Spellbound Cast Member

Huntsville Botanical Garden is seeking dynamic performers to bring Spellbound in the Garden to life this October. Now in its second year, this immersive nighttime experience transforms the Garden into a mysterious world where guests encounter ethereal spirits, silent guardians, and uncanny moments around every turn. If you love physical theater, movement-based performance, and creating unforgettable guest experiences, we'd love to meet you.

About the role

This seasonal, part-time position works collaboratively with the Guest Experience department to become living elements of the Garden's mysterious landscape through atmospheric storytelling, movement, music, lighting, and immersive environments. Spellbound Cast members create moments of wonder and suspense using expressive movement, stillness, and timing rather than dialogue or jump scares.

Cast Members are assigned one of the following roles:

• Guardians (2) – Ember Gateway – Become the first mysterious figures guests encounter as they cross from the ordinary world into the Phantom's realm. Through synchronized movements and commanding presence, you'll mark the beginning of their journey. Some improvisational movement is expected.
• Drifters (4) – The Shrouded Marsh – Move through layers of fog with fluid, dreamlike motion, creating fleeting spectral encounters that leave guests questioning what they just saw. Some improvisational movement is expected.
• Sentinel of the Veil (1) – Phantom's Bridge – Serve as the silent guardian between worlds. Through stillness, posture, and presence, you'll reinforce the psychological shift deeper into the experience.
• Waltzing Spirits (5) – The Phantom's Waltz – Join an ensemble of performers in an ethereal choreographed movement experience that serves as the emotional and visual centerpiece of Spellbound in the Garden. Some improvisational movement is expected.
• Watchers (2) – Watchful Fields – Create an unforgettable finale by becoming imposing silhouettes that quietly observe guests as they make their way through the final landscape. Through still watchful presence they leave a lasting impression.

All roles must be comfortable being dressed in theatre make-up, costume, and performing outdoors on mixed terrain in dim lighting, with some strobing effect.

Responsibilities

• Use expressive movement, stillness, timing, and guest interaction to create moments of wonder and suspense.
• Maintain focus and remain in character while interacting with or performing around guests.
• Perform a mix of coordinated and improvised movement in an outdoor, nighttime setting.
• Work collaboratively with the Guest Experience team and adhere to time-based performance cues.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Completed at least 6 months of acrobatic arts or another movement-based training program.
• Prior experience in dance, theatre, gymnastics, or a similar acrobatic arts discipline.
• Participated in at least one live performance or production before an audience.
• Ability to maintain balance on uneven terrain and perform in outdoor weather conditions at night.
• Must be available for four out of the following nine dates, plus a mandatory rehearsal:
  • Wednesday, October 21
  • Thursday, October 22
  • Friday, October 23
  • Saturday, October 24
  • Sunday, October 25
  • Wednesday, October 28
  • Thursday, October 29
  • Friday, October 30
  • Saturday, October 31

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a dance certification program from an accredited school, equivalent education, or two years of stage or media production experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of coordinated, time-based performance.
• Knowledge of various dance techniques.
• Proven experience as a dancer or performer.
• Ability to exemplify and convey the Garden’s mission and core values with genuine passion.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Requires good coordination and stamina; must be able to stand and perform continuously with constant movement and use of limbs.
• Continuously works in evening, outdoor conditions that can include inclement weather, heat, humidity, and poor lighting.
• Noise level may be loud at times with continuous use of audio equipment such as speakers and strobe lighting.

Casting Call

Date: August 23rd from 2 PM – 4 PM

Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden in the Volunteer Classroom

If selected, you should be prepared to complete all required new hire paperwork before leaving, including tax withholding forms, direct deposit information, and Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification). Federal law requires employees to present original, unexpired documents verifying both identity and authorization to work in the United States. Photocopies or expired documents cannot be accepted.