Support
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 2027 Sundance Film Festival
The 2027 Sundance Film Festival will take place from January 21-31, 2027, in Boulder, Colorado!
The passion to participate is truly inspiring! As we continue to prepare for the next edition of the Festival, we invite you to stay informed about future volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved. If you are interested in learning more, please complete our Volunteer Interest Form to receive updates and information regarding next steps and the official application process.
Applications to volunteer for the 2027 Festival will open at the end of the summer, and we look forward to connecting with you soon!
For a list of venues and a map of our Festival locations, read more here!
Please reach out to volunteers@sundance.org if you have any questions in the meantime.
Volunteer for the 2026 Sundance Institute Labs
For the Sundance Institute Directors Lab, invited up-and-coming artists (called Lab Fellows) will rehearse, shoot and edit scenes from their screenplays under the mentorship of accomplished Creative Advisors. Surrounded by seasoned professionals, yet removed from the typical pressures of production, Lab Fellows are offered a unique opportunity to see the script “on its feet,” develop skills, and take risks. Volunteers have the opportunity to support the program by being a part of a Fellow’s production Crew or by joining the Operations team.
Applications to Volunteer at the Sundance Institute Directors Labs are now closed! We typically launch our application process in the spring once the Festival season concludes, so stay tuned for more information on how to get involved next year.
Please contact us at volunteers@sundance.org if you have any questions.
2026 Sundance Film Festival Volunteer Application Guide
Volunteer Application and Onboarding Checklist: This is a step-by-step guide on how to become a Festival Volunteer! This is an easy way for applicants and confirmed volunteer to keep track of all the things that need to be completed before you get to the Festival.
Volunteer Areas of Interest Catalog: This is an overview of the different teams and areas of the Festival where you could be placed as a volunteer. There are a variety of options available that could align with your interests and experience, so we encourage you to review the catalog before applying.
Lodging Assistance: If you need assistance finding and securing lodging for the Festival, we encourage you to check out our Lodging website for resources. Here you will be able to search for options that work for you and your availability.
Managerial Interest Deadline: September 19, 2025
If you are interested in a managerial role within the theater operations team, please apply by this deadline to help us begin with management placement early on.
Alumni Priority Application Deadline: October 10, 2025
Applying before this deadline helps to lock in priority for past roles as applicable. Alumni can still apply after the deadline, but may lose priority for the position they held last.
Cancellation Deadline: December 14, 2025
If you have already been confirmed to volunteer, canceling after this deadline may impact your standing with us for future opportunities.
Contact Us
If you have questions that are not addressed above, please feel free to contact us via email volunteers@sundance.org or call the Volunteer Resources Team at (435) 776-7870. Our working hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MT.