Engaging Hearts and Hands

This chapter is based on a case study of a musical theatre school situated near Oslo, Norway. The institution is a private, intermunicipal, production-oriented school for children and youths. A crucial element of the school’s productions is parental participation, driven by the need for assistance and a desire to foster shared experiences between parents and their children. We explore how children and parents experience parent-volunteering and what factors contribute to sustained volunteer engagement. Thus, the study draws upon the literature on volunteering and sustainable experience design. Data were collected through observations and in-depth interviews with the stakeholders involved, including parents and children. The findings reveal that parent-volunteers not only bond with their own children but also create a community together. The transition from new to emotionally involved volunteers was quicker than expected, largely due to the direct impact of their contributions on their children’s development. This research contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of volunteer engagement in the context of cultural and educational settings, emphasising the need to cultivate an environment that delivers rewarding and sustainable experiences for participants and volunteers. This is of particular importance for managers of underfinanced activities and events.