Seasonal Scare Actor

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 16,531 - 20,664; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE park admission

Discounts on park admission tickets

Discounts on food and merchandise

Scholarship opportunities

Exclusive employee events

Job summary

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is seeking individuals for a seasonal position in the Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting Team at Busch Gardens Tampa. As a scare actor, you will perform and engage guests during the event. Candidates must be 18 or older and available during event nights. The role requires performing strenuous activities and adapting to various weather conditions. Perks include free park admission, discounts, and scholarship opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Availability to work potentially between 5:00 PM and 2:00 AM.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Perform as a character to startle and scare guests.
• Maintain safe and tidy work area.
• Take direction from persons of authority.

Skills

Character performance

Guest interaction

Ability to work flexible hours

Team collaboration

Job description

Seasonal Position

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. As a key member of our team, you’ll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you’re dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting Team

Come join the screams and be part of our Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting team. The Howl-O-Scream season runs from September through November 2026. Schedule your audition time: June 5th and 6th for returning Scare Actors, and from June 12th for new applicants. Auditions will take place most Fridays and Saturdays through August. More details provided upon scheduling.

What You Get To Do

• Perform as a character to startle and scare guests at Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream.
• Consistently perform multiple scares repetitively throughout the night of the event (some positions may involve strenuous physical activity).
• Be responsible for clocking in and out at the beginning and end of assigned shifts.
• Take and implement direction from persons of authority.
• Maintain a tidy and safe work area.
• Work well with a diverse group of co‑workers.
• Provide your own black pants, black socks, black shoes, and black shirt.

What It Takes To Succeed

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be available to work potentially between 5:00 PM and 2:00 AM on rehearsal and event nights.
• Must be available majority of event nights; availability will be a factor in determining employment offer and/or role placement.
• Many, but not all positions, require wearing makeup (provided by BGT). Some require wearing a costume mask, helmet, wig, or hat (provided by BGT).
• Costumes for characters will be provided by BGT and remain the property of BGT.
• Must be able to perform assigned character for up to 2 hours at a time, performing standing, walking or other strenuous physical activity.
• Perform the following physical activities frequently: stand, walk, climb, bend floor‑to‑waist/waist‑to‑overhead and reach overhead, simple grasp, and fine manipulation task.
• Work both indoors and outdoors, exposed to a variety of weather conditions.
• Position may be exposed to heat/cold temperature extremes, chemicals, fumes/dust/odor, atmospheric lighting/strobe lighting/dim lighting.
• Based on needs and availability, some positions may not work every night of the event.

The Perks of the Position

• 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.

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.