"Here's €50; you seem trustworthy."

or: How Megan Worked the Box Office

I had emailed the Dublin Fringe Festival about volunteering, but hadn't been assigned any duties yet, probably because I was very open-ended in my offer for assistance and it proved too vague to be helpful. I was on my way to a 6pm performance piece when I spotted the Fringe Festival information office. I popped in to say hello and to check about how to proceed and be scheduled. The gentleman with whom I spoke asked what my interests were and I said, "Box office. Or selling programs." He eyed me for a moment and looked slightly troubled before asking me if I wanted to work right now.

So he hands me the requisite information and tickets and sends me on my way, but not before commenting that I seemed trustworthy. And that it was in my best interests not to run off with the change money because I will get to see lots of free theater if I keep volunteering and that is worth more than 50 euro. I had to agree with him on that point.

And the gal whom I replaced, she appeared just as the show was starting. She had to work and then couldn't find the theater and was quite frazzled. I agreed to take her early shift tomorrow so she wouldn't stress about being late again. So tomorrow, I will get to see the dance performance "Automatic Bastard" in exchange for my volunteer efforts. I love theater!

(For those wondering about the show I worked on this evening, I didn't end up watching it because I kept the Box Office open for late seating and then decided I would rather see it in its entirety. The bonus is I now get a free ticket to a show for helping out. Sweet!)