Hobo - Polar Express Character

Xanterra; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Grand Canyon Railway Tickets

Free Employee Run Train Tickets

Property Discounts

MEC Coverage

Sick Time

Job summary

Xanterra invites you to join the Polar Express at the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Arizona, for a part-time seasonal role as the Hobo. You’ll help bring the magic of the movie to life, perform on the platform, and participate in nightly skits while prioritizing guest safety.

Dates are 10/15/2026 through 1/03/2027. Wage is $19.00 per hour plus tips. Schedule requires weekends and midweek availability; benefits include free tickets and shuttle support.

Qualifications

• Must have experience speaking in public and addressing guests clearly.
• Great communication skills for guest-facing roles.
• Comfort performing live in front of an audience and maintaining character.

Responsibilities

• Portray and maintain the Hobo character on stage and around the property.
• Interact with guests of all ages, ensuring a magical, safe experience.
• Follow scripts and cues, stay in character from clock-in to clock-out.
• Maintain safety practices and assist guests during emergencies.
• Collaborate with cast and staff to deliver a seamless guest experience.
• Flex shifts including days, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Stage presence

Job description

Overview

Grand Canyon Railway and Warner Bros Productions Presents

The Polar Express Train Ride

“THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s25)”

Be a part of the Magic!

Are you enthusiastic about Christmas, people, and holiday spirit? Well, the Grand Canyon Railway is now hiring for THE POLAR EXPRESS! The Train Ride at Grand Canyon Railway's Historic Williams Depot is a LIVE, interactive event based on the film by Warner Bros, where we bring the movie to life!

About the Role!

The Hobo is an eccentric character who refers to himself as the “King of the North Pole” and resides atop the train. He plays a key role on the platform, helping to create magical memories while ensuring the safety and overall quality of each passenger’s experience throughout the Polar Express production.

We are casting for the HOBO character role which is a part time seasonal role from 10/15/2026 to 1/03/2027 at the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Arizona.The Hobo is a strange man who calls himself the \"King of the North Pole\" and lives on the top of the train. The “Hobo” character is responsible for creating the magic of the Polar Express. The “Hobo” will wonder around property and will be part of the skit(s) performed nightly.

The Details:

Position Type: Seasonal

Seasonal Dates: 10/15/2026 to 1/03/2027

Wage: $19.00 an hour + tips!

Schedule: (Part time is a 2 to 4 day work week minimum)

• Must be availableon
  • weekends ( Saturday & Sunday)
  • Three addition days between Monday - Friday.

Employee Benefits & Perks:

• Free Grand Canyon Railway Train Tickets!
• Free Employee Run Train Tickets!
• Property Discounts and More!
• MEC (Minimal Essential Coverage)
• Sick Time

FREE Shuttle Service:

• Limited Capacity: 7 People per ride.
  
  • Employee Shuttle from Flagstaff to Williams and back after shift!

Responsibilities

• Fully understand and support Xanterra’s Mission Statement, Cultural Pillars, Community Commitment and Core Values.
• Portray and maintain the Hobo character at all times, by memorizing scripts and cues, remaining in character from clock-in to clock-out, and adhering to approved costume and appearance standards.
• Interact appropriately and patiently with children and adults of all ages, handling children and adults on a one-on-one basis or in large quantities, while maintaining audience control during performance and in designated meet & greet times
• Understand safety practices, including maintaining appropriate physical boundaries and responding to guest emergencies.
• Participate in basic vocals and movement as presented in the script.
• Work alongside the cast and staff members to ensure a positive work environment and an exceptional/seamless experience for guests.
• Handles stressful situations professionally in a public setting and resolves guest-related issues in a professional and timely manner, offering additional assistance to guests in need.
• Cleans up biohazard as required.
• Works as a team player, establishes and maintains an effective professional working relationship with co-workers, directors, and other departments, working together in a positive work environment.
• Maintains schedule flexibility, working scheduled shifts to include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Shifts are 6+/- hours per day.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have previous experience in public speaking.
• Must be able to demonstrate good and professional communication skills in a guest-facing role.
• Must be open to performing in a live audience and maintain a good stage presence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in theatrical role-playing.
• Customer Service experience in the hospitality industry.

Basic Competencies:

• Verbal comprehension (understand oral and written communication, follow detailed instructions).
• Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).
• Reasoning skills (problem-solving and troubleshooting skills).
• Performance skills (ability to have vocal clarity, warm personality and strong presence).
• Character adaptability (Comfortable with improvisation and maintaining characters’ integrity in addition one to receiving and applying coaching).
• Interpersonal skills (ability to communicate, collaborate and build effective relationships with others through empathy, respect and emotional intelligence).

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:

• Constantly listening, hearing, seeing, speaking, standing, sitting, handling and lifting/carrying items up to 20lbs.
• Frequently walking, reaching outward, squatting/kneeling, bending and pushing/pulling items up to 25lbs.
• Occasionally sitting, reaching above shoulder, climbing, crawling, lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling items weighing up to 100lbs.
• Will be required to stand and walk for long periods of time on cement floors and to occasionally walk on uneven surfaces and onboard moving train.

Costume Requirements:

The company provides the Hobo costume, including the character shirt, jacket, hat, and gloves. Employees are responsible for providing character-appropriate jeans and footwear that complement the costume and maintain the integrity of the character's appearance. Employee-provided clothing and footwear must be free of visible logos, graphics, or branding. All employee-provided items must be clean, well-maintained, in good condition, and consistent with established costume and appearance standards. Employees are welcome to use their own clothing and accessories to enhance their character appearance, provided all items meet costume guidelines, maintain the integrity of the character, and are approved by management.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.