Titia and Sofi: a well-oiled machine during the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre

In the heart of Vondelpark, the Open-Air Theater has been taking place annually since 1974. It is a unique spectacle where visitors come together to enjoy cabaret, classical and modern music, children’s theater, and dance. From June to September, there is a diverse program for both young and old every weekend. Friday night is dedicated to dance, Saturday focuses on cabaret, and Sunday on music. Volunteers Titia and Sofi have been providing a warm welcome and a pleasant experience for visitors, artists, and crew members on Sunday mornings for years. “We are a close-knit team, and together we do our utmost to make each edition a beautiful one every year,” they both enthusiastically explain.The classical concert on Sundays is Titia and Sofi’s favorite. In the morning, they set up chairs and make sandwiches for the artists and also for themselves, the volunteers. Then they stand next to each other, one spreads butter and the other puts on the toppings, or vice versa. Besides making sandwiches, they ensure that visitors enjoy themselves during the performance. They welcome visitors, help those in need to their seats, and have a chat here and there, like hostesses. They also pay attention to safety requirements, such as no bikes on the premises and no loose dogs. “The organization never has to ask us if we want to do something, no, it’s already done,” Sofi says. Titia has been working at the Open-Air Theater for a few more years and mentions that she practically dragged Sofi along. Sofi laughs and says, “Now I can never get away from it! It’s just really fun too. It’s like a three-day Uitmarkt every week.” Titia adds, “And what’s so nice is that the music stops at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, and forty-five minutes later you’re done cleaning up. Then we have a group drink and suddenly start dancing a tango and a group of roller skaters show off their skills.”

Just a mountain village

“When it rains, we all have those transparent umbrellas and we use yellow dishcloths to dry the seats. All visitors receive an umbrella from us which they return later. And then it’s really like a mountain village with all those umbrellas,” they both say when asked about unforgettable moments.

Accessible, also for people with a tight budget

Many people recognize Titia and Sofi as familiar faces of Sunday mornings and know that the two ladies in the green shirts also come to collect donations. Because the voluntary contribution is very important for the survival of the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre. “And if we collect a fifty euro note with a donation, we get a bottle of wine,” they enthusiastically explain.

“The Open Air Theatre is accessible to everyone and free, with only a voluntary contribution requested. People with a tight budget can thus also enjoy emerging talent and established artists. It is truly a phenomenon and this is absolutely not known abroad.” Both conclude: “The appeal of volunteering is the combination of art and culture, being a hostess, meeting people, and making them feel good. It’s just incredibly fun!”

Ready to get started?

The Open-Air Theater is still looking for volunteers for the upcoming season!You can find more information here.Curious about other tasks? Our job board has hundreds of fun volunteer tasks. For every talent and schedule.Search online or make an appointment at one of our consultation hours.Hello.Text: Cynthia Ninkeula
Photos: Marcel Jansen