Performer 2027

Sea World•Williamsburg, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Busch Gardens Entertainment is casting performers for its 2027 Summer, Howl-O-Scream, and Christmas Town events. This seasonal position requires an audition, and opportunities range from 2 to 10 months. The department is seeking vocalists, musicians, dancers, costume characters, stilt walkers, and interactive actors with relevant performance abilities. Performers may appear in stage shows, parades, meet-and-greets, special events, and other assigned productions. They are expected to demonstrate strong showmanship and storytelling, follow direction, participate in rehearsals, maintain a guest-focused attitude, and contribute to backstage and departmental tasks. Work may take place indoors or outdoors, in varied venues and weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and confined or dark spaces. Schedules and locations are flexible according to business needs, and may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years of age.
Must submit an email with a video reel showcasing talents; the application will not be considered without the reel.
Must have full availability for the anticipated employment length and flexibility in schedule.
Must be able to work opening, mid-, and closing shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays; availability and time off must be communicated and confirmed before hiring.
Must be able to positively interact with guests and ambassadors of all ages, cultural backgrounds, languages, and abilities.
Strong verbal communication skills.
Must be a team player with a positive attitude and strong showmanship.
Must be trained and experienced as a performer and able to tell a story through performance.
Must have knowledge of tools and vocabulary specific to the talent specialty, including sight reading where applicable.
Must provide specialized equipment used for the specific talent, such as a musical instrument.
Must be able to stand, walk, and/or sit for prolonged periods.
Must be able to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to climb or ascend heights if needed, kneel, squat, bend from floor to waist and waist to overhead, reach overhead, grasp, and perform fine hand manipulation tasks.
Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather, including extreme heat, and may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors, and temperature extremes.
Must be flexible in placement and work location according to business needs and career development opportunities.
Must audition; audition video requirements may include song, dance, movement, script memorization, role playing, comedic improvisation, and miming as applicable.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in performing arts, athletics, or other live entertainment is preferred.
Vocalists: pop/rock or musical theatre experience; movement or dance ability for some roles.
Musicians: experience playing brass, woodwind, percussion, guitar, bass, strings, flute/Irish whistles, or keys; movement ability for some roles.
Dancers: strong technical jazz training; hip hop, partnering skills, and advanced tap ability are a plus.
Costume characters: experience or ability as character hosts, studio characters, or dancing characters.
Stilt walkers: experience walking on stilts, comfort interacting with guests, and strong performance qualities; movement or dance ability is a plus.
Interactive actors: energetic performance and improvisation abilities, with comfort interacting with guests; movement or dance ability is a plus.

Responsibilities

Perform in stage shows, parades, meet-and-greets, special events, and other assigned performances.
Entertain guests in keeping with the performer’s demonstrated skill set, with excellent showmanship and storytelling.
Participate in all assigned rehearsals and developmental activities.
Execute stage direction and show content as directed by leadership.
Represent the park with a positive attitude, high energy, and commitment to quality entertainment.
Accept performance feedback and critique, adapt accordingly, and pursue continual improvement with a guest-focused attitude.
Provide and demonstrate knowledge of specialized equipment, tools, and vocabulary used in the performer’s specialty.
Perform indoors and outdoors in varied venues, weather conditions, temperatures, and spaces.
Complete assigned pre-show and post-show backstage duties, including maintaining cleanliness of rehearsal, green room, and performance venues.
Assist other departmental teams with projects such as laundry and venue tasks.
Follow applicable safety procedures, trainings, venue guidelines, and direction from department or park leadership.
Treat guests and ambassadors respectfully and refrain from behavior considered harassment under company policy.
Perform other duties supporting park and departmental goals, including additional show or event product, special events, and administrative tasks.