operator, follow spot operator, dresser/wardrobe assistant, hair and makeup), the range of how to contribute to a show’s success is diverse.

Each company offers advance information about how their company operates. All gladly answer questions to help possible volunteers better understand what a given role entails, its expectations, and more. They want your time with them to be as rewarding and positive as do you.

“The Playhouse is my second home,” Downey shares, reflecting on his decades-long love affair with the venerable institution. His wife, Ruth, also is a regular volunteer and a staunch ally of her husband, knowing how much he gets from his Playhouse passion.

All should seek such ways to engage in and give to the cultural community. This enhances your community’s cultural quotient, rewards the giver, and benefits the overall wellbeing of where you live. As Maya Angelou said, “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”

Seek your volunteer liberation in 2024. ♦

John Busbee is a creative project developer, critic, playwright, author, producer and media professional. He has produced his weekly show, The Culture Buzz, on KFMG since 2007.