Volunteer at the Cinema

What sort of volunteers do you need?

We need volunteers for the many aspects of setting up and running our shows. This includes:

  • Ushering
  • Backstage and projection
  • Ticket sales
  • Snack Bar sales and costumer service
  • Setup and take down
  • Help with Birthday Parties
  • Greeting the public etc.

No experience is required. Training will be provided.


We ask that volunteers commit to attending at least 2 shows per month (between September and May).

How old do you need to be before you can volunteer?

Both student and mature volunteers are most welcome to volunteer at the cinema. You must be at least 14 years of age to volunteer. Volunteering counts towards the 40 hours of volunteer time required for high-school graduation.

Community hours for students

We welcome students who wish to gain experience working in the community helping at the Ottawa Family Cinema in areas of their interest. The cinema is a fully operating movie theatre and is run in a professional yet friendly manner. This is a volunteer job but one that should be taken seriously. Experience here will provide you with knowledge and reflect well on you if you perform to the best of your abilities. Punctuality, reliability, and a willingness to pitch in and help are key elements to a successful time in obtaining your community hours with the Ottawa Family Cinema.


You are responsible for keeping track of your hours in the Volunteer Book which is kept at the front desk. When you need your hours certified just let the Volunteer Coordinator or a manager know so the form can be completed and signed.


You must remain on the property while signed at the cinema. If you have to leave before the end of your shift for any reason, you must inform the volunteer coordinator or a manager and sign out. You must sign back in again if returning the same day. Bring a lunch for Saturday movies, Friday evenings there will be pizza, provided free by the cinema.


We will give references for future work experience.

What time do you need to arrive?

All volunteers are to arrive by the following times unless special arrangements are made:

  • 5:00 pm Friday
  • 12:00 pm Saturdays

Also important is a willingness and availability to stay until the end of the show and to help with take-down on Saturday afternoons.

What is the dress code?

Dress code is important... Black pants (not jeans), white shirt (black shirt for projection team) with collar. Shirt must be tucked in.


A blue vest is supplied by the cinema.

How to apply to be a volunteer?

To register as a volunteer, please follow these steps:

  1. Register for an account at https://account.familycinema.ca/register
  2. Account registration will send you an e-mail. Click the link in the email to confirm you have provided a valid e-mail address.
  3. When logged into your account, find the menu item "New Volunteer Registration". Fill in the form completely and submit.
  4. The volunteer coordinator will be in touch to discuss next steps. If your reference checks pass, an in-person interview will be scheduled during Cinema normal operating hours.
  5. If any questions e-mail the Volunteer Coordinator at coordinator@familycinema.ca