In May 1973, a group of Coachella Valley business, education and cultural leaders organized as Friends of the Cultural Center, Inc., and committed themselves to the creation of a state-of-the-art performing arts center. Their vision was to enhance and enrich the lives of desert residents by making the performing arts available to as many people as possible.

Vision became reality in January 1988, with the opening of McCallum Theatre. Named for a pioneer desert family, the McCallum has gained acclaim as one of the country's finest presenting theatres by audiences, entertainers and peers alike.

The McCallum Theatre’s mission is to entertain and educate the public by offering a variety of performing arts experiences that reflect the diversity of people, interests, and tastes of the communities and constituents served by the Theatre.

"The McCallum Theatre is here to entertain, to educate, and to enrich."
Bob and Dolores Hope

We are proud of our 250+ Ambassadors who proudly serve on our Volunteer Usher Team. As a not-for-profit performing arts center, we understand the ushers play a significant role in our ability to present quality entertainment and fine arts to our community.

The ushers have a long tradition of fine service, dedication, and loyalty to the McCallum, which explains why so many have remained with us since the Theatre’s opening in 1988.

We are fortunate to have so many people interested in volunteering at McCallum Theatre. In order to keep information current, please note the following:

Each year applications are only accepted during the month of August.

You will be contacted in September for an interview if an opening occurs. A new application should be submitted the following August if you are not contacted for an interview by September 15.

Volunteer Application Form

E-mail, Mail, Fax or Drop Off form to:

McCallum Theatre
Attn: Jeff Clark, House Manager
73000 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Fax: (760) 341-9508

The file above is in PDF format. If you do not have Acrobat Reader installed, you can get it here.

On April 7, 1988, a group of dedicated women, led by Erna Schulhofer, formed a support group for the McCallum Theatre called The Muses 100. Many distinguished ladies including Betty Ford, Leonore Annenberg and Dolores Hope were among the first to join. Almost immediately The Muses reached the original goal of 100 members. Shortly thereafter, a new level of The Muses was formed – The Patroness Circle – and today there are more than 325 members.

In the early 2000’s, the organization, now called The Muses & Patroness Circle, voted unanimously that all monies raised would be earmarked for McCallum Theatre Institute, the education division of the Theatre, in support of their various arts education programs. These programs include Open Call Talent Competition, Dance Under the Star Choreography Festival, Aesthetic Education Program, Field Trip Series, Touring Initiative and Summer Session Festival. These varied education and cultural experiences are provided to more than 41,000 children in the Coachella Valley annually. To date, the Muses & Patroness Circle have raised close to $4 million for the McCallum.

Over the years, The Muses have produced a variety of sold-out events in support of the Theatre including “A Theatre Ball.” Another notable event was “Grandma’s Attic” which raised more than any other event in the history of the Muses. Each spring, the Muses produce a beautiful Birthday Lunch on stage at the McCallum and every November an elegant Membership Tea kicks off the season.

The Muses & Patroness Circle welcome women who truly want to help make a difference in the lives of the Coachella Valley’s children. To learn more about joining this team of fun, enthusiastic and passionate women, please call Judi Cohen at (760) 346-6505, Ext. 126.