Volunteer at the Hamilton Fringe Festival!
HFTco festivals and events are powered by volunteers! There are many ways to volunteer as part of year round programming and operations. Onsite roles are varied and include: box office, ushers, customer service, bar staff, health & safety, and more.
Why volunteer? Not only will you be working with a team of passionate, friendly, and fun people, you’ll also have a chance to get to know the Hamilton arts scene and community better. Plus, it’s a chance to meet new people again—all while supporting local artists.
And if you’re a high school student looking for hours, we’ve got ya covered. All shifts count toward student Community Involvement hours!
Contact us at volunteers@HFTco.ca if you have questions.
Volunteer Roles @ Hamilton Fringe 2026
COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS
Community Ambassadors connect with the Hamilton community on behalf of Hamilton Fringe. Tasks may include:
- Putting up posters at local businesses and on poster kiosks/collars around Hamilton
- Distributing promotional materials to schools and other partners
- Assisting staff in distributing promotional materials and info at outreach events (ex. Art Crawl, Bayfront Canada Day, etc.)
INFO HUB ASSISTANT
The Info Hub Assistant reports to the Info Hub staff to relay information about programming and performances to attendees. Tasks may include:
- Support Fringe Info Hub staff as necessary
- On-site box office representation: tickets, pass sales, buttons, merchandise
- Answer patron questions regarding programming and performances
- On-site engagement with community members
- Assist Volunteer Coordinator(s) with scheduling support, if necessary
USHERS
Ushers are part of the Front of House team at our various venues, alongside the Venue Captain and Box Office Assistants during the festival. Tasks may include:
- Daily on-site set-up and/or tear-down of the Box Office at the venue
- Checking in patrons
- Greeting patrons at the venue
- Assisting Venue Captains in addressing the line-up with a pre-show welcome speech
- Guiding patrons to their seats as required
- Handing out show playbills, if any
- Sitting in on performances to ensure audience health & safety and to ensure proper emergency procedures are followed if necessary
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS
Box Office Assistants are a part of the Front of House team at Venues, alongside the Venue Captain and Usher during the festival. Tasks may include:
- Primary box office representative throughout the shift
- Daily on-site set-up and/or tear-down of the Box Office at the venue
- Selling tickets at the door
- Answering patron questions regarding programming and performances
- Assisting with late arriving patrons
FRINGE BOULEVARD ASSISTANT
Fringe Boulevard Assistants support the Outdoor Programming team in running the live events along King William St between James St and Hughson St. Tasks may include:
- Supporting event set-up and tear-down
- Maintaining an attendance headcount
- Greet attendees & answer questions and distribute festival programs
- Set up & sale of merchandise
FRINGE ON THE STREETS ASSISTANT
The Fringe on the Streets Assistant position is a highly mobile role, requiring up to 2 hours of walking and/or being on your feet, mostly outdoors. Tasks may include:
- Assisting with audience wrangling for this 75-minute outdoor walking tour
- Assist in the set-up of various seating layouts depending on programming
- Be available to answer attendees’ questions about programming
- Distribute Fringe On The Streets program/information
- Support artists and Fringe On The Streets staff as necessary
- Support with setup and tear down
- Certifications such as CPR/Standard First Aid are an asset
Become a Billet Host for a Hamilton Fringe Festival Artist
We have a few out-of-town artists looking for a safe and friendly place to stay during the festival.
Hosting a Fringe artist in your home is a fun and meaningful way to be part of the city’s biggest theatre festival. Get to know one or more theatre makers and show them some of that Hamilton hospitality while they’re here.
You also get some great perks! This summer we are offering these gifts and deals to our Billet Hosts to show our gratitude:
- One (1) Double Frenzy 20-Show Pass
- Two (2) Fringe Benefits Buttons
- A $20 Gift Certificate for use at Relay Coffee Roasters
2026 Frost Bites Festival Call For Volunteers
Frost Bites runs from February 27-Mar 1, 2026 (Venues A & B); March 6-8, 2026 (Venue C)
- Venue A: Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre (876 Cannon St E, at Gage St N)
- Venue B: Theatre Aquarius (190 King William St, at Ferguson Ave N)
- Venue C: The Staircase (27 Dundurn St N, at Hwy 8)
FROST BITES returns February 27–March 8, 2026! Hamilton’s biggest winter theatre festival, we’re heating up the coldest weeks of the year with bold storytelling, family fun, community events, and intimate performances in surprising spaces. With six packed days over two weeks, this year’s programming features fresh new works at Theatre Aquarius(190 King William St), family-friendly activities at the Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre (876 Cannon St E), and—back by popular demand—form-busting immersive performances in the weird nooks and crannies of the historic Staircase Theatre + Lounge (27 Dundurn St N). We’re bringing together all the elements that have made Frost Bites one of Hamilton’s most anticipated winter traditions and making this our most exciting year yet.
HFTco festivals and events are powered by volunteers! We are seeking fun and friendly folks to join our Frost Bites 2026 team.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but early applications are encouraged to get role of choice.
Click the yellow button below to fill out the volunteer sign-up, or email volunteers@hftco.ca for more information and to apply.
