Christmastown Costume Characters + Sesame Street Safari of Fun Costume Characters

Sea World•Tampa, FL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Costume Characters perform as assigned characters for Christmastown and Sesame Street Safari of Fun. The role includes character appearances, character escort duties, and live-mic hosting, with performances in stage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events. Performers are expected to preserve character integrity, represent the park positively, follow show direction and safety procedures, and maintain a flexible, enthusiastic approach. The position also involves backstage pre- and post-show duties, and may include assisting with character training and rehearsals. The role requires performing in a full-body costume indoors and outdoors, including in Florida weather and temperature extremes. Work may involve extensive walking and standing, movement and dancing, physical tasks, cleaning duties, and flexible scheduling according to business needs. Applicants must attend an in-person audition and should be prepared for possible dance or movement, script memorization, role playing, comedic improvisation, and miming requirements.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Height range of 4’11” to 6’2” and a slender, athletic build.
Personable, animated, fun, and outgoing personality.
Strong ability to communicate with guests on mic and strong verbal communication skills.
Ability to perform outdoors in Florida weather while wearing a full-body costume, and to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and temperature extremes, including extreme heat.
Demonstrated strong costume and escorting skills.
Ability to accept performance feedback and adapt accordingly.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to move and dance in full costume to a standard consistent with creative intent and maintain character integrity.
Availability to work varying shifts or hours based on park hours, including opening and closing shifts and after-hours rehearsals.
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and opening, mid-, and closing shifts.
Ability to interact positively with guests and coworkers of all ages, backgrounds, languages, and individuals with special needs.
Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit for prolonged periods; position includes extensive walking and standing throughout the shift.
Ability to climb or ascend heights if needed; kneel, squat, bend from floor to waist and waist to overhead, reach overhead, and perform simple grasping and fine hand-manipulation tasks.
Ability to work in flexible locations based on business needs and career development opportunities.
Willingness to participate in regular internal performance assessments.
Must be able to participate in an in-person audition at a predetermined time.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Embody the assigned characters’ childlike innocence, enthusiasm, and mannerisms.
Represent the park with a positive attitude, high energy, and commitment to quality.
Perform as a Costume Character, Character Escort, and live-mic host.
Perform in stage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events as assigned.
Perform multiple assigned characters and all characters within the performer’s height range.
Facilitate interaction and communication between characters and guests; provide directions and park information, entertain guests, and perform on live mic.
Assist with character training and rehearsals as needed.
Accept performance feedback and critique and adapt accordingly.
Complete pre- and post-show backstage duties according to the daily schedule.
Follow safety and procedural directions and execute stage direction and show content as directed by leadership.
Interact positively with guests, employees, and others.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Perform cleaning duties, including using cleaning chemicals.
Attend an in-person audition at the predetermined time.