Volunteer › Festival Volunteer Programme

Festival Volunteer Programme

The true stars of TIFF? Our amazing Festival Volunteer team who makes it all happen! Leading up to the Festival, we aim to recruit hundreds of people to become Volunteers at this world-class event.

Four Festival volunteers in their yellow volunteer t-shirts, caps and lanyards smiling towards the camera while standing out on the street

Read more about the steps involved in becoming a Festival Volunteer in the outline below.

1. Complete the online application form:

Our application form becomes available here and to anyone who subscribes to our TIFF Volunteer Alerts to receive Volunteer updates starting in May. Complete all the required sections, including adding a resume or summary of your work and/or volunteer experience, and your general availability. The application is open until our recruitment targets are met; this means there is no set end date. We recommend applying as soon as possible once the application opens.

2. Application review period:

Applicants will receive an email response by mid-July (exact date to be communicated when applications open). Those accepted will receive information on the next phase of the recruitment process.

Please note: Due to the number of applicants, applying to be a Volunteer does not guarantee you will be offered a placement. Applications are assessed based on your answers to our questions, your stated availability, and your resume. Leaving a section of your application blank will result in it being marked as incomplete and may impact the status of your application.

3. Attend one orientation session:

Those whose application is approved must complete orientation in July. If you currently reside outside of the Greater Toronto Area, online sessions are offered to allow for flexibility in onboarding. After the session, you will get to select your Volunteer assignment preferences.

4. Receive an assignment:

In mid-August, after completing orientation and the registration process, you will receive your Volunteer assignments based on your selected preferences, availability, and previous experience, and learn the specific needs of the role.

5. Schedule your shifts:

At a set date and time (typically late summer) you will have access to shifts via our online Volunteer database. You choose exactly when and where you want to volunteer from the selection of approved assignments. Please note: All Volunteers are required to complete a minimum of four shifts as part of their commitment to the Festival.

6. Training and preparing for shifts:

Onsite or online training is provided for most Volunteer roles in the weeks leading up to the Festival. It is also a great opportunity to ask questions directly to the staff you will be working with, or to members of the Volunteer Office. Training materials for most roles are also posted online in advance of the Festival.

7. The Festival:

Get out there and have fun! Between shifts, be sure to catch incredible films and take in the Festival atmosphere.

Festival Volunteers contribute to different areas of the Festival’s operations and can expect to work with diverse groups of TIFF staff and Volunteers alike. Please note: All the Volunteer opportunities listed require different levels of skill and commitment and are subject to availability.

Theatre venues support: Providing customer service and front-of-house assistance by managing lineups, scanning tickets, ushering, and encouraging the public to vote for the People’s Choice Award. With several venues in operation, this is where the majority of support is required.
Industry support: Directing delegates to registration and pass-pickup desks, offering information about Industry programming, and assisting with operational tasks at Industry venues.
Administrative support: Assisting TIFF staff with administrative and organizational tasks required during the Festival. Duties will vary depending on the position but may include data entry, filing, and assembling materials. Please note that opportunities in this role are very limited.
ACE: Getting dispatched with on-the-fly notice to help a specific venue or department in urgent need of support. ACE Volunteers report to a central meeting location at the start of the shift and await further direction.