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Costume Character Actor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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% ...

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% ...

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

$37

How much do costume character actor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 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 are some common challenges 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 are Costume Character Actors?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Costume Character Actor, and why are they important?

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 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.

More about Costume Character Actor jobs
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Costume Character [Part-Time]

Costume Character [Part-Time]

San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$13/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

San Antonio Zoo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 34 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Hype Squad – Costume Character
Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
The Hype Squad – Costume Characters consistently demonstrate awesome guest service through character acting and provides positive and informative interactions with guests and team members alike.
As a part a Costume Character, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:

  • Pose for photographs in costume at designated locations.
  • Create daily agendas for appearances, in accordance with operational events and Prospectus requests.
  • Communicate general planning to Hype Squad, with consistent follow-up.
  • Lead by example and provide constructive criticism to ensure each character actor is performing to standards.
  • Act as escort to costumed character, monitoring crowds to ensure Performer and Guest safety. Interact with Guests in supporting role according to guidelines provided.
  • Maintain costume, including general cleaning and daily maintenance.
  • Maintain and clean character areas.
  • Ensure all costume character actors are adhering to safely guidelines including timed breaks and promoting climate safety practices.
  • Coordinate with other departments as needed when entertainment needs are requested.
  • Comply with all Zoo guidelines and policies.
  • Constantly exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the zoo, showing hospitality to all.
  • Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and animals we protect.
  • Any and all other duties as assigned.

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:

  • Fun, outgoing, and personable personality with a passion for engaging the public.
  • Prior experience in public speaking, promotions, or performance preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Comfortable working in a costume with limited vision for extended periods.
  • Able to safely lift at least 50lbs and handle physical setup/teardown of event spaces.

San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

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