Sesame Place – Costume Character/Hosts/DJ

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE park admission

Discounts on park admission tickets

Scholarship opportunities

Exclusive employee events

Job summary

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is looking for enthusiastic individuals for a Seasonal Position at Sesame Place San Diego. As an Ambassador, you will play a vital role in bringing joy through engaging performances as Costume Characters, Hosts, and DJs.

The role requires strong communication skills and a positive attitude. Performers will engage guests of all ages, showcasing beloved Sesame Street characters during various events.

Competitive hourly pay of $17.50, alongside perks like free park admission and discounts.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Previous guest-facing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent Sesame Place San Diego while interacting with guests.
• Perform in various entertainment roles including Costume Character and DJ.
• Lead games and activities and engage guests in performances.

Skills

Strong guest service skills

Communication skills

Costume performance

Ability to engage audiences

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Seasonal Position

Join us at Sesame Place 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. Come and play an important part on our incredible team today!

All interested individuals should submit an application prior to auditioning!

Sesame Place San Diego wants YOU to join our Entertainment Team!

Roles We're Casting

• Costume Characters – Bring Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends to life through movement and character interaction.
• Hosts – Engage guests through live entertainment, stage presentations, games, and interactive experiences. Hosts should have strong stage presence, excellent communication skills, and a fun, outgoing personality.
• DJs – Create an energetic atmosphere by providing music, leading dance parties, engaging guests on the microphone, and helping deliver unforgettable entertainment experiences.

Audition Schedule

• Friday, July 3, 2026 – 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Check‑In: 9:30 AM
  • Dance/Movement Audition: 10:00 AM
  • Monologue/Interview: 12:00 PM
• Friday, July 10, 2026 – 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Check‑In: 9:30 AM
  • Dance/Movement Audition: 10:00 AM
  • Monologue/Interview: 12:00 PM
• Location: Hubbs‑SeaWorld Research Institute, 2595 Ingraham Street, San Diego, CA 92109

Audition Requirements

• Costume Characters – Come prepared to move, wear comfortable athletic clothing, and sneakers or athletic shoes suitable for movement.
• Hosts & DJs – Prepare a one‑minute family‑friendly monologue, and participate in an interview and improvisational exercises.

What to Bring

• Current résumé
• Headshot (preferred)

What You'll Get to Do

• Bring beloved Sesame Street characters and entertainment experiences to life for guests of all ages.
• Enthusiastically represent Sesame Place San Diego by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy, and commitment to quality.
• Perform as a Costume Character, Host, Character Escort, DJ, Dancer, and/or Puppeteer as assigned.
• Perform in stage shows, dance parties, meet‑and‑greet events, parades, seasonal events, and special entertainment offerings.
• Interact with guests while maintaining character integrity and creating memorable experiences.
• Lead games, activities, dance parties, and audience participation experiences as assigned.
• Serve as an expert performer for multiple assigned characters, with the ability to perform all characters within your assigned height range.
• Perform duties as a Character Escort, facilitating communication between characters and guests while ensuring a safe and engaging experience.
• Execute pre‑show and post‑show backstage duties.
• Assist with rehearsals, character training, costume care, laundry, and maintenance projects as needed.
• Follow all entertainment, safety, and operational procedures.
• Accept performance feedback and adapt accordingly.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and flexible attitude while interacting with guests and fellow ambassadors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What It Takes to Succeed

• Personable, animated, and outgoing personality.
• Strong guest service and communication skills.
• Ability to openly accept performance feedback and adapt accordingly.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions while performing in costume.
• Demonstrated strong costume performance and character escorting skills.
• Ability to maintain character integrity.
• Ability to move and dance in costume.
• Willingness to participate in regular performance assessments.
• Previous costume character, dance, theater, hosting, DJ, or live entertainment experience preferred.
• Previous guest‑facing experience in a high‑volume environment preferred.
• Previous experience in dance, theater, athletics, communications, or other performance arts preferred.
• Ability to positively interact with guests and fellow ambassadors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Costume Character Height Requirements

• Abby Cadabby – 4'9"–5'1"
• Big Bird – 5'10"–6'2"
• Bert – 5'6"–5'9"
• Cookie Monster – 5'8"–5'11"
• Count Von Count – 5'7"–5'10"
• Elmo – 4'11"–5'2"
• Ernie – 5'4"–5'6"
• Grover – 5'5"–5'9"
• Julia – 5'0"–5'2"
• Oscar (Walk‑around) – 5'1"–5'3"
• Oscar (Full Body) – 5'6"–5'8"
• Prairie Dawn – 5'0"–5'2"
• Rosita – 5'4"–5'7"
• Telly – 5'9"–5'11"
• Zoe – 5'1"–5'3"

Availability

• Must have 3 days of unrestricted availability, including at least one weekend day during non‑peak seasons.
• Must have 4 days of unrestricted availability, including at least one weekend day during peak seasons.
• Must be available to work opening, closing, evening, weekend, holiday, rehearsal, and special event shifts based on business needs.

Other Important Items

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Extensive walking and standing throughout the workday.
• Ability to kneel, squat, bend, reach overhead, climb when necessary, and perform repetitive physical movements.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat.
• May be required to perform cleaning duties, including the use of cleaning chemicals.
• Flexible work locations based on business needs.
• Must be able to participate in an in‑person audition at a scheduled date and time.

Compensation

Compensation: 17.50 USD Hourly

Starting Base Pay

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

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.