Their title is the house managers. They sell you the tickets at the box office and take you to your seats -- so you won't trip as you stumble in the dark to find your spot.

With some sort of night vision, they know their way around the dark alleys and steep stairs, diminishing the embarrassment of being late.

They also set out the cookies and the pop and they welcome and greet you as you leave the theater. These are not just the average ushers for these Riverland box office volunteers.

Theater is a world of its own.

"I feel it is kind of my duty, my way to give back to the school," Emily Bartley says with a smile so festive is contagious.

Bartley has been volunteering at the college since she moved back to Austin after finishing her social work at Southwest State.

An actress herself, Bartley says with a busy schedule volunteering keeps her close to something she enjoys doing, theater.

She has had roles in various productions such as Footloose, Annie, the Sound of Music and Side by Side by Sadheim.

"I think when you do the as much hands on work as I do, you need to step out into the community, so people can see that my role in the community is not just that of a social worker but a community member as well," Bartley says.

The community gives a lot to her and it is through music, volunteering and theater that she gives her portion too, Bartley says.

Setting out the refreshments is the least interesting part of the job, Bartley says smiling.

"For me, it is the camaraderie. You are really a part of a team when you are in theater no matter where you are," Bartley says.

She explains feeling just as nervous showing someone to their seat, as the actor behind stage waiting to perform.

Yet, watching the audience exit after a show is still one of the best parts, for it allows her to see an array of reactions that always surprise her.

"It's a big break. You brought some enjoyment to their life for a few hours. In a sense, it is much more than just acting. It invites the public to scale in a story or beautiful music." Bartley says.

Linda Wytaske can attest to the affinity for theater volunteering.

It was four year ago when Wytaske first volunteered.

"I started when my daughter was at Riverland and became involved in the theater. She got me started in a play, and I had so much fun I began volunteering to help around the theater as well," Wytaske says.

As a nurse at the Austin Medical Center, theater gives her something fun to do in her spare time.

It is not just the gratification of the work that keeps her there, but also the talented actors she watches.

"I also enjoy meeting the people who come through the doors to experience our little theater," she said. "We have some that are loyal and come to every play."

Her volunteering goes beyond the theater to Summerset during the summer plays and to Austin Medical Center Hospice program.

"I think volunteering … gives you a better perspective on your life in general and enriches your life," she said. "I have learned a lot, and have met some wonderful people through volunteering. I recommend it to everyone, even if you don't have a lot of time to give, it can change your life in ways you never imagined."