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Volunteer

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Sundance Institute. We rely on dedicated volunteers from around the world to generously devote their time and commitment to the Sundance Film Festival, our summer labs and our year-round programs that support independent storytelling.

Volunteer for the Sundance Film Festival

Want to join us? Volunteering for the Sundance Film Festival is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Every year, volunteers (most of whom return year after year) help create a global platform to celebrate independent film. We’re looking for volunteers to assist in online and in-person aspects of the Festival. The real benefit of volunteering isn’t the perks or even the films—it’s being part of a passionate community. Please read the following information before applying. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact us at volunteers@sundance.org or (435) 776-7870.

  • 1. Apply to Volunteer: The volunteer application for the 2021 Festival has closed. Please note that applying to volunteer does not guarantee you will be offered a role, and that the 2021 Festival will be very different than those of past years.

    2. Complete the Interview: After submitting your application, you will receive a Google Form that will serve as your initial interview. This document allows us to learn a little bit about you and better understand where you will fit into the Festival.

    3. Receive a Specific Assignment: When your interests and the Festival needs align, a volunteer coordinator will reach out to discuss a volunteer assignment, typically by early December, outlining the position dates and requirements.

    4. Sign the Volunteer Agreement: Your volunteer coordinator will email you a volunteer agreement. You must sign the agreement to confirm your position.

    5. Get Your Schedule: Sign-up volunteers, once instructed, will log in to Shiftboard (our scheduling platform) and sign up for shifts, making sure to sign up for a minimum of 24 hours. Full time volunteers will be informed of their preset schedule and when it will be released on Shiftboard.

    6. Check In and Receive Training: You will check in before your first shift and receive training.

    7. Festival Time: Enjoy volunteering and experiencing the Sundance Film Festival.

    • For 2021, applicants can choose from two different types of Festival volunteer experiences: sign-up and full-time. Each experience has a different level of commitment. Remember, all volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer.

      1. Sign-Up Volunteers (24+ hours)
      • Sign-up volunteers have a flexible shift schedule and get to pick their own shifts (based on availability).
      2. Full-Time Volunteers (everyday volunteers)
        • Full-time volunteers have shifts every day of the Festival (January 28-February 3, 2021). Your schedule will be preset.

  • We are currently working to determine what, if any, volunteer benefits may be available for the 2021 Festival. With this in mind, we ask that volunteers participate in the Festival in the spirit of service to support the mission of the Sundance Institute. We need volunteers now more than ever to support storytelling and the voices of our artists, and we ask that volunteers be flexible and understand how much we appreciate their service, even though we may not be able to provide tangible benefits for the 2021 Festival. Please know we will continue to work to provide benefits and will update volunteers throughout the planning process.

  • If you volunteered during the last Festival, you will receive an email reminder when the application opens for the next Festival. If you missed the last Festival but volunteered in years past, you will need to check this webpage for the application.

    The application process is entirely online. You will need to fill out an application with your current Shiftboard email (just email volunteers@sundance.org if you don't remember it!). Please make sure to fill out all areas of the application.

    Please make sure to check your email! Email is our main method of communication.

    If you have questions, just email us at volunteers@sundance.org or call us at (435) 776-7870.

Volunteer with Sundance Institute

We look for volunteers throughout the year to help our programs run smoothly—like our artist labs, which help independent directors, screenwriters, producers, composers, theatre makers, and virtual reality and new media creators bring their stories to life. And we can always use some extra assistance at our international festivals in London and Hong Kong, and in our offices in Park City, Los Angeles, and New York City. Select a program to learn more about available opportunities and how to apply.

  • The Institute’s Labs take place throughout the year and volunteers play a fundamental role in supporting the labs during the summer months.

    Working for the labs requires a significant time commitment, but provides a rare opportunity to witness the creative process and to experience a range of Institute programs. Volunteers work six days a week with rotating days off during the month. The length of the work day varies throughout the program. During setup, teardown, and heavy arrival and departure days, staff and volunteers work an average of 14 hours per day. There are two halves to our summer labs, and, based on availability, you can apply either for one half or the whole summer. Volunteers receive air travel, ground transportation to and from the Salt Lake City airport, lodging, and meals.

    All volunteers are required to live on the mountain for the duration of the labs and all Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.

    Volunteer positions assist our lab operations team to provide a welcoming experience for our artists. These positions are several weeks long and may span over several different labs. If you have any questions, please email us at volunteers@sundance.org.

    The Institute’s Labs take place throughout the year at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah. Volunteers play a fundamental role in supporting the labs during the summer months.

    Working for the labs requires a significant time commitment, but provides a rare opportunity to witness the creative process and to experience a range of Institute programs. Volunteers work six days a week with rotating days off during the month. The length of the work day varies throughout the program. During setup, teardown, and heavy arrival and departure days, staff and volunteers work an average of 14 hours per day. There are two halves to our summer labs and, based on availability, you can apply either for one half or the whole summer. Volunteers receive air travel, ground transportation to and from the Salt Lake City airport, lodging, and meals.

    All volunteers are required to live on the mountain for the duration of the Labs and all Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.

    Volunteer positions assist our Lab operations team to provide a welcoming experience for our artists. These positions are several weeks long and may span over several different labs. Carefully review the information below before submitting an application. Applicants must be available for the duration listed for the position(s) being applied for. If you have any questions, please email us at volunteers@sundance.org.

    Labs Volunteer, Administration/General Support | 2 Positions

    Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2020

    Dates: 5/11/20 - 6/27/20 AND/OR 7/3/20 - 8/5/20

    This volunteer position oversees the day-to-day operations of the on-site labs office (the yurt) such as greet and assist participants, help with check-ins, answer the yurt phone, and maintain general office operations. Additionally, this volunteer position assists and has a general knowledge of all aspects of the lab in areas of guest relations, lodging, meals and events, ground transportation, production, etc. to support on busy days and when staff have days-off. This position involves heavy data entry.

    Labs Volunteer, Meals and Events | 1 or 2 Position

    Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2020

    Dates: 5/11/20 - 6/27/20 AND/OR 7/3/20 - 8/5/20

    This volunteer position assists with the day-to-day operations of Meals & Events including overseeing break stations for all events and screenings, monitoring inventory of supplies, frequent runs to town in an Institute provided minivan, assisting with receipt and bill reconciliation, setup and teardown for receptions, parties, and offsite catered events. They also assist the Labs Coordinator, and Production with setup and teardown of facilities related to workshops, events, and orientations as needed. This position is a good fit for someone who enjoys working independently, and who adjusts easily between periods of intense work and being “on-call”.

    Labs Volunteer, Ground Transportation Supervisor | 2 Positions

    Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2020

    Dates: 5/17/20 – 6/27/20 AND/OR 7/3/20 - 8/5/20

    This volunteer position assists the Labs Coordinator, and Ground Dispatch with driver oversight and coverage of either the A.M. (7am-4pm) or P.M (4pm-1am) shifts on a daily basis. All driver responsibilities as needed. Previous experience as a driver strongly preferred.

    Driver Volunteers

    Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2020

    Available Dates:

    • 6 drivers needed from May 19 - June 27, 2020
    • 6 drivers needed from July 3 - August 4, 2020

    This volunteer driver position makes daily airport runs (3 hrs round trip), shuttle runs around the Provo Canyon area, and weekly purchase runs into town. They also assist in setup and teardown of venues, production space and in their spare time can also assist production. Volunteer drivers can apply for either one half or both halves of the summer.

    Experience & Skills Needed

    • Must be comfortable driving a minivan with up to 7 passengers, small SUV and/or 15-passenger van on narrow, steep, curving mountain roads
    • Must be willing to abide by all posted speed limits, parking restrictions, and the Sundance Institute’s policy on drinking and driving
    • Must be willing to adhere to Sundance Institute’s procedures in the event of an accident
    • Must be willing to represent Sundance Institute in a positive, professional manner
    • Must be personable, adaptable, outgoing and willing to take on any task
    • Knowledge of the area (Salt Lake City, Orem, Provo, Park City, Sundance Resort) or willingness to learn
    • Excellent customer service, interpersonal communication, and prioritization abilities required
    • Valid driver’s license, 21 years of age, and successful completion of DMV background check required

    Production Assistant: Directors Lab | 4 Positions

    Application Deadline: Sunday, March 1, 2020

    Dates: May 23 - June 16, 2020

    Production Service Learning position will learn the basic skills needed to PA within the Grip and Electric Department, Art Department, Sound Department, Production Department, Camera Department, Editorial and Script Supervising Department on a Fiction Film. Must have experience as a PA on set.

    Production Assistant: Theatre Lab | 4 Positions

    Application Deadline: Sunday, March 29, 2020

    Dates: July 5 - July 26, 2020

    Production Assistants will be an integral participant in the process of developing a new play. The Theatre Lab is an opportunity to see the creative process in action while contributing the journey of projects for the stage. Candidates must have an interest and experience in live theatre.

    Apply Now

  • Sundance Film Festival: London

    Please contact volunteers@sundance.org in early March 2021 for more information.

    Volunteers for the London festival do not receive travel reimbursement or lodging.

    Sundance Film Festival: Hong Kong

    For information regarding our festival in Hong Kong, please contact volunteers@sundance.org.

  • Beyond our Festivals, Sundance Institute has screenings, events, and programs that rely on the help of volunteers to make them happen. These opportunities are part of our year-round volunteer program and involve one-day events and projects that typically last between four and six hours. These opportunities often occur throughout the year but are more common in the months leading up to the Festival.

    • Summer Film Series in Utah
    • In-office administrative help in Park City and Los Angeles
    • And more!

    If you are interested, reach out to volunteers@sundance.org.

  • In addition to our Festivals and labs, we also hold screenings and sessions across the country. Volunteers are needed to assist in providing these experiences to the public. Some cities we typically visit are:

    • Akron, OH
    • Albuquerque, NM
    • Charlotte, NC
    • Detroit, MI
    • Macon, GA
    • Miami, FL
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • St. Paul, MN

    To join our email list to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities in your area, please email us at volunteers@sundance.org.

  • The Institute provides internships in our Park City, Los Angeles, and New York City offices. All available internship opportunities are posted on our job board. For more information, please email us at volunteers@sundance.org.

Contact Us

If you have questions that are not addressed above, please call us at (435) 776-7870 Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. MT, or email us at volunteers@sundance.org.