Anyone looking for a volunteer opportunity has the chance to help preserve a historic landmark.

Preservation of the Egyptian Theatre is a volunteer group that has maintained the theater since 1978 while entertaining people of all ages. Since the theater opened in 1929, many community events have taken place and it’s also home to the largest movie screen in DeKalb.

Alex Nerad, operations director for the theater, said the theater has been a home to many productions including circuses, independent films and local dance recitals.

Current projects include replacing seats on the main floor, repairing and replacing stage lighting and sound systems and repairing various aesthetics.

“This theater is completely run by volunteers,” Nerad said. “No one at this theater is paid except the executive director. Even the executive board is volunteers.”

The volunteer group is getting ready to do outside cleanup and garden maintenance for upcoming summer events, and they’ve already started preparing for their annual haunted house.

The Egyptian Theatre’s annual haunted house opens every fall with more than 100 volunteers, builders, actors and security personnel to help raise money for future events and repairs.

The volunteers range from Greek organizations to senior citizens, Nerad said.

“Whatever your interest or passion, we can find you a volunteer spot,” Nerad said.

Ryan Lotich, sophomore marketing major, volunteers with Preservation of the Egyptian Theatre.

“There are so many things that go on at the theater, how could it not be a fun experience?” Lotich said.

Lotich is a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, which has put in more than 500 hours of volunteer service.

“It’s a great experience, and there’s always a fun atmosphere,” Lotich said.

He said it’s important to give back to a historic DeKalb milestone, and appreciates the relationship Phi Sigma Kappa has with PET.

Mary Brown, volunteer coordinator for PET, has worked for the organization for almost two years and enjoys it very much.

“It’s very relaxing, it’s a lot of fun, and the types of people that volunteer and come through in productions and movies bring a lot of positive experiences,” Brown said. “It’s a learning experience.”