Author Escort Volunteer
The Berry Writers Festival is seeking warm, organised and professional volunteers to assist as Author Escorts during the festival weekend.
Author Escorts play an important role in ensuring festival authors and guests feel welcomed, informed and supported throughout their time at the festival. This role is ideal for confident communicators who enjoy working with people and have a calm, helpful manner.
Volunteer Duties
Author Escort responsibilities may include:
- Welcoming authors, moderators and presenters on arrival
- Escorting authors between venues, green rooms and event spaces
- Assisting speakers with schedules and session timings
- Liaising with festival staff regarding arrivals and event logistics
- Helping authors locate signing areas, catering and facilities
- Providing general hospitality and support throughout the day
- Assisting with audience access and stage entry where required
- Ensuring presenters arrive at sessions on time
- Supporting festival staff with smooth backstage operations
What We’re Looking For
We welcome volunteers who are:
- Friendly, professional and discreet
- Organised and punctual
- Comfortable interacting with authors, media and guests
- Able to walk between venues (250m max) – carrying an umbrella if necessary.
- Calm and adaptable in a busy festival environment
- Confident following schedules and directions
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Passionate about literature, arts and community events
Previous event or hospitality experience is welcome but not essential. Training and briefing information will be provided prior to the festival.
Volunteer Benefits
Volunteers will receive:
- Behind-the-scenes experience at a leading regional writers festival
- Opportunities to meet authors and festival guests
- Experience in event operations and artist liaison
- A post Festival party
- Our sincere thanks and appreciation for helping bring the festival to life
Availability
Volunteers are needed across the festival weekend from Friday 6 November to Sunday 8 November. Full day or half day shifts are available.
To express interest in volunteering, please contact volunteer@berrywritersfestival.com.au or complete the expression of interest form below.
Please note this is a popular role and we may conduct phone or video interviews to identify the successful candidates
All applicants will automatically be included as General Volunteers as the Author Escort role is highly sought after and not everyone will be successful.