There's no way around the fact that the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts owes a great part of its success to its volunteers.

However, the general public only sees a portion of the efforts that go into the six-week production. Of equal importance is the role played by a group of hosts who give freely of their time to the performers themselves, taking them on tours of the island, inviting them into their homes and generally showing them a good time.

Debbie Butterfield has served as a host for more than a decade, Nick Strong for half that. Both agree there's a certain spirit that's fostered between residents and entertainers that bodes well for the Festival and Bermuda in general.

"There's not many festivals in the world where you're treated on such a personal level by locals ¿ where they open up their homes to you," said Mr. Strong, as he attempted to explain why world-class entertainers are so willing to make the trek to tiny Bermuda in the winter months.

"I've met everyone from the Spanish flamenco star Paco Pena, who I drove around in my car, to Peruvian finger puppeteers. It's been interesting to meet so many artistic people at an otherwise quiet time of year in Bermuda." The Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts is now in its 33rd season. It was established in 1976, after a handful of residents thought it would be a good way to increase cultural awareness and provide entertainment for locals and visitors during the tourism off-season.

Since then, a diverse range of disciplines and a variety of artists, have performed before audiences. This year's offerings include Tango Fire by Estampas Portenas a group of internationally acclaimed dancers from Argentina, guitar virtuoso Eliot Fisk, the award-winning Parsons Dance Company, the Italian Saxophone Quartet, West African singer, composer and performer Angelique Kidjo, noted a cappella sextet Take 6 and Gilbert & Sullivan's production of Ragtime.

The Festival's artistic director, Karen Pollard, said the charity was extremely appreciative of the efforts of volunteers such as Mr. Strong and Mrs. Butterfield, who worked diligently to make the experience an enjoyable one for artists who live outside Bermuda.

"Each year, the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts relies on a large contingent of dedicated volunteers to make the Festival season a huge success," she said. "We could not pull off this annual event without our volunteers who most often work behind the scenes with little recognition.

"Whether handling trip logistics, driving performers to and from their hotel and the theatre, managing performance needs such as props, lighting and sound, cooking meals for visiting artists or showing performers a bit of Bermuda, our volunteers are indispensable. Few people realise the tremendous commitment it takes to bring the Festival together each year. We could not continue to realise such a successful annual event as the Bermuda Festival without the efforts of our volunteers. We are truly appreciative of all they do."

Mrs. Butterfield said a friend initially encouraged her to become a volunteer. "Back in my earlier years in Canada I worked with theatre groups there and so it sparked an interest in my involvement here," she explained.

"I was given the opportunity through a dear friend of mine, Jane West who was chairing hostess at the time and asked if I wanted to be involved."

The role is much like that of an ambassador, she added.

"Hosting involves transportation as well as providing food for the actual performers. We take them to all their rehearsals and performances and make sure that they're taken care of throughout their stay. A lot of hosts take time out of their schedule to give tours around the island.

"I'm sure when performers usually travel they don't get a chance to see much of the place they visit. We're really like ambassadors to the island, making their visits more positive throughout their stay. I'm very committed to the Bermuda Festival. I enjoy working with the organisers and meeting the people, I enjoy the friendships while they're here and making sure they have a really good time. I also enjoy meeting new hosts as well.

"I believe the Festival is good for Bermuda," Mrs. Butterfield enthused. "The hospitality is unlike any other festival in the world and Bermudians are unlike people around the world.

"They take the actresses, the entertainers for what they are and I think people enjoy being treated like that. It creates new friendships. It allows the artists to see Bermuda in a positive light and for hosts it allows us to make new contacts. When we travel, we can actually meet up with them and (discuss) memories of the performance."

It was on the advice of his mother, Mary Winchell, that Mr. Strong became involved as a volunteer.

"My mother's been involved for several years now," he said. "Five years ago I moved back to the island. She roped me into it and I really enjoyed it."

Each group is different, he added.

"With larger groups, there's a lot to do with transporting them to and from their shows, rehearsals and accommodations. The first time they meet you you're just a taxi driver. And then they see your face the next day and at the social events after and realise you're doing it out of the goodness of your heart."

Language can be a problem although speech isn't always necessary when playing the role of a tour guide.

"I remember (communicating with members of) the Shanghai Circus was difficult because their English was very limited," he admitted. "But we're showing them Bermuda ¿ sometimes you don't even need to talk to show people around."

Mr. Strong said he continues from year to year because he recognises the Festival's worth to the community.

"Aside from everything else, it's nice to expose local performers to a global level of entertainment," he stated. "I think it's a great opportunity to meet some very interesting, talented people from around the world.

"I think it says something about the quality of the festival that we have so many people who want to volunteer. There's a broad spectrum of ages of volunteers so people can become involved when it suits them ¿ they can drive during the day, or take them to dinner or out in town at night.

"As a volunteer, you get preferential seating, you can meet the artists, see them perform and hang out with them after."

Volunteers can call 295-1291.