Hobo - Polar Express Character

Xanterra Travel Collection•Williams, AZ

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Hobo is an eccentric character who refers to himself as the “King of the North Pole” and resides atop the train. He plays a key role on the platform, helping to create magical memories while ensuring the safety and overall quality of each passenger’s experience throughout the Polar Express production. We are casting for the HOBO character role which is a part time seasonal role from 10/15/2026 to 1/03/2027 at the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Arizona. The Hobo is a strange man who calls himself the "King of the North Pole" and lives on the top of the train. The “Hobo” character is responsible for creating the magic of the Polar Express. The “Hobo” will wonder around property and will be part of the skit(s) performed nightly.

Requirements

Must have previous experience in public speaking.
Must be able to demonstrate good and professional communication skills in a guest-facing role.
Must be open to performing in a live audience and maintain a good stage presence.
Constantly listening, hearing, seeing, speaking, standing, sitting, handling and lifting/carrying items up to 20lbs.
Frequently walking, reaching outward, squatting/kneeling, bending and pushing/pulling items up to 25lbs.
Occasionally sitting, reaching above shoulder, climbing, crawling, lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling items weighing up to 100lbs.
Will be required to stand and walk for long periods of time on cement floors and to occasionally walk on uneven surfaces and onboard moving train.
Employees are responsible for providing character-appropriate jeans and footwear that complement the costume and maintain the integrity of the character's appearance.
Employee-provided clothing and footwear must be free of visible logos, graphics, or branding.
All employee-provided items must be clean, well-maintained, in good condition, and consistent with established costume and appearance standards.
Employees are welcome to use their own clothing and accessories to enhance their character appearance, provided all items meet costume guidelines, maintain the integrity of the character, and are approved by management.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in theatrical role-playing.
Customer Service experience in the hospitality industry.
Verbal comprehension (understand oral and written communication, follow detailed instructions).
Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).
Reasoning skills (problem-solving and troubleshooting skills).
Performance skills (ability to have vocal clarity, warm personality and strong presence).
Character adaptability (Comfortable with improvisation and maintaining characters’ integrity in addition one to receiving and applying coaching).
Interpersonal skills (ability to communicate, collaborate and build effective relationships with others through empathy, respect and emotional intelligence).

Responsibilities

Fully understand and support Xanterra’s Mission Statement, Cultural Pillars, Community Commitment and Core Values.
Portray and maintain the Hobo character at all times, by memorizing scripts and cues, remaining in character from clock-in to clock-out, and adhering to approved costume and appearance standards.
Interact appropriately and patiently with children and adults of all ages, handling children and adults on a one-on-one basis or in large quantities, while maintaining audience control during performance and in designated meet & greet times.
Understand safety practices, including maintaining appropriate physical boundaries and responding to guest emergencies.
Participate in basic vocals and movement as presented in the script.
Work alongside the cast and staff members to ensure a positive work environment and an exceptional/seamless experience for guests.
Handles stressful situations professionally in a public setting and resolves guest-related issues in a professional and timely manner, offering additional assistance to guests in need.
Cleans up biohazard as required.
Works as a team player, establishes and maintains an effective professional working relationship with co-workers, directors, and other departments, working together in a positive work environment.
Maintains schedule flexibility, working scheduled shifts to include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Shifts are 6+/- hours per day.
Other duties as assigned.