A method enables a variable vane assembly for a gas turbine engine including a casing and an inner shroud to be assembled. The method comprises providing at least one variable vane including a radially inner spindle that has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and coupling the variable vane radially between the casing and the inner shroud such that the radially inner spindle is rotatably coupled within an opening extending through the inner shroud, wherein the opening has a non-circular cross-sectional profile.