Public History Performer

About the role

This is a full-time, seasonal position beginning on June 1, 2026 and concluding on November 29, 2026; housing may be provided for qualifying candidates. Here at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, we offer actors the unique ability to have two consecutive days off each week, work generally consistent hours, and receive a full slate of benefits.

Responsibilities

• Educate, enlighten, and engage a diverse audience of all ages through a timed, semi-scripted, semi-improved, interactive experience.
• Take on the role of a real person, learn who they were, and invite guests to explore a day in the life of a Pilgrim.
• Engage guests in conversations about the history of the 17th-century Atlantic world by meeting guests where they are, and thoughtfully guiding their learning.
• Create a hands-on learning environment by involving guests in demonstrations, activities and programs.
• Perform daily in a timed, semi-scripted, semi-improvised immersive experience.
• Portray a resident of 1620s Plymouth Colony, including wearing historical reproduction clothing, speaking in an Early Modern English dialect, and demonstrating 17th-century English lifeways.
• Memorize lines and blocking, and learn relevant historical information in a timely manner.
• Run non-scripted, timed programs demonstrating 17th-century lifeways.
• Provide a friendly and welcoming presence for all guests and coworkers throughout the Museum.
• Attend rehearsals, training sessions and meetings as requested.
• Take and implement notes given by the Museum Theater Specialist.
• Collaborate with other Public History Performers as part of an ensemble cast.
• Participate in additional performances/shows including but not limited to one-person shows, dining experiences and online performances for schools and other groups.
• Properly use and care for all museum owned materials including but not limited to historical reproductions, historical clothing, training materials, uniforms, voice amplification devices, and tools.
• Aid in daily maintenance of the sites including basic gardening and woodworking and cleaning, etc.
• Adhere to the policies of Plimoth Patuxet Museums as outlined in the Museum Employee manual and current job description.

Requirements

• Flexible, resilient, growth mindset
• An understanding of or desire to learn immersive theater, improvisation, and the theatrical process as a whole.
• Ability to read and understand a variety of historical and educational sources.
• An interest in history and learning and performing 17th-century lifeways, music and dances.
• An engaging and creative personality with the ability to communicate clearly and engagingly with guests and colleagues.
• Fluency in English & ability to pick up on/learn dialects.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate skillfully with a wide range of people from different cultural and social backgrounds and diverse learning styles.
• Ability to deliver an engaging, consistent performance multiple times a day.
• Ability to perform in an outdoor environment, in all weather.
• Great at problem-solving in the moment.
• A positive attitude and sense of humor.
• Reliability, dependability and punctuality.
• Courtesy and honesty.
• Ability to work independently, without direct supervision as well as part of a team.
• Skilled at using Google Suite, Zoom and other computer applications.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required;
• College courses or degree in Education, History, Public History, Indigenous Studies, Archaeology, or Anthropology strongly preferred;
• Some College or professional level training in acting or performance is preferred;
• Experience with improv, immersive theater, and devised theater is helpful but not required;
• Experience playing an instrument, singing, and dancing is helpful;
• Experience in theater education and passion for history preferred;
• Interest and at least two years experience working with the public is essential, experience working with children in a professional educational setting is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Working sitting, standing, bent over or kneeling;
• May involve some lifting and moving of objects;
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds;
• Standing for extended periods;
• Climbing stairs, ladders, companionways, and/or gangways.

Work Environment

• The workplace is not climate controlled.
• This position requires outdoor work in a variety of conditions.
• When outdoors, it can sometimes be in adverse weather conditions.
• Work may be performed in dusty and smoky environments;
• In poorly lit areas;
• Near open fires.

Additional Requirements

• The Museum is open 7 days a week March through the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
• You must be available to work Saturdays, Sundays and some holidays, including Thanksgiving Day.
• Thanksgiving Day is an "All-Hands On" day.
• Typical hours are 9:00am - 5:00pm, five days a week through the end of the season.
• Flexibility in work hours and days off is required.
• This position will include working additional night/weekend hours or days as needed; these will be primarily in October & November.
• Whenever working on a holiday is necessary, a manager will inform employees at least one week in advance if they’re expected to work on a holiday.
• The Museum may also schedule "all-hands on" days such as Indigenous People's Day/Columbus Day and Thanksgiving.
• Advance notice will be given for "all-hands on" days.
• Schedules may change based on weather forecast, and/or low attendance for any given day.

Core Commitments

• Safety and Comfort
• Compassionate Customer Engagement
• Professional Excellence
• Personal Accountability
• Advance a Culture of Philanthropy
• Teamwork