Costume Character

Entertainment Places; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 17,616 - 25,089; Part time

Job summary

Entertainment Places in Tampa, Florida, is seeking performers for Costume Character roles. Ideal candidates will embody childlike traits and perform in various capacities, ensuring positive guest interactions.

Applicants should be animated, outgoing, and able to fulfill the height requirement of 4’11” to 6’2”. Pay is $15.50 per hour, with auditions requiring dance performance and non-verbal skills.

Qualifications

• Height range of 4’11” to 6’2” with a slender, athletic build.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions performing in a character costume.
• Ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Embody character traits and mannerisms.
• Perform as a Costume Character, Character Escort, or Puppeteer.
• Facilitate interactions between character and guests.

Skills

Personable and animated personality

Strong verbal communication

Ability to perform outside in costume

Dance and movement skills

Ability to maintain character integrity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Must attend an in person audition on Tuesday, June 2 @ 4:30pm. Please wear form fitting dance attire that allows a full range of movement, be prepared to learn a movement combination, and bring a headshot and resume.

What you get to do

• Embody the childlike innocence, enthusiasm, and mannerisms of the characters.
• Represent the park with a positive attitude, high energy, and commitment to quality in all aspects of the job.
• Perform as a Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in‑park and out‑of‑park as assigned.
• Provide entertainment in stage offerings, storytimes, meet‑and‑greets, and special events.
• Serve as an expert performer for multiple assigned characters, able to perform all characters within your height range.
• Facilitate interaction and communication between character and guests, providing directions and park information.
• Assist with character training and rehearsals as needed.
• Accept and adapt to performance feedback and critique.
• Execute pre and post show backstage duties as outlined in the daily schedule.
• Ensure adherence to safety and procedural directions that accompany this position.
• Consistently and expertly execute stage direction and show content as directed by leadership.
• Maintain a positive and flexible attitude, and positively interact with guests, employees, and others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What it takes to succeed

• Height range of 4’11” to 6’2” with a slender, athletic build.
• Personable and animated with a fun, outgoing personality.
• Strong ability to communicate with guests on mic.
• Ability to perform outside in a full body costume.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions and temperature extremes while performing in a character costume.
• Demonstrated strong costume and escorting skills.
• At least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Availability to work varying shifts or hours based on park hours, including opening and closing shifts and after‑hour rehearsals.
• Ability to move and dance in full costume at a standard consistent with creative intent.
• Ability to maintain character integrity.
• Willingness to participate in regular internal performance assessments.
• Previous costume character and/or dance experience preferred.
• Previous guest experience in a high‑volume capacity preferred.
• Previous experience in the fields of dance, theater, athletics, or other performance arts preferred.
• Ability to positively interact with guests and coworkers of all ages, different ethnic/cultural backgrounds and/or languages, and individuals with special needs.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Stand, walk, and/or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Audition requirements may include dance, movement, script memorization, role playing, comedic improvisation, and miming as necessary.

What else is important

• Perform extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift; may require climbing or ascending heights.
• Perform physical activities such as kneeling, squatting, bending, reaching overhead, and fine hand manipulation tasks.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather, including extreme heat.
• Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors, and temperature extremes.
• Perform cleaning duties, including use of cleaning chemicals.
• Work a flexible schedule based on business need, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities.

Compensation

Pay rate is $15.50 per hour.

EEO Statement

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national or origin, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status.

How should I prepare for my audition?

You will be asked to learn a dance combination and participate in hot‑plate and athletic stamina exercises. Costume character auditions are based primarily on movement, non‑verbal communication, and physical coordination. Please arrive early enough to stretch and warm up before the audition begins. Please wear form‑fitting dance attire that allows a full range of movement and tennis or jazz shoes; do not wear jeans. Prepare a resume and headshot, which will be retained by the audition team.