Originally posted by dougb I did about 99% of the work.        My agreement with myself is that I would do everything and never bitch about not having any help. I agreed with myself that, as soon as I started to complain about the work load, I would quit. I produce everything, direct 99% of it, do all the tech design, build the sets and yes, clean the bathrooms. 90% of the volunteers need close supervision which stretches me further.       Unlike Linda, I am not willing to let others just take over. I have spent years building a reputation for our theater company and I don't want that to get damaged by inept productions. If I stop, I will close our theater down and just cease business. But I will miss it. A lot.

I don't want to start an argument because I can understand your frustration, but I would not be too anxious to work with someone who clearly thinks that they are the only one capable of doing things properly. Step back, let someone else do it,and don't complain when it doesn't perfectly match the image in your brain. I bet you will find that when people feel they are contributing to something they can be a part of and not just working on YOUR theater, and YOUR production that they will be willing to do a lot more.

With the last show we staged, I asked that a parent or guardian come with each child (we are a children's theatre) to the initial production meeting.  I then passed around a clipboard listing various positions with which we needed help.  In less than 30 minutes EVERY position was filled, from costumes to set construction to backstage help to FOH to refreshments after the performances.  From this list I now have 4 people who have "permanently volunteered" to build and/or paint our sets and a costumer!!!  It's amazing, especially since all I did was ASK!