Performer 2027

Sea World•Williamsburg, VA

About The Position

Busch Gardens Entertainment is casting performers for its 2027 Summer, Howl-O-Scream, and Christmas Town events. Opportunities are available across vocal performance, musicianship, dance, costume characters, stilt walking, and interactive acting, with employment durations ranging from 2 to 10 months. Performers appear in stage shows, parades, meet-and-greets, special events, and other performances as assigned. They are expected to deliver engaging performances that reflect their auditioned skill set, participate in rehearsals and development activities, follow direction, and maintain show quality and a guest-focused attitude. The role includes pre-show and post-show duties, maintaining assigned rehearsal and performance spaces, and assisting other departmental teams with tasks such as laundry and venue work. Performers must follow safety procedures, treat guests and coworkers respectfully, and take on other duties that support park and department goals. Work may take place indoors or outdoors, in varying and extreme weather, dark or confined spaces, and venues of different types and sizes. Scheduling is flexible according to business needs and may include opening, mid-, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays. Placement and work locations may vary based on business needs and development opportunities. Applicants must submit a performance reel by email and complete an employment application. The position offers the opportunity to perform for park guests, work with directors and choreographers, and potentially take on show leadership roles such as Dance, Vocal, or Music Captain. Compensation is listed as $13.00–$25.50 USD.

Requirements

Be at least 16 years of age.
Submit a performance reel showcasing relevant talents and complete an employment application.
Have full availability for the anticipated employment period and flexibility in scheduling.
Work a flexible schedule that may include opening, mid-, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays; communicate and confirm time-off and availability before hiring.
Demonstrate knowledge of tools and vocabulary specific to the talent specialty; sight-reading knowledge may be relevant.
Provide specialized equipment used for the talent, such as a musical instrument.
Be able to interact positively with guests and ambassadors of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and languages, including individuals with special needs.
Have strong verbal communication skills.
Stand, walk, and/or sit for prolonged periods.
Be flexible regarding work placement and location based on business needs and career development opportunities.
Be able to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
Be able to climb or ascend heights if needed.
Perform kneeling, squatting, bending from floor to waist and waist to overhead, reaching overhead, simple grasping, and fine hand-manipulation tasks.
Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather, including extreme heat, and tolerate potential exposure to fumes, dust, odors, and temperature extremes.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in performing arts, athletics, or other live entertainment.
For vocalists: pop/rock or musical-theatre vocal ability; movement or dance ability for some roles.
For musicians: experience playing brass, woodwind, percussion, guitar, bass, strings, flute or Irish whistles, or keys; movement ability for some roles.
For dancers: strong technical jazz dance training; hip-hop, partnering skills, and advanced tap ability are pluses.
For stilt walkers: experience walking on stilts, comfort interacting with guests, and strong performance qualities; movement or dance ability is a plus.
For interactive actors: energetic performance and improvisation ability, comfort interacting with guests, and movement or dance ability as a plus.
Ability to perform character-host, studio-character, or dancing-character roles.

Responsibilities

Perform in stage shows, parades, meet-and-greets, special events, and other events or performances as assigned.
Entertain guests using the skill set demonstrated at audition, with strong showmanship and storytelling.
Participate in rehearsals and developmental activities as assigned.
Execute stage direction and show content as directed by leadership.
Represent the park positively, with energy and commitment to quality entertainment.
Accept performance feedback and critique, adapt accordingly, and continually improve with a guest-focused attitude.
Provide specialized equipment for the performer's talent and demonstrate knowledge of related tools and vocabulary.
Complete pre-show and post-show backstage duties, including maintaining assigned rehearsal, green room, and performance spaces.
Assist other departmental teams with projects such as laundry and venue tasks.
Follow applicable safety procedures, trainings, initiatives, venue guidelines, restrictions, and leadership directions.
Treat ambassadors and guests respectfully and refrain from behavior considered harassment under company policy.
Perform other duties as assigned to support park and departmental goals, including additional show or event work and administrative tasks.