Amusement Park Performer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of entertainment, the role of amusement park performers has never been more exciting.

As amusement parks evolve, the demand for talented individuals who can dazzle, entertain, and keep our guests enthralled continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an amusement park performer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the magic of amusement park performances,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re introducing a customizable amusement park performer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Amusement Park Performer Duties and Responsibilities

Amusement Park Performers play a crucial role in providing entertainment and creating memorable experiences for guests at the park.

Their duties require a mix of performing skills and customer service abilities.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Perform scheduled shows as per the park’s theme and guidelines
• Interact with guests to ensure a fun, engaging and memorable experience
• Wear costumes and apply makeup as required for the role
• Maintain the character and engage in improvisation when interacting with guests
• Follow safety protocols and park rules at all times
• Participate in parades, special events, and promotional activities
• Attend rehearsals and training sessions to hone performance skills and learn new routines
• Maintain cleanliness and proper care of costumes, props, and performance area
• Provide support to other park departments as required, such as helping with crowd control

 

Amusement Park Performer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a vibrant, charismatic Amusement Park Performer to entertain and delight our park visitors.

The successful candidate will be a skilled performer with the ability to adopt various roles and characters, from comedy to drama, mascot to magical characters.

Our ideal candidate will excel in interacting and engaging with the audience, especially children, and will display a high level of professionalism both on and off stage.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform in various shows and parades throughout the park
• Engage and interact with guests, including taking photos and signing autographs
• Wear costumes and apply makeup as required for the performance
• Follow direction and choreography provided by show directors
• Maintain the cleanliness and integrity of costumes and props
• Participate in rehearsals and training sessions
• Adhere to safety procedures and protocols
• Work closely with other performers to create cohesive and entertaining performances
• Provide excellent customer service and ensure guests have a positive experience

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in performing arts, such as theatre, dance, or circus
• Ability to stay in character while interacting with guests
• Excellent physical fitness and stamina
• Ability to work well in a team
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and evenings
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts
• Opportunities for career advancement and training

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Amusement Park Performer
• Work Environment: Outdoor park setting. Performances may require physical exertion and take place in various weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Entertainment Director or Show Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our team. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a headshot, and a video demonstrating your performance skills to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Amusement Park Performer Do?

Amusement Park Performers are key to creating the magical and entertaining atmosphere that amusement parks are known for.

They can be found in a wide range of roles, from costumed characters and mascots to circus performers and magicians.

Their main responsibility is to entertain park guests by performing in shows, walking around the park interacting with guests, and participating in special events.

They create memorable experiences for guests by bringing characters to life, performing in parades and stage shows, and posing for pictures.

Amusement Park Performers also often play an important role in maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the park.

They might be responsible for guiding guests through attractions, ensuring that safety rules are followed, and helping to keep the park clean.

In addition to their performance duties, they may also assist with other aspects of park operations, such as selling merchandise or food, operating rides, or conducting educational presentations about animals or exhibits.

Furthermore, they may participate in rehearsals, costume fittings, and makeup sessions, as well as attend training programs to learn new skills or routines.

They also need to maintain their physical condition and skill levels to perform their roles effectively.

 

Amusement Park Performer Qualifications and Skills

An effective Amusement Park Performer should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Excellent performance skills to entertain guests with shows, parades, and interactive experiences.
• Physical fitness and stamina to handle long hours of standing, moving around, or performing in potentially uncomfortable costumes.
• Interpersonal skills to interact positively with guests of all ages, creating a memorable park experience.
• Creative abilities to bring characters to life, improvise during performances, and adapt to various performance scenarios.
• Communication skills to understand and execute performance directions and to communicate effectively with team members and park guests.
• Customer service skills to handle guest inquiries, complaints, and provide information about the park and its attractions.
• Comfortable working in various weather conditions, as performances may take place indoors or outdoors.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and guidelines to ensure the safety of themselves, their colleagues, and guests.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

 

Amusement Park Performer Experience Requirements

Amusement Park Performers often come from a range of performing backgrounds including, but not limited to, theater, dance, music, and even gymnastics.

Prior experience in performing arts, whether through school, community theater, or other public performances, is highly beneficial.

Entry-level performers might have 1 to 2 years of performance experience, often gained through school plays, local theater, or dance troupes.

They may also have attended performance arts workshops or classes to hone their skills.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience often have previous roles in amusement parks, carnivals, or circuses, and have developed their skills in engaging with audiences and maintaining character roles.

They may also have experience in puppeteering, magic tricks, or other specialized amusement park performances.

Those with more than 3 years of experience are likely to have a broader understanding of show production, including costume and set design, scriptwriting, and choreography.

They may have also gained experience in managing and training less experienced performers, making them suitable for lead performer or performance supervisor roles.

Candidates with 5+ years of experience may have developed additional skills in safety procedures, ride operation, and emergency response, qualifying them for higher responsibility roles such as show director or entertainment manager.

This level of experience may also suggest involvement in large-scale productions or events, further indicating their readiness for leadership roles within the amusement park’s entertainment team.

 

Amusement Park Performer Education and Training Requirements

Amusement Park Performers often have a high school diploma or equivalent.

While formal education may not be required, training and experience in acting, dance, music, or other performance arts can be beneficial.

Many performers have taken classes or earned degrees in theater, drama, dance, or music.

In these programs, students learn a wide variety of performance skills, including acting, dancing, singing, and stage presence.

Performance experience can be crucial in this role.

This can be gained through school, community theater, or other local productions.

Some amusement parks provide on-the-job training to help performers develop specific skills needed for their roles.

Amusement Park Performers may also benefit from physical fitness and flexibility training, as the role can be physically demanding.

In some cases, depending on the role they are performing, they may need specific skills such as juggling, acrobatics, or puppetry.

For such roles, additional training or experience would be necessary.

While not mandatory, some performers may choose to get certified in areas such as stage combat or special effects makeup.

These certifications can enhance a performer’s skills and make them more marketable.

Performers must also have strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to work with the public.

First aid and CPR certifications may be required or highly recommended, as performers often interact closely with park guests.

 

Amusement Park Performer Salary Expectations

The average wage for an Amusement Park Performer is around $11.20 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as the performer’s experience, the location of the amusement park, and the hiring company’s pay structure.

 

Amusement Park Performer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Amusement Park Performer need?

An Amusement Park Performer should have strong acting and performance skills.

These might include singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, juggling, or acrobatics.

Excellent communication skills are also important, as performers often interact directly with guests.

They should also be able to perform under pressure and cope with potentially demanding physical conditions, such as performing outside in various weather conditions.

 

Do Amusement Park Performers need a degree?

While a degree is not typically required for Amusement Park Performers, having a degree or training in theater, dance, music, or a related field can be beneficial.

Many performers also have experience in children’s theater, improvisation, or other types of performance art.

 

What should you look for in an Amusement Park Performer resume?

When reviewing a resume for an Amusement Park Performer, look for experience in performing in front of an audience, whether in theatre, musical performances, or other types of live entertainment.

Training or experience in acting, improv, singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument is also highly valuable.

Any experience working with children or in customer service can also be a plus, as performers often interact directly with guests.

 

What qualities make a good Amusement Park Performer?

A good Amusement Park Performer is energetic, enthusiastic, and able to stay in character even in challenging conditions.

They should have a friendly and engaging personality, and be comfortable interacting with guests of all ages.

Good physical stamina is also important, as performers often have long, physically demanding days.

 

What are the physical demands for an Amusement Park Performer?

The physical demands for an Amusement Park Performer can be quite high.

They may be required to stand or move around for long periods, perform in various weather conditions, and may need to lift, carry, or move heavy props or equipment.

Some roles may also require specific physical skills, such as dancing, acrobatics, or the ability to wear and move in a large costume.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap!

Today, we’ve taken you behind the scenes of what it truly means to be an amusement park performer.

And here’s a surprise:

It’s not just about wearing costumes and making people smile.

It’s about creating unforgettable experiences, one performance at a time.

Armed with our handy amusement park performer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take center stage.

But why end the show there?

Take it to the next level with our job description generator. It’s your backstage pass to precision-tailored job listings or perfecting your professional profile.

Remember:

Every performance contributes to a grander spectacle.

Let’s create those memorable moments. Together.

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