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Character Actor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

As a Haunt Scare Actor , you'll become part of our terrifying team, using movement, voice, and character to deliver unforgettable scares and spine-chilling fun. Some of our amazing perks and benefits:

Shift Leader

Danville, VA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

At Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN ® , we hire people of character who demonstrate a passion for our ... Acting as a leader in Biscuitville as well as in the community. * Ensuring that Biscuitville is ...

Shift Leader

Collinsville, VA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

At Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN ® , we hire people of character who demonstrate a passion for our ... Acting as a leader in Biscuitville as well as in the community. * Ensuring that Biscuitville is ...

Shift Leader

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

At Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN ® , we hire people of character who demonstrate a passion for our ... Acting as a leader in Biscuitville as well as in the community. * Ensuring that Biscuitville is ...

Shift Leader

Danville, VA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

At Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN ® , we hire people of character who demonstrate a passion for our ... Acting as a leader in Biscuitville as well as in the community. * Ensuring that Biscuitville is ...

Shift Leader

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

At Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN ® , we hire people of character who demonstrate a passion for our ... Acting as a leader in Biscuitville as well as in the community. * Ensuring that Biscuitville is ...

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Character Actor information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$18

$37

How much do character actor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for character actor in Virginia is $18.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a character actor?

A character actor is a performer who specializes in portraying distinctive, often supporting roles in film, television, or theater. Unlike leading actors, character actors focus on creating unique, memorable personalities that enhance a story. They may play a wide range of roles, including comedic, dramatic, or eccentric characters, often transforming their appearance and mannerisms. Their ability to immerse themselves in diverse roles makes them essential to storytelling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a character actor?

To thrive as a Character Actor, you need strong acting skills, versatility in portraying diverse roles, and typically some formal training in theater or performing arts. Familiarity with audition techniques, industry-standard scripts, and occasionally voice modulation software is beneficial. Excellent improvisation, teamwork, and communication skills help an actor stand out in ensemble casts and collaborative settings. These abilities are crucial for delivering compelling performances and adapting to the varied demands of stage, television, or film productions.

What are typical work environments and schedules for character actors?

Character Actors often work in a variety of settings, including theaters, film sets, television studios, and sometimes theme parks or live events. Schedules can be highly variable, ranging from regular rehearsals to long or irregular filming hours, especially during production periods. Collaboration is key, so Character Actors frequently interact with directors, other cast members, and production crews. Adaptability is important, as each project may require different preparation or performance styles. This diversity in work environments and schedules makes the role dynamic and can lead to a wide range of professional experiences.

How do you become a character actor?

To become a character actor, you typically need acting training, such as attending a drama school or taking acting classes, and gain experience through auditions, community theater, or film projects. Developing a versatile skill set and building a strong portfolio can help you land diverse roles in film, television, or theater productions.

How much do character actors get paid?

Character actors' pay varies depending on the production, experience, and location, but they typically earn between $200 and $1,000 per day for film and television roles. Experienced or well-known character actors can earn higher rates, especially for recurring or leading roles, and may also receive residuals or royalties. Payment often includes a combination of daily rates, session fees, or contract salaries, and may require skills in makeup, costume, and improvisation.

What does a character actor do?

A character actor portrays distinctive, often supporting roles that require transforming into unique or unusual characters. They focus on developing specific traits, accents, and appearances to bring diverse characters to life in film, television, or theater productions.

What are popular job titles related to Character Actor jobs in Virginia?

For Character Actor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Character Actor jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Character Actor jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Character Actor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,339 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Evening Interpreter C- Actor/Storyteller

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

Colonial Williamsburg
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees

$14.42 - $21.63/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Colonial Williamsburg rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Colonial Williamsburg:
From our Historic Area to Hotels, Colonial Williamsburg's mission "that the future may learn from the past" is part of everything we do. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational institution welcoming guests to the world's largest living history museum which brings the past to life through museum theater, 18th-century trades, historic sites, and more. The Foundation also includes two world-class art museums, featuring the nation's premier folk art collection, plus the best in British and American fine and decorative arts from 1670-1840. The Colonial Williamsburg Company boasts a rich history as well, having hosted and entertained guests from around the world with an impressive collection of amenities including our hotels, guest homes, food and beverage outlets, championship golf courses, and spa & fitness center.
About the Position:
Evening actor interpreters help to teach 18th century history to diverse audiences using a variety of performance and storytelling techniques that amplify our educational mission while also providing exceptional guest service. From immersive ensemble trial dramas and engaging storytelling programs to evening walking tours, stage shows, music, and dance, evening programs at Colonial Williamsburg offer our guests a fun and educational experience after dark.
Main Duties:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Evening actor interpreters help to teach 18th century history to diverse audiences using a variety of performance and storytelling techniques that amplify our educational mission while also providing exceptional guest service. From immersive ensemble trial dramas and engaging storytelling programs to evening walking tours, stage shows, music, and dance, evening programs at Colonial Williamsburg offer our guests a fun and educational experience after dark.
Essential Functions:Teach 18th century history by:
Interpreting 18th century Williamsburg and Virginia history
Using a variety of presentation techniques to meet the needs of diverse audiences
Interpreting, participating in, and supporting a variety of seasonal and special events
Engaging in program preparation, rehearsal, public performance and/or interpretation as assigned
Successfully performing the work assignment as prepared by Programmatic Personnel in accordance with the approved standards for the particular presentation and site. The employee will not alter, or cause to be altered, the approved set up arrangement including blocking and scripting.
Provide exceptional customer service by:
Modeling the organizational values of stewardship, customer service, hospitality and respect for people
Managing guest/employee service
Orienting visitors
Maintaining a caring attitude guided by integrity, truthfulness, fairness, courtesy and respect for the individual
Work collaboratively to achieve the mission of Colonial Williamsburg by:Modeling the organization's personal/professional expectations
Participating as an active member of a team
Qualifications:Experience
Competencies usually acquired through completion of 4 years of college or 2-4 years' experience in storytelling, character interpretation, theatre, music, dance, or related field, OR any combination of education and experience that fulfill the responsibilities of the job AND completion of established Foundation, Division, and Department training requirements.
Scheduling
Must be able to work a flexible schedule including week nights, holidays, and weekends.
Must be able to provide annual availability that includes a minimum of 2 evenings per week on a regular basis and up to 4 evenings per week during periods of peak demand, when required.
Environment
Ability to work in all types of weather including rain, snow, wind, heat, humidity, and storms, and to come in daily contact with allergens, including pollen and dust.
General
Interviews, clearings and or auditions are required for some positions.
Must have good overall attendance, work ethic, and attitude to lead a team of co-workers.
Must have exceptional problem solving skills, including the demonstrated ability to be proactive in a reactive situation.
General knowledge of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation policies and procedures; familiarity with physical layout of Historic Area and interior of exhibition buildings.
This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.
This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.
Required Education and Experience:
Competencies usually acquired through completion of 4 years of college or 2-4 years' experience in storytelling, character interpretation, theatre, music, dance, or related field, OR any combination of education and experience that fulfill the responsibilities of the job AND completion of established Foundation, Division, and Department training requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Interviews, clearings and or auditions are required for some positions.
  • Must have good overall attendance, work ethic, and attitude to lead a team of co-workers.
  • Must have exceptional problem-solving skills, including the demonstrated ability to be proactive in a reactive situation.
  • General knowledge of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation policies and procedures; familiarity with physical layout of Historic Area and interior of exhibition buildings.

Physical and Environmental Demands:
Stand: Frequently
Walk: Frequently
Sit: Occasionally
Use hands/fingers: Occasionally
Climb or balance: Occasionally
Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl: Occasionally
Reach with hands/arms: Occasionally
Talk or hear: Constantly
Lifting up to 10 lbs: Occasionally
Lifting up to 25 lbs: Occasionally
Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally
Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
Wet/humid conditions: Occasionally
Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely
Fumes/airborne particles: Occasionally
Extreme cold: Occasionally
Extreme heat: Occasionally
Typical Work Schedule:
Casual staff must be able to work a flexible schedule including week nights, holidays, and weekends.
Must be able to provide annual availability that includes a minimum of 2 evenings per week on a regular basis and up to 4 evenings per week during periods of peak demand, when required.
Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.
Range: $14.42 to $21.63
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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