Kennywood - Character Performer

Herschend • West Mifflin, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide. While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality. As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect. Kennywood is a National Historic Landmark with over 125 years of experience in fun! Kennywood has an unmatched mix of more than 40 modern attractions and one-of-a-kind classic rides, including eight roller coasters, a Kiddieland with pint-sized thrills for the little ones, and more. Kennywood's rich history spans generations of good times and extends beyond the traditional summer season with popular Halloween and Holiday events. We are currently looking for a: Kennywood - Character Performer Roles & Responsibilities: Kennywood is seeking Entertainment team members who will bring our character program to life. Our characters and their attendants will greet our guests, pose for photographs, and help make memorable moments for our guests. Step into the role of animated characters, donning various body/fur-suit costumes. Your primary duty will be to greet, meet, and entertain our park guests with vibrant energy and contagious enthusiasm. Roles & Responsibilities: Character Performer (in costume): Entertain Park guests by creating fun and immersive character performances Meet and greet with all guests in a fun, memorable manner Be prepared and in costume on time for all scheduled character meet & greets Maintain the illusion of being the character you are representing through physical movement and interactions with guests Follow all protocols of the park’s character training. Execute performances as scripted by the park Communicate any safety concerns related to the costume and/or the environment you are performing, in a timely manner Be respectful of the costume – return to storage properly, maintain appearance, spot clean as needed in accordance with training Report costume maintenance needs in a timely manner Assist in costume maintenance and repair Be responsible for personal hygiene and under layers to maintain a shared costume Character Attendant (out of costume): Escort and assist costumed characters around the park or off property special functions/events Proactive engagement with guests to encourage participation in planned event and activities Facilitate a variety of activities for diverse age groups Ability to adapt an activity for all abilities levels Project a consistently positive and friendly Lead predesigned activities for guests Proactively assist in the upkeep and maintenance of a safe, clean, and organized work environment Proactive engagement with guests to encourage participation in planned events and/or activities on-site Maintain and keep organization of stock for activity materials Understand, convey and comply with safety rules and regulations related to equipment, art supplies and chemicals Enforce Park property policies and procedures Project a consistently positive and friendly attitude for our guests Other Duties: Assist the Entertainment/ AV Techs with audio and lighting during special events, if applicable Assist in executing large corporate functions, ranging from 50 to more than 2,500 guests Assist in planning, preparing, and executing corporate or seasonal park events All other duties assigned by leadership Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Requirements

• Must successfully pass an audition and/or character training for this role
• Must be at least 14 years of age to comply with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift
• Must comply with all grooming standards, uniform and/or costume requirements
• Ability to immerse in role and remain in character throughout the performance
• Must possess strong cardio endurance, physical story-telling abilities, and performance energy
• Must be playful, outgoing, friendly, and convey a positive, guest-centric attitude
• Must possess effective verbal and non-verbal acting and communication skills
• Ability to follow direction, multi-task, and work as part of a fast-paced team
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for majority of the workday
• Ability to wear assigned costume for extended periods of time
• Ability to frequently stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders
• Ability to perform in costumes that may have limited sight lines
• Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 40 pounds or more
• Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English

Nice To Haves

• Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Entertain Park guests by creating fun and immersive character performances
• Meet and greet with all guests in a fun, memorable manner
• Be prepared and in costume on time for all scheduled character meet & greets
• Maintain the illusion of being the character you are representing through physical movement and interactions with guests
• Follow all protocols of the park’s character training.
• Execute performances as scripted by the park
• Communicate any safety concerns related to the costume and/or the environment you are performing, in a timely manner
• Be respectful of the costume – return to storage properly, maintain appearance, spot clean as needed in accordance with training
• Report costume maintenance needs in a timely manner
• Assist in costume maintenance and repair
• Be responsible for personal hygiene and under layers to maintain a shared costume
• Escort and assist costumed characters around the park or off property special functions/events
• Proactive engagement with guests to encourage participation in planned event and activities
• Facilitate a variety of activities for diverse age groups
• Ability to adapt an activity for all abilities levels
• Project a consistently positive and friendly
• Lead predesigned activities for guests
• Proactively assist in the upkeep and maintenance of a safe, clean, and organized work environment
• Proactive engagement with guests to encourage participation in planned events and/or activities on-site
• Maintain and keep organization of stock for activity materials
• Understand, convey and comply with safety rules and regulations related to equipment, art supplies and chemicals
• Enforce Park property policies and procedures
• Project a consistently positive and friendly attitude for our guests
• Assist the Entertainment/ AV Techs with audio and lighting during special events, if applicable
• Assist in executing large corporate functions, ranging from 50 to more than 2,500 guests
• Assist in planning, preparing, and executing corporate or seasonal park events
• All other duties assigned by leadership

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Ability to cross-train and learn unique skills across various departments
• Free admission to Kennywood and other parks on your days off
• Invitations to exclusive company-sponsored employee events throughout the season

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed