Actor/Theatrical Interpreter

CW Talent; Rockville (VA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is seeking an actor/performer to portray 18th-century figures in live programs and museum experiences. You will connect theatre to our interpretive pillars and engage guests with historically informed performances.

The role requires theatre training, research skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments. Overtime may be required; this is a non-exempt, full-time position.

Qualifications

• Completion of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university and two years of professional theatre experience.
• Theatrical training and experience including memorization, multi-tasking, taking direction, and improvisation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of American History gained through schooling and growth in theatre.

Responsibilities

• Apply creative and intellectual skills in developing and performing various roles.
• Research and analyze primary and secondary sources to gain extensive knowledge of 18th century Williamsburg and its connection to interpretive pillars.
• Interpret 18th-century subjects through theatrical entertainments, scripted pieces, and guest engagement.
• Prepare, rehearse, and perform assigned acting roles with historical and artistic accuracy.
• Participate as a positive ensemble member to create dynamic, educational experiences for guests and staff.
• Perform with positivity, flexibility, and resiliency in a changing work environment.
• Work collaboratively across Colonial Williamsburg’s departments for enriched programming.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Theatrical training

Improv skills

Script memorization

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Historical research

Education

Bachelor's degree in theatre or related field

2 years professional theatre experience

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

Perform, create, and portray historical figures of 18th c. Williamsburg in original plays or informal interpretations and/or create and perform in 18th c. play adaptations and interpret theatrical history. Connects themes to Interpretive Plan engaging guests to our collective past and why Williamsburg is important in the development of a new nation. Utilize a variety of performance techniques and styles in a dynamic, passionate, and effective way making history relevant to modern audiences.

Essential Functions:

1. Apply creative and intellectual skills in developing and performing various roles for varied programming.
2. Research and analyze primary and secondary sources to gain extensive, in-depth knowledge of 18th century Williamsburg and how it connects to our Interpretive Pillars of Democracy, Freedom, Ingenuity, Community, and Revolution.
3. Interpret 18th c. subjects and ideas through theatrical entertainments, scripted pieces, and/or guest engagement with spontaneous conversations as a person of the past.
4. Prepare, rehearse, and perform assigned acting roles reliably, consistently, and skillfully, with historical and artistic accuracy and integrity.
5. Actively participate as a positive member of an ensemble to create dynamic, inspiring, and educational experiences for guests and a healthy and positive work-environment for staff. (May include script writing, editing, directing, music, vocal, etc.).
6. Perform with positivity, flexibility, and resiliency in a changing work environment.
7. Work collaboratively across all Colonial Williamsburg’s departments for enriched programming.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required and Education and Experience:

Knowledge and skills required to fulfill the defined job responsibilities usually acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university, and two years of professional experience in theatre or related fields.

Qualifications:

Required:

1. Theatrical Training and experience to include but not limited to: Script memorization, manage multiple tasks, take direction, improvisation skills, perform in front of large audiences.
2. Ability to research and synthesize historical information
3. Excellent interpersonal skills
4. Fundamental knowledge and understanding of American History usually gained through high school completion with at least 2 years professional growth in this medium.

Preferred:

1. Knowledge and understanding of Colonial and Revolutionary America including VA history.
2. Experience in research
3. Specialty performance and theatrical skills such as: musical instruments, singing, stage combat, playwriting, directing, choreography, and stage management.
4. Interpretation, storytelling, teaching, and/or museum experience.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

Compensation Disclaimer:The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.

Range: $16.78 to $25.14