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 Sundance Film Festival
Volunteer Applications for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Utah are now closed.
We have been touched by the incredible outpouring of enthusiasm and support to volunteer for the 2026 Festival in Utah. Due to this high volume of interest, we have reached capacity and are currently focused on filling roles from the applications already received.
We are deeply grateful for your willingness to contribute to what will be a spectacular Festival!
If you have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Resources Team at volunteers@sundance.org
Looking Ahead: Volunteer Opportunities in Boulder, Colorado
The passion to participate is truly inspiring! As the Sundance Film Festival prepares for its move to Boulder, Colorado, beginning in January 2027, we invite you to stay informed about future volunteer opportunities.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering for the Festival in Boulder, starting in 2027, please complete this linked form to receive updates following the conclusion of the 2026 Festival.
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.
Volunteer for the Summer Labs
At the heart of the Sundance Institute is our Summer Labs program! 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 help the program succeed by being a part of a Fellow’s production Crew or through general support for our Admin and Operation teams.
Applications to volunteer for the Sundance Institute Summer Labs are now closed. We plan on sharing more information about available roles and the application process after the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Please reach out to our team if you have any questions.
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.