Character Interpreter Female

George Washington's Mount Vernon; Mount Vernon (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

George Washington's Mount Vernon seeks a performer for character interpretation in a public programs setting. You will portray a historical figure and engage visitors with informative, engaging interactions across a range of formats.

Requirements include 1–2 years in acting or museum theater, strong interpersonal skills, and a genuine interest in American history. Weekend/evening work and a team-oriented environment are expected.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years acting, history interpretation, or museum theater experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work creatively as part of a team.
• Sincere interest in history and interpretive techniques.

Responsibilities

• Portray convincingly an indentured, hired, or Washington Family/Friend female.
• Create a positive learning environment for guests of all ages.
• Provide accurate historical information about George Washington and Mount Vernon.
• Write, practice, and perform dramatic presentations for programs and events.
• Support full-time character staff with stage management and narration.
• Research identities to prepare characters and answer guest questions.

Skills

Acting experience

History interpretation

Museum theater

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

The Education and Guest Services Division provides meaningful learning opportunities for Mount Vernon’s one million annual visitors and students in classrooms around the country. Through a diverse portfolio of interpretive experiences, engaging public programs, and online resources, we expand each learner’s understanding of, and appreciation for, our nation’s Founding Father and the world in which he lived.

The Department of Character Interpretation, one of the Division’s operating units, provides special interpretative engagement by authentically portraying people from George Washington’s world.

• Exceed guest learning expectations and ensure a level of access in which everyone is welcome– be friendly, respectful, engaging, and flexible. Always remember that this may be their first and only visit.
• Encourage a meaningful appreciation of George Washington and the world in which he lived. Ensure that his legacies connects to the world our guests live in today.
• Engage yourself in the mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association – take responsibility for your continued development and commit to collaboration. Care for your colleagues and be proud of what we accomplish together.

Position-specific Responsibilities:

• Must be able to convincingly portray an indentured, hired, or Washington Family/Friend female. Candidate age range: Any.
• Create a positive learning environment for guests of all ages and backgrounds by being hospitable, approachable, and engaging. Encourage participation in your interactions.
• Provide guests with accurate, interesting, and pertinent historical information about George Washington and Mount Vernon. Follow departmental interpretive strategies in order to effectively integrate interpretation into the total guest learning experience
• Write, practice, and perform dramatic presentations as requested for special public programs, private events, and outreach initiatives, which may be on or off site, online, or digital.
• Support full-time character staff through stage management, out of character third person QA, Omniscient narration, and rotational character support in theatrical performances.
• Research historical identities and all relevant persons in order to establish a comprehensive understanding of the characters and time period. Identify and prepare for frequently asked guest questions. Assist the Manager of Character Interpretation with developing new characters, programs, roles, and other special projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

1-2 years of relevant experience in the acting, History Interpretation, or Museum Theater fields. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills required. Must be able to work creatively and effectively as a member of a team. Must demonstrate a sincere interest in history and effective interpretive techniques.

Special Requirements:

Must be active outside for long periods and move across large portions of the estate on varying surfaces, inside and outside, and in a variety of weather conditions. Must comply with: division-wide managerial standards.
Must work some weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Please submit resume as well as headshot.

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.