Gem City Comedy runs small, community-driven comedy shows inside the Front Street gallery space. Each show takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work, and right now most of that falls on one very tired guy.

If you love stand-up, care about local art, or just want to help out with something fun and low-pressure, we’d love to have you on the Volunteer Crew.

Setup & Teardown Crew

Help us transform the gallery into a comedy room and then put it back the way we found it.

You might:

• Set up and move chairs
  
  

• Help position tables and signs
  
  

• Set out merch
  
  

• Help pack everything up after the show
  
  

No tech knowledge is required — just a willingness to move some stuff and be part of the behind-the-scenes chaos.

Door & Check-In Helper

Be the first friendly face people see when they arrive.

You might:

• Check in pre-sale tickets
  
  

• Handle walk-up sales through our Square reader
  
  

• Hand out wristbands or stamps
  
  

• Answer simple questions about seating and show length
  
  

If you’re good with people and like a little structure, this job is perfect.

House Wrangler

Help the room feel comfortable and under control during the night.

You might:

• Help guests find seats as the room fills
  
  

• Assist latecomers without disrupting the show
  
  

• Keep an eye on the room and let the host know if something needs attention
  
  

• Gently help clear the space after the show so we can reset the gallery
  
  

If you’re observant, calm, and like being the person who quietly makes everything work, we need you.

Who Should Volunteer?

You do not have to be a comedian.
You do not need any event or tech experience.

We’re looking for people who are:

• Reliable and on time
  
  

• Respectful of the gallery and the artwork
  
  

• Comfortable being around crowds and live comedy
  
  

• Happy to pitch in and take simple direction
  
  

Whether you’re a comedy fan, an artist, a student, or just someone who wants to help build something cool in Dayton, you’re welcome here.

What's In It for You?

We’re a small, independent arts operation, so everything we do is community-powered. Volunteering is unpaid, but we can offer:

• Free entry to the show you’re helping with
  
  

• Free bottled water
  
  

• Early access to lineup announcements and GCC updates
  
  

• An invite to our end-of-year volunteer hangout
  
  

• The satisfaction of actually helping build the Dayton comedy scene instead of just scrolling past it online
  
  

• A free GCC t-shirt!
  
  

If you care about live art and local comedy, this is a direct way to support it.

How It Works

1. Fill out the volunteer form using the button below.
   
   

2. Tell us which roles you’re interested in and when you’re usually available.
   
   

3. Before each show, we’ll reach out to see who’s free and plug people into roles.
   
   

4. If a date doesn’t work for you, you can always say no — no pressure, no guilt.
   
   

We keep the crew small so it never feels overwhelming. Most roles are a 1.5–2.5 hour commitment, including setup or teardown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to volunteer at every show?

A: No. You’ll get asked when we’re planning a show, and you can say yes or no based on your schedule. 

Q: Do I need any special skills or experience?

A: Nope. If you can move a chair, be friendly at a door, or calmly help folks find seats, you’re good. We’ll walk you through everything else. 

Q: Do I have to be a comedian?

A: Not at all. Some volunteers are comics. Some are partners or friends. Some are just people who love live comedy and want to help out. 

Q: Is this a paid position?

A: No. These roles are 100% volunteer. We’re a small, independent comedy project operating on a tight budget. The goal is to keep shows sustainable while still paying performers, renting space, and covering basic costs. 

Q: Can I bring a friend to volunteer with me?

A: Absolutely. Just have them fill out the form too so we have their contact info. 

Questions about volunteering?

Email us at mshea@gemcitycomedy.com and we’ll get back to you.