Approximately 5,000 volunteer performers will be involved in the Ceremonies.

Athletes. Performers. Dancers. People that can keep a beat or just want to be part of the show. All skill levels. Personality, positive attitude, great energy and a willingness to participate are as important as previous experience.

Unfortunately, this is not possible due to the extensive rehearsal period that begins November for the Olympic ceremonies and in January for the Paralympic ceremonies. However, other non-Ceremonies Volunteer positions may still be available. Apply to be a Games-time Volunteer.

To apply, review the Ceremonies Volunteers information pages and follow the links to apply.

We are conducting auditions for volunteer Paralympic Ceremonies performers that are 6 years old and older as of September 1, 2009. Minors under 19 and their parents/legal guardians must complete a signed parental consent form at the audition in order to participate. To be a Ceremonies support volunteer you must be 19 years old as of September 1, 2009, the same age requirement as VANOC Games-time volunteers.

Depending on your assigned role, you may rehearsals two times per week, increasing to four times per week in the weeks leading up to the shows. Please refer to the Cast Commitment Terms for more information about rehearsal scheduling.

To present world-class ceremonies, commitment to the entire rehearsal period is required. Please refer to the Cast Commitment Terms document for more information about the attendance policy and rehearsal scheduling parameters. Note that in the week leading up to the show(s), it may be necessary to take off work or school to participate in the final all-day rehearsal(s).

The rehearsal period or the Paralympic Ceremonies will start in January. Your start date and schedule is dependent on your assigned role. Rehearsals will occur between the hours of 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm on weeknights; 10:00 am and 10:00 pm on weekends and holidays.

The rehearsal locations have not yet been confirmed, but for the Paralympic Opening Ceremony, rehearsals will be in the Greater Vancouver area, and for the Paralympic Closing Ceremony, in the Whistler area.

Role assignments are determined by the production team and based on the skills demonstrated at the audition, the creative needs of the show and the number of qualified people identified.

The casting process is complex and requires several months to complete. Decisions will be communicated periodically between July and September. Later announcements are not indicative of lesser evaluations.  Many factors, including creative refinement, choreographer and director availability, future audition considerations and candidate confirmations, contribute to the decision making and notification process.

Occasionally, we find too many qualified candidates for a role. Instead of declining these additional people, and when we feel circumstances during the rehearsal process (like no-shows and dropouts) will allow us to utilize them, we cast people as alternates. Alternates are still invited to the orientation and attend rehearsals. Our goal is to place every alternate into a permanent role. Often this occurs within the first two rehearsal weeks.

There are some roles that require participation in both Ceremonies, however many cast positions will only perform in either the Opening Ceremony or the Closing Ceremony.

If selected, you will be assigned a role based on show requirements and your abilities; you cannot select your role.

If you auditioned for the Paralympic Ceremonies, we will e-mail or call you with a decision by the end of November.