Join PlayhouseSquare Partners at the next Shop Night to get a behind the scenes look at decor and learn more about the organization.

Although Jump Back Ball has sold out, the work has just begun for PlayhouseSquare Partners.  One reason I love Jump Back Ball is that even before Scott and I get to party on February 25th, we’re having fun throughout February at Jump Back Ball Shop Nights.

Shop Nights are a unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look and play a part in PlayhouseSquare’s biggest fundraiser.

Throughout the month leading up to Shop Nights, volunteers are creating and building all of the decor that guests will enjoy at Jump Back Ball. From painting to glueing to hammering decorations together, there is a lot that needs to be done.

I'm not great at cutting or glueing, but I do love painting which is where you'll likely see me during JBB Shop Nights

And everyone is welcome to help out.  You don’t need to be a part of PlayhouseSquare Partners to show up and volunteer, nor do you need any artistic skills. There are plenty of projects to work on, so you won’t be lacking for something to do. 

Last Monday we started our first week of Shop Nights and things are already starting to come together. So far you can catch a glimpse at the early stages of the Caterpillar and its Hooka, the Red Queen’s Castle and the Tea Time Clocks, among other decorations.

After only 2 Shop Nights, construction on the Red Queen's Castle is underway

But there’s still a lot to do, which is where you can come in.  Over the next three weeks, there are 7 more opportunities to join us at Jump Back Ball Shop Nights:

• Monday, Feb. 6 (Tonight!)
• Wednesday, Feb. 8
• Monday, Feb. 13
• Thursday, Feb. 16
• Monday, Feb. 20
• Wednesday, Feb. 22
• Thursday, Feb. 23

All Shop Nights start at 6pm and go til around 9pm (you can come late or leave early if you want). We work out of the  Hanna Building Annex in downtown Cleveland, which you can enter through the main doors between Prospect and E14th St. You can also join us Friday, Feb. 24 starting at 10am for all-day set-up in the State Theatre.

If this is your first time attending a Jump Back Ball Shop Night and you have any questions, email Molly Franz at PlayhouseSquare at franzm@playhousesquare.org. When you show up, we’ll have dinner waiting for you and our Decor Committee Chairs will be sporting neon green shirts to point you in the right direction.

Volunteering at Shop Nights is just one way to help out PlayhouseSquare Jump Back Ball

Can’t make it to a Shop Night, but want to help out Jump Back Ball? We’re still accepting sponsorships from local businesses and donations for the Jump Back Ball Silent Auction.  

Check out the Sponsorship Guide here or email franzm@playhousesquare.org if you’re interested in donating a gift certificate or other service to help raise money through the Silent Auction.

This is part 3 in my Behind the Looking Glass series. Want to learn more about Jump Back Ball? Check out:

• Part 1: An Introduction to Jump Back Ball 21
• Part 2: Jump Back Ball Fashions
• A First Timer’s Guide to Jump Back Ball

And come back next week to learn more about the entertainment at this year’s Jump Back Ball.