Wolf Trap Traditions
With Phyllis Krochmal, Wolf Trap Foundation Volunteer
December 16, 2024 | Wolf Trap Volunteers
For many, Wolf Trap is a special place, acting as a hub of artistic and cultural vibrancy. For longtime volunteer Phyllis Krochmal, it’s been a cornerstone of her community involvement and a family tradition spanning generations.
Phyllis has taken on various roles at Wolf Trap over the years, including ushering at The Barns, working in the gift shop, and serving as a vital part of the volunteer team at member dinners. When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Phyllis’s answer is simple: “Everything!” she said.
“I love the people—how kind they are—and the food at the dinners is always fantastic,” Phyllis added. “But it’s the little surprises that keep it exciting at Wolf Trap. You find something new almost every time you come.”
Family Traditions at Wolf Trap
Phyllis describes the volunteer community at Wolf Trap as warm, friendly, and deeply supportive. “There’s a real sense of camaraderie,” she said. “I remember feeling lightheaded once, and someone immediately brought me water and stayed with me until I felt better. Everyone helps everyone out.” This supportive environment has encouraged her to remain active in volunteering even outside of Wolf Trap. In addition to volunteering at Wolf Trap, Phyllis also gives her time to hospital gift shops in Fairfax, showing her continued dedication to helping others.
Originally from Connecticut, Phyllis found her way to Vienna, Virginia, in 1976 after settling in nearby Sterling Park a year prior. “I was a dental hygienist back then,” Phyllis shared. “One of my friends convinced me to start volunteering at Wolf Trap. I had young kids at the time, and we loved coming to Theatre-in-the-Woods. Eventually, even my kids started volunteering, so Wednesdays became a great way to keep tabs on them,” she laughed. Now a grandmother, Phyllis continues the tradition, often bringing her grandkids to the same Children’s Theatere- inI-n Tthe- Woods programs she cherished with her children.
Volunteering for Something Bigger
As she looks to the future, Phyllis is eager to see more opera, ballet, and performances by the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap. She’s also excited about the other summer programs and exploring the surrounding hiking trails. “I love being outdoors, and Wolf Trap has so much to offer,” she said.
Like Phyllis, all Wolf Trap Foundation volunteers are annual members. For those considering volunteering at Wolf Trap, Phyllis has heartfelt advice: “It’s an amazing way to give back to the arts and the community. Plus, it’s a great physical workout—you get your steps in—and it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet people. And honestly, it’s a good way to get people off their cell phones for a while,” she added with a laugh. Whether working behind the scenes at a member dinner, cheering on performers from the audience, or hiking the trails around the venue, Phyllis exemplifies the heart and soul of Wolf Trap’s volunteer team.
“Volunteering here is more than just giving your time—it’s about being part of something bigger,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Read more about the volunteer program and apply to serve on wolftrap.org. If you have any questions about volunteering at Wolf Trap, please call 703.255.1927 or email volunteer@wolftrap.org.
If you’d like to usher at the Filene Center, be a nature guide, or help with patron services, the National Park Service offers a separate volunteer program.