Costume Character

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. • Tampa, FL

4d • $16 • Onsite

About The Position

Busch Gardens is seeking individuals to embody the childlike innocence, enthusiasm, and mannerisms of their characters. This role requires an enthusiastic representation of the park with a positive attitude, high energy, and commitment to quality. The Costume Character will perform as a Costume Character, Character Escort, and live mic host, participating in stage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events. Responsibilities include serving as an expert performer for assigned characters, facilitating guest interaction as a character escort, and potentially assisting with character training. The role demands openness to feedback, adherence to safety and procedural directions, and consistent execution of stage direction. A positive and flexible attitude, along with positive interactions with guests and employees, is essential. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Height range of 4’11” to 6’2” with slender, athletic build
• Personable and animated with a fun, outgoing personality
• Strong ability to communicate with guests on mic
• Ability to perform outside in all Florida weather in a full body costume
• Ability to openly accept performance feedback/critiques and adapt accordingly
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions and temperature extremes while performing in a character costume
• Demonstrated strong costume and escorting skills
• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds
• Availability to work varying shifts or hours based on park hours; i.e. be able to work opening and closing shifts, as well as after hour rehearsals
• Ability to move and dance in full costume at a standard consistent with creative intent
• Ability to maintain character integrity
• Willingness to participate in regular internal performance assessments
• Be able to positively interact with guests and co-workers of all ages, different ethnic/cultural backgrounds and/or language, and individuals with special needs.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Stand, walk and/or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Audition requirements may include dance, movement, script memorization, role playing, comedic improvisation, and miming as necessary.
• Must attend an in-person audition on: 4 pm Thursday, August 27 or 4 pm Thursday, September 10 or 4 pm Thursday, September 24
• Please check in at the Busch Gardens HR Building: 3605 E Bougainvillea Ave, Tampa, FL 33612 at 4pm
• Please wear form fitting dance attire and be prepared to learn a movement combination.
• Please have headshot and resume ready

Nice To Haves

• Previous costume character and/or dance experience preferred
• Previous guest experience in a high-volume capacity preferred
• Previous experience in the fields of dance, theater, athletics, or other performance arts preferred.

Responsibilities

• Embody the childlike innocence, enthusiasm, and mannerisms of the characters
• Enthusiastically represent the park by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy, and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job.
• Perform as a Costume Character, Character Escort and live mic host
• Perform in stage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events as assigned
• Serve as an expert performer for multiple assigned characters, with the ability to perform all characters in your height range
• Perform duties of an expert character escort, which include facilitating interaction and communication between character and guests, providing directions and park information, entertaining guests and performing on live mic
• May assist with character training and rehearsals.
• Openly accepts performance feedback and critique and adapts accordingly.
• Execute pre and post show backstage duties as outlined in the daily schedule
• Ensure adherence to safety and procedural directions that accompany this position
• Consistently and expertly executes stage direction and show content as directed by leadership.
• Maintains a positive and flexible attitude.
• Positively interacts with guests, employees, and others.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• base of $15.50/hour

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED