If you’ve ever picked up your tickets or been warmly greeted at the Box Office before a show, chances are you’ve met Joanna Hickey. With over a decade of service, Joanna’s journey with The Plaza Theatre began with a love for theatre and a desire to give back to a place that made her feel accepted. From her early days ushering to stepping into the spotlight in Hairspray and many shows since, Joanna has worn many hats—onstage and off. These days, you’ll most often find her behind the Box Office counter, making sure patrons are taken care of with the same warmth and enthusiasm that drew her to volunteer in the first place.

How long have you been volunteering at the theatre and what motivated you?

Gosh, I’m not sure when I started volunteering. I know the first show I was involved with was Peter Pan and the first show I was onstage in was Hairspray so it would’ve been around that time, maybe 12-13 years ago? I do know I was motivated by my love of theatre and the feeling of acceptance I had at The Plaza. Well, that and getting to see shows for free if I volunteered ;-). Seriously, I love being able to help out and give back to a place that has given so much to me.

What roles/tasks do you typically undertake as volunteer?

Originally, I ushered. Then, when we upgraded, I scanned tickets and occasionally ushered or did Will Call. The last few years, I typically work Box Office since I’ve been trained for that and that’s usually a harder spot to fill.

What are your most memorable experiences?

I feel like there’s always something interesting whenever a show happens. Probably the most recent memorable experience was receiving a text that the show I had signed up to volunteer for was cancelled due to a swarm of bees! There have been a couple of shows that I’ve worked backstage for that I also ended up volunteering for because someone was needed for Box Office — that’s a bit of a challenge!

How has volunteering impacted your life?

I’ve been able to meet so many new people and patrons while volunteering. I enjoy helping and this is a great chance for me to contribute. I also like that I see people as they come in, especially when it’s someone I haven’t seen for a while!

Any advice to someone interested in volunteering?

Just sign up and do it. Sign up to be an ambassador if you’re worried about not knowing anything but learn how to do the more challenging jobs so you can step in wherever needed. It’s really a lot of fun and you get to see some amazing performances for free!

Your dedication, positivity, and willingness to jump in wherever needed—be it backstage, scanning tickets, or adapting to a last-minute bee situation—are just a few of the reasons The Plaza Theatre is so grateful for you. Thank you for sharing your time, talents, and love of theatre with us and our community. We’re lucky to have you!