Meet Sharon Joines, our March 2025 Plaza Volunteer of the Month. A familiar face behind the lens, Sharon has been capturing the heart and soul of Plaza productions since 2008. Her photography has become an essential part of The Plaza’s storytelling—documenting the laughter, drama, and magic that happens on stage. Whether she’s photographing a dress rehearsal, greeting patrons, or jumping into the concessions stand, Sharon’s presence has been felt in nearly every corner of the theatre. Her passion for both photography and community is evident in every thoughtful shot—and in every kind word she shares about the Plaza family.

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

I have been volunteering at The Plaza since 2008. What motivated me was a love for all the things The Plaza Theatre has produced, and that in 2004 I had begun a lifelong photography project about Wharton County, Texas. The first production I photographed was Grease. Before we changed to me photographing dress rehearsals, making it possible to be on stage and walk around, I took pictures of actual productions with a full audience present. I would set my camera on a tripod at the very back of the theatre, sometimes right next to paying audience members. Try as I might to only click the camera shutter when there was applause, or something happening on stage with enough noise to drown out the shutter clicks, at times I would just have to go for it if an important scene was happening on stage. My apologies to those within earshot of my camera in those early days!

What roles/tasks do you typically undertake as volunteer?

Mainly I photograph the dress rehearsals of Plaza productions, but on occasion I will work in concessions, greet patrons at the door, and take other pictures needed for promotional purposes.

What are your most memorable experiences?

As always, the current Plaza production is the best, the most wonderful, the most memorable experience. So many of these “mosts” come to mind, I can’t narrow it down to one or even a few. So currently, but not in the least because it happens to be the current production, Almost, Maine is my very favorite of all time. It is an absolute winner. Expertly directed by Reagan Wrench and Janice McDonald, the cast works together seamlessly and flawlessly to make a perfect satisfying theater experience. Quinn Wrench as stage manager is the glue that keeps everything together and moving at the right time behind the curtain. The sets, costumes, hair, makeup, lighting and sound are tailor made for each of the vignettes. There are romantic scenes, both happy and not so much, and there are funny (no – I mean hilarious) scenes, so it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone.

How has volunteering impacted your life?

There should be a required class in school about how and why to do volunteer work. The benefits of volunteering are not only good for the community, but also good for the volunteer. When I volunteer, it has an effect of getting me “out of myself” and into others, which is a very good thing. It is a pleasure to volunteer for The Plaza Theatre, which is operated almost 100% by volunteers, from the actors to the directors and everyone in between.

Any advice to someone interested in volunteering?

Do it! It doesn’t matter if you know how to do this or that, you can find a spot that fits your skills and talents. Even if you have to force yourself – do it. Please, just do it. You will be all the better for it.

Thank you, Sharon, for your years of dedication and for sharing your talent and spirit with The Plaza Theatre. Your lens captures not just performances—but the heart of this theatre and the community it serves.