Join Us in Bringing the Nativity to Life
Walk to Bethlehem is a sacred journey through the heart of New Orleans — a living, breathing retelling of the Christmas story. This is not a performance to watch; it is a pilgrimage to enter.
We invite you to become part of this immersive experience by volunteering for one of the many roles that bring this journey to life. Whether you're speaking, singing, guiding pilgrims, or managing behind-the-scenes logistics, your contribution will help create a transformative experience for our community.
Select a role below to learn more and register:
Primary Speaking Roles
Angel (Comforter)
Gentle presence who reassures Mary during Scene 3. Soft, ethereal quality needed.
Requirements:
Gentle, reassuring voice. Comfortable with spotlight/special lighting. Soprano preferred.
Gentle, reassuring voice. Comfortable with spotlight/special lighting. Soprano preferred.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Maggie Fererro
✗ FULL
Innkeeper #1
Brief but memorable rejection. First of three innkeepers who turn Mary and Joseph away.
Requirements:
Ability to convey dismissiveness quickly. Brief appearance but impactful.
Ability to convey dismissiveness quickly. Brief appearance but impactful.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Nanette Hery
✗ FULL
Innkeeper #2
Rushed, practical innkeeper. Middle rejection that escalates the tension.
Requirements:
Convey harried, busy energy. Quick scene with clear character.
Convey harried, busy energy. Quick scene with clear character.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Chris Delhomme
✗ FULL
Innkeeper #3 (Female Preferred)
Compassionate turning point - this innkeeper offers the stable. Pivotal emotional moment in the journey.
Requirements:
Female preferred. Ability to show compassion and emotional depth. Key character transformation moment.
Female preferred. Ability to show compassion and emotional depth. Key character transformation moment.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Michele Berger
✗ FULL
Joseph
Steadfast protector who walks beside Mary's horse. Joseph has several key speaking moments showing strength and compassion.
Requirements:
Physical stamina to walk entire route (1.3 miles). Strong, reassuring presence. Clear speaking voice.
Physical stamina to walk entire route (1.3 miles). Strong, reassuring presence. Clear speaking voice.
⏱ Time Commitment: Full event duration
✓ Currently Assigned:
Daniel Rhyder
✗ FULL
Lead Angel
Powerful, joyous angelic revelation. Commands the dramatic Scene 5 with "DO NOT BE AFRAID!"
Requirements:
Powerful, commanding voice. Coordinates with Angel Choir. Must project over crowd.
Powerful, commanding voice. Coordinates with Angel Choir. Must project over crowd.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Jayna Young
✗ FULL
Magi #1 (Gold)
Noble, philosophical, gentle. Carries symbolic gift of gold. Addresses crowd directly.
Requirements:
Dignified presence. Comfortable addressing large crowd. Carries gift throughout Scene 6.
Dignified presence. Comfortable addressing large crowd. Carries gift throughout Scene 6.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Mike Waters
✗ FULL
Magi #2 (Frankincense)
Noble, philosophical, gentle. Carries frankincense. Part of the reverent finale approach.
Requirements:
Dignified presence. Poetic delivery. Coordinates with incense/fog effects.
Dignified presence. Poetic delivery. Coordinates with incense/fog effects.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Gary LeBlanc
✗ FULL
Magi #3 (Myrrh)
Noble, philosophical, gentle. Carries myrrh. Delivers key line about pilgrims carrying real light.
Requirements:
Dignified presence. Ability to speak tenderly to crowd. Gentle authority.
Dignified presence. Ability to speak tenderly to crowd. Gentle authority.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Shane Robichaux
✗ FULL
Mary
Peace, strength, vulnerability. Mary is the emotional anchor of the entire procession. Must be comfortable on horseback for extended period.
Requirements:
Comfortable on horseback for 90 minutes. Able to convey deep emotion with grace. Several key speaking lines throughout journey.
Comfortable on horseback for 90 minutes. Able to convey deep emotion with grace. Several key speaking lines throughout journey.
⏱ Time Commitment: Full event duration
✓ Currently Assigned:
Molly
✗ FULL
Narrator / Voice of Light
Guiding voice — poetic, calm, commanding. The narrator provides the spiritual and narrative thread throughout the entire journey.
Requirements:
Strong, clear speaking voice. Pre-recorded with live backup. Requires excellent diction and ability to convey emotion through voice alone.
Strong, clear speaking voice. Pre-recorded with live backup. Requires excellent diction and ability to convey emotion through voice alone.
⏱ Time Commitment: Full event duration
✓ Currently Assigned:
Steve Ryan
✗ FULL
Roman Guard
Worldly power with surprising compassion. Creates dramatic tension at Scene 2 with commanding presence that softens.
Requirements:
Strong, intimidating voice that can also show gentleness. Comfortable with brief physical staging (spear slam).
Strong, intimidating voice that can also show gentleness. Comfortable with brief physical staging (spear slam).
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Peter Bianchini
✗ FULL
Shepherd #1
Earthy witness to the angelic appearance. Works with Shepherds #2 and #3.
Requirements:
Authentic, working-class delivery. Comfortable with outdoor staging.
Authentic, working-class delivery. Comfortable with outdoor staging.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Abigail Taylor-Sansom
✗ FULL
Shepherd #2
Earthy witness to the angelic appearance. Reacts to the supernatural event.
Requirements:
Authentic delivery with good comic timing for surprise.
Authentic delivery with good comic timing for surprise.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Chad Cook
✗ FULL
Shepherd #3
Sparks movement toward the Nativity with enthusiasm. Key transition role.
Requirements:
High energy, ability to inspire crowd to move forward with joy.
High energy, ability to inspire crowd to move forward with joy.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Anne Marie Volpi
✗ FULL
Ensemble & Support Roles
Banner Team
Carries Banner leading procession. Highly visible, inspiring role.
Requirements:
Physical strength and stamina. Able to carry tall pole for extended time. Steady pace required.
Physical strength and stamina. Able to carry tall pole for extended time. Steady pace required.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ 2 spots available
Bass Drummer
The Bass Drummer will lead the rhythmic heartbeat of the processional, helping set a reverent, steady, cinematic pace as we journey down Magazine Street. This role is central to the immersive experience, supporting both the choir and the actors portraying Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, and Roman guards.
Requirements:
Maintain a consistent, steady tempo throughout the 20–30 minute walk
Ability to play a bass drum with confidence and good timing
Comfortable walking while performing
Professionalism, punctuality, and willingness to collaborate
Maintain a consistent, steady tempo throughout the 20–30 minute walk
Ability to play a bass drum with confidence and good timing
Comfortable walking while performing
Professionalism, punctuality, and willingness to collaborate
⏱ Time Commitment: Full Event
✓ Currently Assigned:
Jon Felterman
✗ FULL
Candle-LED Team
Distribute LED candles to pilgrims at the opening of the walk. Help create a smooth, reverent start to the processional.
Requirements:
Training provided. Calm, organized, and able to work as a coordinated team at Scene 1.
Training provided. Calm, organized, and able to work as a coordinated team at Scene 1.
⏱ Time Commitment: Full Event
✓ Currently Assigned:
Ava Bailey, Angela Bailey, Angela Bailey, Denise Morales, Naomi Kim
✓ 1 spot available
Censer Bearer
Manages incense/theatrical fog for Scene 6. Creates atmospheric frankincense effect. Will lead the 3 Kings in procession from Scene 6 to Scene 7 with group of walkers.
Requirements:
Comfortable with fog effects and essential oils. Coordinates with Magi entrance.
Comfortable with fog effects and essential oils. Coordinates with Magi entrance.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Rose Fulmer
✗ FULL
Roman Soldier (Non-Speaking)
Accompany the Roman Guard. Help manage crowd with dignified presence.
Requirements:
Imposing physical presence. Comfortable in costume/armor. Silent role supporting Guard.
Imposing physical presence. Comfortable in costume/armor. Silent role supporting Guard.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Philip Marino, Gordon Cotton, Gordon Cotton
✓ 1 spot available
Shepherd Ensemble
Carry staffs, help guide crowd. Part of Scene 5 angelic revelation and continue to finale.
Requirements:
Comfortable with outdoor performance. Help with crowd management. Traditional shepherd costume.
Comfortable with outdoor performance. Help with crowd management. Traditional shepherd costume.
⏱ Time Commitment: 45 minutes
✓ 6 spots available
Stable Attendant/Nativity Scene Crew
Appear only at final scene. Assist with manger setup and create the stable atmosphere.
Requirements:
Gentle, reverent presence. Help arrange final scene. Brief but meaningful role.
Gentle, reverent presence. Help arrange final scene. Brief but meaningful role.
⏱ Time Commitment: 30 minutes
✓ Currently Assigned:
Amy Stanley, Darlene Rodriguez, Michele Berger, Anne Marie Volpi, Darlene Rodriguez
✗ FULL
Trumpet Player
Trumpet player to play - O come let us adore him; at the end of each scene (signaling that we are headed to the next scene).
Requirements:
Skilled trumpet player - Able to play O come all ye faithful;
Skilled trumpet player - Able to play O come all ye faithful;
⏱ Time Commitment: Full Event
✓ 1 spot available
Production Crew Roles
Accessibility Coordinator
Coordinates ASL interpreters, shuttle van, seating, large-print programs.
Requirements:
Experience with accessibility services. Patient, detail-oriented. Knowledge of ADA requirements.
Experience with accessibility services. Patient, detail-oriented. Knowledge of ADA requirements.
⏱ Time Commitment: Full event + planning
✓ 1 spot available
Assistant Director
Help with All decisions. Coordinates transitions between scenes. Eyes and ears for the Director.
Requirements:
Good communication skills. Physically able to walk full route. Experience with live events helpful.
Good communication skills. Physically able to walk full route. Experience with live events helpful.
⏱ Time Commitment: Full event duration
✓ Currently Assigned:
Darlene Rodriguez (CoJL)
✗ FULL
Center of Jesus the Lord Hospitality Team Member
Serves cocoa/snacks at The Center. Manages reflection circle.
Requirements:
Friendly, welcoming. Food service experience helpful. Comfortable with crowds.
Friendly, welcoming. Food service experience helpful. Comfortable with crowds.
⏱ Time Commitment: 2 hours total
✓ Currently Assigned:
Laura Bianchini, Sue Schultz, Carol Spadoni
✗ FULL
Communications Manager/NOPD Liason
Oversee Coms the day of the event, and communicate via Radio with NOPD
Requirements:
2 way Radio Experience
2 way Radio Experience
⏱ Time Commitment: 5 Hours
✓ Currently Assigned:
BB St. Roman (NOPD 6522)
✗ FULL
Costume Supervisor
Period robes, angel attire, soldier uniforms. Manages quick-changes if needed.
Requirements:
Costume experience. Organizational skills. Sewing/repair abilities helpful. Pre-event preparation required.
Costume experience. Organizational skills. Sewing/repair abilities helpful. Pre-event preparation required.
⏱ Time Commitment: Prep + full event
✓ Currently Assigned:
Linda/Sue Marino/Schultz
✗ FULL
Crossing Guard
Posted at major intersections. Coordinate with NOPD. Halt traffic safely for procession.
Requirements:
Responsible, safety-focused. Comfortable with traffic management. NOPD coordination training provided.
Responsible, safety-focused. Comfortable with traffic management. NOPD coordination training provided.
⏱ Time Commitment: Full event duration
✓ Currently Assigned:
JP Pauley Bailey
✓ 3 spots available
Director / Event Coordinator
Oversees all artistic and logistical elements. Final authority on all decisions. Experience in event management essential.
Requirements:
Event management or theater direction experience. Strong leadership. Ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
Event management or theater direction experience. Strong leadership. Ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
⏱ Time Commitment: Full event + planning
✓ Currently Assigned:
Joe Humberger
✗ FULL
Donkey Handler
Licensed professional who walks beside Mary and Donkey at all times. Primary safety role.
Requirements:
Equine handler. Professional experience mandatory.
Equine handler. Professional experience mandatory.
⏱ Time Commitment: Full event + prep
✓ 1 spot available
Lighting Coordinator
Manages portable spotlights, LED balloons, rooftop floods. Requires electrical permit knowledge.
Requirements:
Electrical knowledge. Experience with outdoor lighting. Coordinate with city permits/requirements.
Electrical knowledge. Experience with outdoor lighting. Coordinate with city permits/requirements.
⏱ Time Commitment: Setup + full event
✓ Currently Assigned:
Allen Parks
✗ FULL
Marketing & Social Media Lead
Pre-event promotion, live updates during event, post-event content creation.
Requirements:
Social media experience. Photography/videography skills. Real-time content creation ability.
Social media experience. Photography/videography skills. Real-time content creation ability.
⏱ Time Commitment: Pre/during/post event
✓ 1 spot available
Medical/First Aid Volunteer
Stationed at Scenes 3, 5, and 7. Red Cross first-aid. Emergency response ready.
Requirements:
First aid/CPR certified. Calm under pressure. Medical background preferred but not required.
First aid/CPR certified. Calm under pressure. Medical background preferred but not required.
⏱ Time Commitment: Full event duration
✓ 3 spots available
Music Director
Coordinate all the musical talent for the event.
Requirements:
⏱ Time Commitment: Full Event
✓ Currently Assigned:
Dawn Humberger
✗ FULL
Procession Marshal
Parish volunteers ensuring safe, orderly movement. Positioned throughout procession to guide and assist.
Requirements:
Responsible, good with people. Comfortable giving directions. Walkie-talkie provided. Safety-focused.
Responsible, good with people. Comfortable giving directions. Walkie-talkie provided. Safety-focused.
⏱ Time Commitment: Full event duration
✓ 10 spots available
Props & Set Team Member
Portable inn doors, spears, star lantern, manger, censers. Setup and breakdown.
Requirements:
Physically able to carry/move props. Good organizational skills. Truck/transportation helpful.
Physically able to carry/move props. Good organizational skills. Truck/transportation helpful.
⏱ Time Commitment: Setup + breakdown
✓ 3 spots available
Scene Manager (Multiple Positions)
Stationed at each scene stop. Gives "go" signals via radio. Ensures scene timing and transitions.
Requirements:
Reliable, punctual. Clear communicator. Comfortable with walkie-talkie. One needed per scene location.
Reliable, punctual. Clear communicator. Comfortable with walkie-talkie. One needed per scene location.
⏱ Time Commitment: Scene-specific (30 min)
✓ Currently Assigned:
Michele Berger
✓ 6 spots available
Sound Engineer
Operates portable PA system. Coordinates with musicians. Manages narrator audio across multiple locations.
Requirements:
Sound engineering experience. Familiar with outdoor PA systems. Problem-solving skills essential.
Sound engineering experience. Familiar with outdoor PA systems. Problem-solving skills essential.
⏱ Time Commitment: Setup + full event
✓ 1 spot available
St. Henry Hospitality Team Member
Welcome people to St. Henry
Requirements:
Friendly, welcoming. Food service experience helpful. Comfortable with crowds.
Friendly, welcoming. Food service experience helpful. Comfortable with crowds.
⏱ Time Commitment: 2 hours
✓ Currently Assigned:
Dottie Dibella, Susie Pitre, Maria Gross
✗ FULL