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Costume Character Actor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Charming Events STL

Character Actor

Edwardsville, IL

$10/hr

Are timid, soft-spoken and uncomfortable in costumes or makeup * Sarcastic with children, often ... Character Actor positions often receive tips from clients, in addition to your hourly pay * 10% ...

Charming Events STL

Character Actor

Edwardsville, IL · On-site

$10/hr

Are timid, soft-spoken and uncomfortable in costumes or makeup * Sarcastic with children, often ... Character Actor positions often receive tips from clients, in addition to your hourly pay * 10% ...

Seaworldentertainment

Entertainer, Costume Character/Actor Vocalist Audition Dates & Times * SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2026, at 12pm and 4pm. * Sign-in begins 30 minutes before the start of each audition time. * Candidates only ...

SeaWorld

Entertainer, Costume Character/Actor Vocalist Audition Dates & Times * SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2026, at 12pm and 4pm. * Sign-in begins 30 minutes before the start of each audition time. * Candidates only ...

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Costume Character Actor information

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$10

$19

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How much do costume character actor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume character actor in the United States is $19.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a costume character actor?

Costume Character Actors are performers who wear costumes to portray specific characters, often at theme parks, parties, events, or promotional appearances. Their job involves entertaining guests, posing for photos, and sometimes engaging in scripted performances or improvisational interactions. They must stay in character at all times, maintain the costume and appearance, and often communicate non-verbally. This role requires physical stamina, strong performance skills, and the ability to work well with children and diverse audiences.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a costume character actor?

To thrive as a Costume Character Actor, you need strong physical stamina, expressive body language, and performance skills, usually supported by prior acting or theater experience. Familiarity with costume maintenance, basic makeup application, and sometimes puppetry or animatronics is beneficial. Excellent interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage with diverse audiences help create memorable guest interactions. These skills are crucial for delivering an authentic and safe character experience that delights audiences while maintaining professional standards.

What challenges do costume character actors face while performing, and how can they be managed?

Costume Character Actors often face challenges such as limited visibility, restricted movement, and heat buildup inside the costume during performances. To manage these challenges, actors are trained to use exaggerated body language and gestures to communicate effectively, and regular breaks are scheduled to prevent fatigue or overheating. Working closely with handlers and event staff helps ensure safety and smooth transitions. Adaptability and physical stamina are key to thriving in this role, especially during high-energy events or long appearances.

What is the difference between Costume Character Actor vs Mascot Performer?

AspectCostume Character ActorMascot Performer
CredentialsMinimal; often requires acting or performance experienceMinimal; often requires acting or performance experience
Work EnvironmentTheme parks, events, parties, promotional activitiesSports events, parades, promotional events
Employer & IndustryEntertainment, hospitality, event companiesSports teams, entertainment, promotional companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for performance roles involving costumesPeople interested in mascot or sports character roles

Both Costume Character Actors and Mascot Performers wear costumes and entertain audiences, but Costume Character Actors often portray fictional characters in theme parks or events, while Mascot Performers typically represent sports teams or brands at sporting events and parades. The roles overlap in costume-wearing and performance skills, but their environments and specific duties differ slightly.

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What cities are hiring for Costume Character Actor jobs?

Cities with the most Costume Character Actor job openings:

What states have the most Costume Character Actor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Costume Character Actor jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Costume Character Actor jobs are:

Costume Character Actor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Character Actor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Character Actor

Charming Events STL

Edwardsville, IL

$10/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Charming Events StL, providing character experiences, party planning, and special events in the Metro East and St. Louis. Our actors love their work and bringing characters to life for children. It's our goal to provide an Event Package for every budget and make Charming Memories for children.

Job Description

With Charming Events you'll be working as an independent contractor, performing for children's birthday parties, corporate events, and fundraisers. A character actor is required to be in character at all times. Interacting in meet and greets and attending parties takes great improv skills. Character actors are required to think on their feet and be open and friendly with people and kids. Character actors with Charming Events must have a vast knowledge of children's entertainment - Movies, books, music, fairytales and more. 

Casting is done based on your natural resemblance to a character. All character actors go through an audition process including singing, improv, reading lines, and roleplaying characters in a short Q&A. 

Working as a Character Actor for Charming Events has endless benefits! You will enjoy:

-Opportunities to volunteer for outings to places like children's hospitals and Make-A-Wish events

-Working with like-minded people in your field, who have the same love of entertainment as you

-Being Featured in promotional materials & videos

-Complimentary Food & Drink at large events

-SO MUCH MORE!

Qualifications
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or 16-17 with a working permit
  • Must be able to pass a background check
  • Have previous acting or singing experience
  • Have reliable transportation
  • Must have weekend availability
  • No visible tattoos or unremovable piercings
  • LOVE working with children!
Additional Information

DO NOT APPLY IF YOU:

  • Are timid, soft-spoken and uncomfortable in costumes or makeup
  • Sarcastic with children, often teasing or making a mockery of their beloved characters
  • Do not enjoy working with children
  • Do not have a pleasant demeanor or clean-cut professional appearance.

COMPENSATION:

  • Starting pay rate is $10/hr
  • Opportunity to earn bonus or pay raise based on experience and work performance
  • Character Actor positions often receive tips from clients, in addition to your hourly pay
  • 10% Booking Bonus for referrals made by you!

Once you've applied, we will respond whether or not there is an immediate position for you. We hold on to all applications - Yes, every single one! New characters are always being released, so even if we don't have a space for you right away, there could be a new character down the line, or other opportunities to be involved as Event Staff or a Party Coordinator. If there is a position for you, you will receive an invite to audition for the next available season. 

Charming Events STL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, or age in its programs, activities or employment practices.

Apply