Cast & Crew
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t like to act. Is there anything else I can do?
Many Dickens positions are “crew” positions which do not require acting abilities, talking in English dialect, or any experience with performing arts. Look in this booklet for “Crew” Positions or stop by any of the tables designated “Crew” for a list of positions you may be interested in.
I like to act, but I can’t speak with an English accent.
If speaking in English accent is a concern, then Bethlehem Village is the place for you! These Cast positions require acting abilities, but accent is not required. Look in this booklet for Cast positions under Bethlehem Village.
I sound Australian if I try to speak with an accent!
The Dickens Village Performers Team Leader will provide Accent Training to all Cast Members. Even if you can’t get the accent, half the fun is trying!
Does Dickens Village provide childcare?
Dickens Village has a Childcare Team who provide childcare for the Cast & Crew’s children each night of Dickens. This team provides a structured environment with age-appropriate activities for our children (including tours of the Village). Activities include, crafts, homework time, and “wind-down” time toward the end of the evening.
I have children in school and need to allow for homework time on school nights.
Our Childcare Team offers a structured environment which includes homework time. Homework assistance is also provided.
I don’t allow children to be out late on a school night.
The Village hours are 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Wednesday thru Sunday. Our Childcare Team will provide quiet time for your children as the end of each evening draws near. You may also want to consider volunteering to serve on Friday and Saturday evening when school is not an issue.
My children want to volunteer and wear a costume. Is there a position for them?
The Children’s Services Team will offer an opportunity for young children (age 12 and below) to participate in Dickens Village by wearing a costume and speaking in dialect. These children will play a role in the Village in a supervised setting. All children who are signed up for childcare will have this opportunity if interested. We also have a limited number of positions for older children, ages 12 and up. Look in this booklet for positions labeled age 12+.
If I volunteer, will I have time to visit Dickens Village as a Guest?
As a cast or crew member, it is very important you serve in the role you are assigned throughout the entire evening. Dickens Village is a five day event. We encourage our Cast & Crew to take at least one night off to visit the Village as a Guest.
Do I need to provide my own costume if I am a Cast Member?
Our Costuming Team has worked hard to create costumes that are consistent with each role within Dickens Village. This team will provide the costumes for all cast members. If you prefer to provide your own costume, our Costuming Team can help you determine which role your costume is most suited for.
I wear an unusual size. Can I be fitted for a costume?
Many of the Village costumes are one-size fits all. Our Costuming Team is prepared to fit you with a costume for any role. If necessary, a costume can be tailored to your size.
I can’t stay outside for long periods of time. Is there anything I can do inside?
The Village offers many inside roles. Teams with inside positions include Food Services, Logistics, Childcare, Costuming, Marketing and Cast and Crew Administration. Look in this booklet for more details.
I work and I won’t have time to feed my family dinner if I volunteer at Dickens.
Our Food Services Team does your work for you! Each night, Food Services provides a meal and breaktime snacks for all Cast and Crew members and their children.
I will be out of town during the week of Dickens. Is there anything I can do to help before or after the event?
We have many pre and post Dickens positions to fill. These positions are listed under each team in this booklet.
Can I sign up now if I don’t know my schedule for December?
Yes! Please sign up for the position you are interested in. Your Team Leader will be in contact with you to work out your schedule as Dickens draws closer.
Do you really need my help? There are plenty of other people signing up.
Yes, we really need your help! Dickens Village requires hundreds of volunteers each evening, in fact we have over1,700 spaces to fill!
