Actor/Theatrical Interpreter

About the role

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution founded in 1926. Our mission is to preserve and restore 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital, and engage visitors in learning about its significance in the development of a new nation.

Responsibilities

• Perform, create, and portray historical figures of 18th c. Williamsburg in original plays or informal interpretations.
• Create and perform in 18th c. play adaptations and interpret theatrical history.
• Connect themes to the Interpretive Plan, engaging guests to our collective past and why Williamsburg is important in the development of a new nation.
• Utilize a variety of performance techniques and styles in a dynamic, passionate, and effective way, making history relevant to modern audiences.
• Apply creative and intellectual skills in developing and performing various roles for varied programming.
• Research and analyze primary and secondary sources to gain extensive, in-depth knowledge of 18th century Williamsburg and how it connects to our Interpretive Pillars of Democracy, Freedom, Ingenuity, Community, and Revolution.
• Interpret 18th c. subjects and ideas through theatrical entertainments, scripted pieces, and/or guest engagement with spontaneous conversations as a person of the past.
• Prepare, rehearse, and perform assigned acting roles reliably, consistently, and skillfully, with historical and artistic accuracy and integrity.
• Actively participate as a positive member of an ensemble to create dynamic, inspiring, and educational experiences for guests and a healthy and positive work-environment for staff.
• (May include script writing, editing, directing, music, vocal, etc.)
• Perform with positivity, flexibility, and resiliency in a changing work environment.
• Work collaboratively across all Colonial Williamsburg’s departments for enriched programming.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and skills required to fulfill the defined job responsibilities usually acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university, and two years of professional experience in theatre or related fields.
• Required: Theatrical Training and experience to include but not limited to: Script memorization, manage multiple tasks, take direction, improvisation skills, perform in front of large audiences.
• Ability to research and synthesize historical information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Fundamental knowledge and understanding of American History usually gained through high school completion with at least 2 years professional growth in this medium.
• Preferred: Knowledge and understanding of Colonial and Revolutionary America including VA history.
• Experience in research Specialty performance and theatrical skills such as: musical instruments, singing, stage combat, playwriting, directing, choreography, and stage management.
• Interpretation, storytelling, teaching, and/or museum experience.