LIVE AUDITIONS| 10/20/2026 | Costume Characters | SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free park admission

Discounts on park tickets for family &

Park discounts on food & merchandise

Scholarship opportunities

Exclusive employee events & giveaways

Job summary

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is seeking enthusiastic performers for its Christmas Celebration auditions in San Diego. Auditions require 18+ and involve costume characters, dancers, escorts, and puppeteers for in-park and out-of-park performances.

Candidates should be energetic, adaptable, and able to work in varied environments. The role offers a dynamic, seasonal schedule with opportunities to perform in parades, shows, and meet-and-greets.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Experience in dance/theater or performance arts preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform in a costume.

Responsibilities

• Perform as Costume Character, Dancer, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer.
• Participate in stage shows, parades, meet-and-greets, and special events.
• Escort and interact with guests, provide directions and park information.
• Assist costume team with related duties and reheasals.

Skills

Verbal communication

Dance experience

Performance arts

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

SEASONAL POSITION

At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

Christmas Dance Auditions

Must be 18 years of age to be considered for a performer role at SeaWorld.

AUDITION DATE – LIVE & IN-PERSON ON OCTOBER 20, 2026

All auditions held at the Hubbs Research Institute

2595 Ingraham St, San Diego, CA 92109

Check In: 11:00 AM

What to Bring:

Headshot & Resume (and roller skates if you have them!)

We’re decking the halls early and looking for talented performers to bring the magic of the season to life at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration!

Casting Needs

Costume Characters:

• Height ranges: 5’0 – 5’4 and 5’9 – 6’2
• Seeking animated, strong movers to portray beloved SeaWorld characters along with Rudolph and Friends!
• Performers will help spread holiday cheer in our parade, festive meet & greets, and a merry theatre show.

What You Get To Do

• Embody the childlike innocence, enthusiasm, and mannerisms of the characters
• Enthusiastically represent the park by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy, and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job
• Perform as Costume Character, Dancer, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in-park and out-of-park as assigned
• Perform in stage shows, parades, meet-and-greets, and special events as assigned
• Serve as an expert performer for multiple assigned characters, with the ability to perform all characters in your height range
• Perform duties of an expert character escort, which include facilitating interaction and communication between character and guests, providing directions and park information, and entertaining guests
• May assist with character training and rehearsals
• Openly accept performance feedback and adapt accordingly
• Execute pre- and post-show backstage duties as outlined in the daily schedule
• Assist Costuming team with laundry and maintenance projects as needed
• 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
• 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 slender, athletic build
• Personable and animated with a fun, outgoing personality
• Ability to openly accept performance feedback/critiques and adapt accordingly
• 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/closing shifts and after-hours 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 co-workers of all ages, different cultural backgrounds, and individuals with special needs
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to 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

• Be able to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 lbs
• Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and may climb/ascend heights if needed
• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bending, reaching overhead, simple grasp, and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
• Be able to 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/hour 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
• Must be able to participate in an in-person audition at a pre-determined time

Compensation Range

19.00 - 25.00 USD Hourly

Come ready to sleigh the stage and light up the season with your talent!

The perks of the position: Ambassadors will enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment, and great teammates, as well as:

• FREE park admission
• Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
• Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
• Scholarship opportunities
• Exclusive employee events and giveaways

EEO Employer

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.