Evening Interpreter C- Actor/Storyteller

About Colonial Williamsburg

From our Historic Area to Hotels, Colonial Williamsburg’s mission “that the future may learn from the past” is part of everything we do. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational institution welcoming guests to the world’s largest living history museum which brings the past to life through museum theater, 18th-century trades, historic sites, and more. The Foundation also includes two world-class art museums, featuring the nation’s premier folk art collection, plus the best in British and American fine and decorative arts from 1670–1840. The Colonial Williamsburg Company boasts a rich history as well, having hosted and entertained guests from around the world with an impressive collection of amenities including our hotels, guest homes, food and beverage outlets, championship golf courses, and spa & fitness center.

About the Position

Evening actor interpreters help to teach 18th century history to diverse audiences using a variety of performance and storytelling techniques that amplify our educational mission while also providing exceptional guest service. From immersive ensemble trial dramas and engaging storytelling programs to evening walking tours, stage shows, music, and dance, evening programs at Colonial Williamsburg offer our guests a fun and educational experience after dark.

Responsibilities

• Teach 18th century history by interpreting 18th century Williamsburg and Virginia history
• Use a variety of presentation techniques to meet the needs of diverse audiences
• Interpret, participate in, and support a variety of seasonal and special events
• Engage in program preparation, rehearsal, public performance and/or interpretation as assigned
• Successfully perform the work assignment as prepared by Programmatic Personnel in accordance with the approved standards for the particular presentation and site; the employee will not alter, or cause to be altered, the approved set up arrangement including blocking and scripting
• Provide exceptional customer service by modeling the organizational values of stewardship, customer service, hospitality and respect for people
• Manage guest/employee service and orient visitors
• Maintain a caring attitude guided by integrity, truthfulness, fairness, courtesy and respect for the individual
• Work collaboratively to achieve the mission of Colonial Williamsburg by modeling the organization’s personal/professional expectations and participating as an active member of a team

Qualifications

• Competencies usually acquired through completion of 4 years of college or 2–4 years’ experience in storytelling, character interpretation, theatre, music, dance, or related field, OR any combination of education and experience that fulfill the responsibilities of the job AND completion of established Foundation, Division, and Department training requirements
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria
• Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• May not have more than 1 moving violation or at-fault accident within 12 months
• May not have more than 2 moving violations or at-fault accidents within 36 months
• May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interviews, clearings and/or auditions are required for some positions
• Good overall attendance, work ethic, and attitude to lead a team of co-workers
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, including the demonstrated ability to be proactive in a reactive situation
• General knowledge of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation policies and procedures
• Familiarity with physical layout of Historic Area and interior of exhibition buildings

Schedule

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including week nights, holidays, and weekends
• Must be able to provide annual availability that includes a minimum of 2 evenings per week on a regular basis and up to 4 evenings per week during periods of peak demand, when required

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to work in all types of weather including rain, snow, wind, heat, humidity, and storms
• Daily contact with allergens, including pollen and dust
• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Sit: Occasionally
• Use hands/fingers: Occasionally
• Climb or balance: Occasionally
• Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl: Occasionally
• Reach with hands/arms: Occasionally
• Talk or hear: Constantly
• Lifting up to 10 lbs: Occasionally
• Lifting up to 25 lbs: Occasionally
• Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally
• Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
• More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
• Wet/humid conditions: Occasionally
• Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely
• Fumes/airborne particles: Occasionally
• Extreme cold: Occasionally
• Extreme heat: Occasionally

Pay

$14.42 to $21.63 per hour