Costume Character

Must attend an in-person audition on 4 pm Thursday, August 27, September 10, or September 24. Check in at the Busch Gardens HR Building: 3605 E Bougainvillea Ave, Tampa, FL 33612 at 4 pm. Wear form-fitting dance attire, be prepared to learn a movement combination, and bring a headshot and resume.

About the role

As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to guests from around the world. This position involves performing as a Costume Character, Character Escort, and live mic host in various park offerings, including stage shows, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events.

Responsibilities

• Embody the childlike innocence, enthusiasm, and mannerisms of the characters.
• Enthusiastically represent the park by displaying a positive attitude, high level of 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.
• Serve as an expert performer for multiple assigned characters, with the ability to perform all characters in your height range.
• Perform duties of an expert character escort, facilitating interaction and communication between characters and guests, providing directions and park information, entertaining guests, and performing on live mic.
• May assist with character training and rehearsals.
• Openly accept performance feedback and critique, adapting accordingly.
• Execute pre- and post-show backstage duties as outlined in the daily schedule.
• Ensure adherence to safety and procedural directions.
• Consistently and expertly execute stage direction and show content as directed by leadership.
• Maintain a positive and flexible attitude.
• Positively interact with guests, employees, and others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Height range of 4’11” to 6’2” with a slender, athletic build.
• Personable and animated with a fun, outgoing personality.
• Strong ability to communicate with guests on mic.
• Ability to perform outside in all Florida weather in a full-body costume.
• Ability to openly accept performance feedback/critiques and adapt accordingly.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions and temperature extremes while performing in a character costume.
• Demonstrated strong costume and escorting skills.
• At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Availability to work varying shifts or hours based on park hours, including opening and closing shifts, as well as after-hour rehearsals.
• Ability to move and dance in full costume at a standard consistent with creative intent.
• Ability to maintain character integrity.
• Willingness to participate in regular internal performance assessments.
• Be able to positively interact with guests and co-workers of all ages, different ethnic/cultural backgrounds and/or languages, and individuals with special needs.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Stand, walk, and/or sit for prolonged periods of time.

Qualifications

• Previous costume character and/or dance experience preferred.
• Previous guest experience in a high-volume capacity preferred.
• Previous experience in the fields of dance, theater, athletics, or other performance arts preferred.
• Audition requirements may include dance, movement, script memorization, role-playing, comedic improvisation, and miming as necessary.

Physical Demands

• Lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Extensive walking and standing throughout the entire work shift; may include climbing/ascending heights.
• Perform physical activities such as kneeling, squatting, bending floor-to-waist/waist-to-overhead, reaching overhead, simple grasp, and fine hand manipulation tasks (e.g., use of tools/keyboard/writing).
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather, including extreme heat; may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors, and temperature extremes.
• Perform cleaning duties, including the use of cleaning chemicals.

Schedule

• Flexible schedule/hours based on business needs, including opening, mid-, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Flexible in work locations as placement depends on business needs and career development opportunities.

Pay

Pay rate is $15.50 per hour.

Benefits

• Free park admission.
• Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends.
• Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
• Scholarship opportunities.
• Exclusive employee events and giveaways.