North Pole Experience Elf and Costume Characters

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Tampa location, is seeking performers for seasonal North Pole Elf and Rudolph character experiences at Christmas Town. Auditions take place in Tampa, with check‑in at 4 pm at Human Resources. The role runs through December 24, 2026, with shifts mainly from 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM and a base pay of $15.50/hour.

Costumes provided by Busch Gardens. Applicants should be at least 18, able to work rehearsals, and able to stand and move in varying weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Guest-facing performance experience is beneficial.
• Must be able to move quickly and stay in character.
• Ability to work flexible event nights and rehearsals.

Responsibilities

• Create a realistic North Pole Elf or Rudolph character experience for families at Christmas Town.
• Perform consistently with high energy throughout the event to ensure magical meet-and-greet moments.
• Engage guests to enhance the Christmas experience.
• Take and implement direction from Production Team.
• Maintain professional in‑character demeanor with diverse guests and staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business need.

Skills

Guest interaction

Stand for long periods

Reliable attendance

Evening availability

Job description

Auditions: Thursday, November 5th Check in at 4 pm at Human Resources. 3605 E Bougainvillea Ave Tampa, FL 33612

Compensation: base of $15.50/hour

What you get to do:

• Create a realistic North Pole Elf experience or Rudolph and Friends Character experience for families at Busch Gardens Christmas Town
• Consistently perform the same high energy experience repetitively throughout the night of the event to create a magical Christmas meet and greet for guests
• Engage in extensive guest interactions to create a realistic Christmas experience
• Take and implement direction from Production Team
• Maintain a professional, in character demeanor while working with a diverse group of customers, leadership and co-workers
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business need

This is a seasonal position that ends on December 24th, 2026

What it takes to succeed:

• At least 18 years of age
• Maintaining a tidy and safe work area
• Responsible for clocking in and out at the beginning and end of assigned shifts
• Available for shifts between the times of 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM on event nights and during some rehearsals (Shifts will vary and some start later in the day)
• Available for rehearsals, to include weekend days which occur on select nights prior to the event openings
• Able to disclose accurate availability for all event/rehearsal dates during the audition process
• Previous performance experience as a North Pole elf character preferred
• Talent must have the ability to stand and move quickly for extended periods of time in varying weather conditions to include outside elements
• Costumes will be provided by Busch Gardens and will remain the property of Busch Gardens
• Based on needs and availability some positions will not work every night of the event
• Develops skills/knowledge to maintain excellent quality show/appearance
• Follows through on show notes to ensure progress in specific areas and adhere to creative vision of the Production Team
• Maintain personal appearance by meeting and adhering to costume and make-up requirements

EEO Employer:

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