Hero Boy - Polar Express Character

The Polar Express and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s25)

About the Role

Hero Boy is the emotional core of The Polar Express—a thoughtful child torn between doubt and belief in Santa. Through the journey, he rediscovers the magic of Christmas. This role works strictly on platform and requires sincerity, subtlety, and the ability to create memorable, heartfelt moments while supporting passenger safety and experience throughout the production.

We are casting for a Part-time Hero Boy/Girl Character role. The Hero Boy/Girl portrays the Hero Boy character from the book/movie and helps to create magical memories. Performs a skit(s) alongside other characters for the nightly productions.

This is a seasonal position beginning 10/15/2026 to 1/03/2027. If under the age of 16 years old, the employee must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during working hours.

Schedule

Part-time is a 2 to 4 day work week minimum. Must be available on weekends (Saturday & Sunday) and three additional days between Monday - Friday. Shifts are 6± hours per day.

Benefits

• Free Grand Canyon Railway Train Tickets
• Free Employee Run Train Tickets
• Property Discounts and More
• Minimal Essential Coverage (MEC)
• Sick Time
• Free Shuttle Service (limited capacity: 7 people per ride) from Flagstaff to Williams and back after shift

Responsibilities

• Fully understand and support Xanterra’s Mission Statement, Cultural Pillars, Community Commitment, and Core Values.
• Memorize narrations and authentically portray the Hero Boy Character role for the duration of the nightly productions.
• Interact appropriately and patiently with children and adults of all ages, handling individuals or large groups while maintaining audience control.
• Understand safety practices, including maintaining appropriate physical boundaries and responding to guest emergencies.
• Participate in basic vocals and movement as presented in the script.
• Work alongside the cast and staff members to ensure a positive work environment and an exceptional/seamless experience for guests.
• Handle stressful situations professionally in a public setting and resolve guest-related issues in a timely manner, offering additional assistance as needed.
• Work as a team player, establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with co-workers, directors, and other departments.
• Maintain schedule flexibility, working scheduled shifts to include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous experience in public speaking.
• Ability to demonstrate good and professional communication skills in a guest-facing role.
• Openness to performing in a live audience and maintaining a good stage presence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in theatrical role-playing.
• Customer service experience in the hospitality industry.

Basic Competencies

• Verbal comprehension (understand oral and written communication, follow detailed instructions).
• Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).
• Reasoning skills (problem-solving and troubleshooting).
• Performance skills (vocal clarity, warm personality, and strong presence).
• Character adaptability (comfortable with improvisation and maintaining character integrity).
• Interpersonal skills (ability to communicate, collaborate, and build effective relationships through empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence).

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:

• Constantly listening, hearing, seeing, speaking, standing, squatting/kneeling, and lifting/carrying items up to 20 lbs.
• Frequently walking, reaching outward, climbing, lifting/carrying items up to 50 lbs, and pushing/pulling items up to 25 lbs.
• Required to stand and walk for long periods on cement floors and occasionally on uneven surfaces and onboard a moving train.

Costume Requirements

• The company provides the Hero Boy costume robe and pajama shirt.
• Employees are responsible for providing black pants and character-appropriate footwear (preferably loafers or similar shoes that maintain the appearance of pajamas while ensuring safe movement).
• All employee-provided clothing and footwear must be free of visible logos, graphics, trademarks, brand names, or other identifying markings.
• Employee-provided items must be clean, well-maintained, and consistent with the character's appearance standards.
• Employees may supplement their costume with approved personal clothing items that enhance the character's appearance, provided they comply with all costume and appearance guidelines.