Help Tell the Story
The Living Nativity is made possible by hundreds of people who give their time to help tell the story of Jesus in a meaningful and memorable way.
Whether you’re serving as a character actor, helping guests feel welcome, keeping the event running behind the scenes, or supporting one of the many teams that make the night possible, every role matters.
December 18–20, 2026
Ways to Serve
Character Actor
Help bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life through speaking, featured, and non-speaking character roles.
Marketplace Volunteer
Help operate activities, crafts, games, refreshments, and other experiences in the Marketplace. Marketplace volunteers will not be serving in costume this year.
Guest Experience Volunteer
Welcome guests, assist with lines and tour flow, answer questions, help with accessibility needs, and make the experience feel organized and hospitable from arrival through departure.
Parking & Traffic Volunteer
Help guests arrive and leave safely by assisting with parking, traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and campus navigation.
Production & Technical Volunteer
Support audio, lighting, video, communications, stage and scene needs, and other technical elements throughout the event.
Costumes, Props & Backstage Volunteer
Help organize costumes and props, assist actors, support backstage areas, and keep scenes prepared and running smoothly.
Event Support Volunteer
Help with practical facilities and operational needs throughout the evening, including trash, restroom checks, kitchen runs, restocking cups and supplies, cleanup, and other tasks that keep the event running well.
Help Build Living Nativity
Before the event begins, there’s a lot to build, prepare, and transform across campus. Join us for one or both of our Living Nativity Build Days as we set scenes, move materials, decorate, assemble structures, and get the campus ready for the event.
Saturday, December 5
Saturday, December 12
No special skills are required—just come ready to work and help wherever needed. There will be opportunities for people with construction, decorating, painting, landscaping, and general setup experience, as well as plenty of jobs for anyone willing to jump in.
Important Dates
December 5 & 12
Build Days - 8:00am - 1:00pm
December 1
Character actors receive their role assignment and script.
December 16–17
Character rehearsals. Specific rehearsal details will be provided with each assignment.
December 18–20
Living Nativity.
Volunteers serving during the event should plan to arrive at 4:30 PM for check-in and dinner and serve through approximately 9:00 PM. Dinner is provided each evening.
Interested in Acting?
When you register as a Character Actor, you’ll be able to tell us whether you’re interested in a speaking role, non-speaking role, or either. Our casting team will review availability, experience, and preferences as roles are assigned.
Registering as a Character Actor does not guarantee a specific character or speaking role. Role assignments and scripts will be sent on December 1.
FAQ
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Volunteers must be 16 or older to register themselves. Children under 16 can be included through a parent or guardian’s registration.
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Most volunteers will serve in the area they choose. Occasionally, we may reach out if another team has a greater need. Character actors are assigned to specific roles by the casting team.
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No. During registration, select every night you are available to serve.
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Not for most roles. Some technical or speaking roles may benefit from previous experience, but there are opportunities for everyone.
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Team-specific details will be sent as the event approaches. Character actors will receive their role assignment and script on December 1.
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Yes. Dinner will be provided each evening for volunteers serving during Living Nativity. Please plan to arrive at 4:30 PM so you have time to check in, eat, and be ready with your team before the event begins.
Ready to Serve?
There is a place for you on the Living Nativity team.
WANT TO PARTNER WITH US?
Living Nativity is made possible by hundreds of volunteers—and by the generosity of people who believe in creating an unforgettable Gospel experience for our community.
If you’d like to help financially, your gift helps provide the sets, costumes, lighting, sound, activities, hospitality, and countless details that bring Living Nativity to life.
Every gift helps us welcome more people, tell the story of Jesus with excellence, and keep the experience free for our community.