Backstage Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SEASONAL POSITION
Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! 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!
Currently Casting for ALL 2026 EVENTS - Audition Required
Busch Gardens Entertainment is seeking talented candidates with diverse professional backgrounds who will command the stage for the 2026 season!
We are currently casting for Summer, Howl-O-Scream, and Christmas Town 2026 events! Employment opportunities range from 2-10 months.
Seeking:

• Vocalists - Pop/rock and musical theatre vocalists. Some roles require movement/dance ability.
• Musicians - Experienced musicians who play brass, woodwind, percussion, guitar, bass, strings, flute/Irish whistles, or keys. Some roles require movement ability.
• Dancers - Strong technical dancers who are trained in the style of jazz. Hip hop, partnering skills, and advanced tap ability a plus.
• Costume Characters - Character hosts, studio characters, and characters that dance.
• Stilt Walkers - Experienced stilt walkers who are comfortable with guest interactions and have strong performance qualities. Movement/dance ability a plus.
• Interactive Actors - Energetic performers with improve abilities and are comfortable with guest interactions. Movement/dance ability a plus.

Audition Process:
Please email a performance reel highlighting your talents to bgwauditions@seaworld.com with the subject line "2026 Submission." In the body of the email, please indicate which discipline(s) you are submitting for. Please note performance reels will not be reviewed without a completed employment application, so please submit your application prior to emailing your performance reel. If selected, instructions and additional information will be emailed to you.
What you get to do:

• Perform top notch quality shows for thousands of guests!
• Be Pert of award-winning theatrical performances while maintaining show integrity.
• Work with World Renowned Directors and choreographers.
• Opportunities exist for leadership roles per show (i.e., Dance, Vocal, Music Captain)
• Build lifelong friendships and be part of a legendary Entertainment family!
• Perform in stage shows, parades, meet-and-greets, special events, and any other type of event or performance as assigned by leadership.
• Entertain our guests in a variety of ways and in keeping with a specified skill set as shown through an audition (i.e., singer, dancer, musician, et. al.), with excellent showmanship and storytelling skills.
• Participate in all rehearsals and developmental activities as assigned.
• Consistently and expertly execute stage direction and show content as directed by leadership.
• Enthusiastically represent the park by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy, and a commitment to quality entertainment.
• Openly accept performance feedback and critique, adapt accordingly, and commit to continual improvement and a guest-focused attitude.

• Provide specialized equipment for your specific talent as well as demonstrate knowledge of specific tools and vocabulary used in your specialty (i.e., a musical instrument and sight reading for musicians, etc.).
• Work and perform both indoors and outdoors, in extreme temperatures and weather conditions, in dark and/or confined spaces, and in unique venues of all types and sizes.
• Execute pre-show and post-show backstage duties as outlined in the daily schedule, including maintaining the cleanliness of rehearsal, green room, and performance venues as assigned.
• Assist other departmental teams with projects as needed, such as laundry, venue tasks, and more.
• Ensure adherence to the safety procedures that accompany this position, including but not limited to, safety trainings and initiatives, venue and space guidelines and restrictions, and any direction given by department or park leadership.
• Be respectful of all ambassadors and guests at all times, especially while engaging in any of the duties described herein, and refrain from any behavior that could be considered harassment, as per SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment company policy.
• Participate in other duties as assigned that support park and departmental goals and objectives, including additional show or event product, special events, administrative duties, and any other tasks or duties deemed necessary by Entertainment leadership.
• Understand that updates to this job description can happen at any time as policies and procedures change, that this may be done without formal notification, and that the expectation is to take on these new policies, procedures, and duties willingly and productively.

What it takes to succeed:

• We look for trained and experienced performers who can also tell a story through their performance. Must have great showmanship!
• Must be a team player and have a positive attitude.
• Knowledge of specific tools and vocabulary used in your talent specialty, including but not limited to, sight reading.
• Ability to provide any specialized equipment used for your specific talent (i.e., musical instrument)
• Full availability for the anticipated length of employment and flexibility in schedule.
• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must submit an email with a video reel showcasing your talents. If (Note: your application will not be considered without video reel submission).
• Video requirements may include song, dance, movement, script memorization, role playing, comedic improvisation, and miming as necessary.
• Work a flexible schedule based on business needs, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts, as well as nights, weekends, and holidays. (Note: Time off and availability must be communicated and confirmed prior to hiring).
• Previous experience in the fields of performing arts (theatre, dance, vocal performance, etc.), athletics, or other live entertainment preferred.
• Be able to positively interact with guests and ambassadors of all ages, different cultural backgrounds and/or languages, individuals with special needs, and other diverse groups.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Stand, walk and/or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Flexibility in placement, which will depend on business needs and career development opportunities.

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 climb/ascend heights, if needed
• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
• Be able to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include extreme heat. Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors, and cold/heat temperature extremes.
• Work a flexible schedule/hour based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities

Compensation: 13.00 - 25.50 USD
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, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.