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Costumed Character Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Costume Character

Busch, AR · On-site

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as assigned * Perform instage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events as assigned

Costume Character

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

What you'll bring to the team Costume Character - Legoland Discovery Center Arizona Due to costume specifications, applicants should be between 4'10" and 5'5" tall. Got the magic to create ...

Performs character walks in costume entertaining guests using nonverbal interaction as trained. * Maintain costume, including cleaning, brushing, etc. * Acts as a character attendant/usher when ...

Perform as a Costume Character, Host, Character Escort, DJ, Dancer, and/or Puppeteer as assigned. * Perform in stage shows, dance parties, meet-and-greets, parades, seasonal events, and special ...

Costume Character - Legoland Discovery Center Arizona Due to costume specifications, applicants should be between 4'10" and 5'5" tall. Got the magic to create unforgettable, joy-filled moments? Want ...

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Costumed Character information

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$10

$19

$37

How much do costumed character jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for costumed character 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 costumed character?

Costumed characters are performers who dress up in full-body costumes to portray specific fictional or mascot characters, often at theme parks, parties, special events, or promotional activities. Their main role is to engage with the public—especially children—by entertaining, posing for photos, and sometimes participating in shows or parades. These performers typically embody well-known characters from cartoons, movies, or brands and must often remain in character to provide a fun and immersive experience for guests.

What is the job of a costumed character?

Costumed characters perform for crowds and provide entertainment while dressed as a particular fictional character from a book, movie, television show, or another source. As a costumed character, you give your clients a fun and exciting experience based on the theme of your costume. For example, someone dressed as Cinderella may read the story of Cinderella at a child’s birthday party, sing some songs from the movie, then take pictures with each of the guests. Costumed characters may be expected to clean and maintain their costumes, including doing minor repairs. You must also comply with all company guidelines related to the safety of guests. Holiday characters are often in demand for special occasions like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Costumed characters may work independently, being hired for birthday parties or company events, or they may work for fairs, festivals, and themed parks, such as Disneyland.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a costumed character, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Costumed Character, you need strong physical stamina, improvisational acting ability, and often experience in performance or theater. Familiarity with safety protocols, communication devices, and costume maintenance is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage with diverse audiences make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure memorable guest experiences, maintain safety, and uphold the reputation of the organization or venue.

What are some common challenges faced by costumed characters during performances, and how can they be managed?

Costumed characters often face challenges such as limited visibility, restricted mobility, and working in hot or crowded environments. Managing these challenges involves staying hydrated, taking regular breaks, and practicing safe movement while in costume. Effective communication with handlers or team members is crucial for safety and smooth performance. Additionally, performers should be prepared to adapt quickly to unexpected interactions with guests, maintaining character and professionalism at all times.

What is the difference between Costumed Character vs Mascot Performer?

AspectCostumed CharacterMascot Performer
Required CredentialsMinimal; often includes acting skills and costume familiaritySimilar; may include acting and costume handling
Work EnvironmentTheme parks, events, parties, promotional activitiesSports events, parades, promotional campaigns
Employer & Industry UsageEntertainment, hospitality, marketingSports teams, entertainment, marketing
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, job requirements, costume detailsEvent roles, mascot duties, performance expectations

Both roles involve wearing costumes and engaging audiences, but a Costumed Character typically appears in entertainment settings like theme parks and parties, focusing on character portrayal. A Mascot Performer often works for sports teams or brands, performing at games and events to promote team spirit or brand awareness. While their skills overlap, the context and specific duties differ slightly, making the comparison useful for job seekers and employers alike.

What cities are hiring for Costumed Character jobs?

Cities with the most Costumed Character job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Costumed Character jobs?

The most popular types of Costumed Character jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Costumed Character jobs?

The top employers for Costumed Character jobs are:

What states have the most Costumed Character jobs?

States with the most job openings for Costumed Character jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Costumed Character jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Costumed Character jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Costumed Character jobs?

For Costumed Character jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Costumed Character job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% 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.

Costume Character

SeaWorld

Busch, AR • On-site

$15.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

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!

Must attend an in-person audition on:

  • Sunday August 16 - check in at 11, Audition at 11:30

Please check in at the Busch Gardens HR Building: 3605 E Bougainvillea Ave, Tampa, FL 33612

Please wear form fitting dance attire and be prepared to learn a movement combination.

Please have headshot and resume ready

Compensation:baseof $15.50/hour

Whatyou get to do:

  • Embody the childlike innocence, enthusiasm, and mannerisms of the characters
  • Enthusiastically representthe park by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy, and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job.
  • Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as assigned
  • Perform instage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events as assigned
  • Serve as an expert performer for multiple assigned characters, with the ability to perform all characters in your height range
  • Perform duties of an expert character escort, which include facilitating interaction and communication between character and guests, providing directions and park information, and entertaining guests.
  • May assist with character training and rehearsals.
  • Openly accepts performance feedback and critique and adapts accordingly.
  • Execute pre and post show backstage duties as outlined in the daily schedule
  • Ensure adherence to safety and procedural directions that accompany this position
  • Consistently and expertly executes stage direction and show content as directed by leadership.
  • Maintains a positive and flexible attitude.
  • Positively interacts with guests, employees, and others.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

What it takes to succeed:

  • Height range of 4'11" to 6'2" with slender, athletic build
  • Personable and animated with a fun, outgoing personality
  • Strong ability to communicate with guests on mic
  • Ability to perform outside in a full body costume
  • Ability to openly accept performance feedback/critiques and adapt accordingly
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions and temperature extremes while performing in a character costume
  • Demonstrated strong costume and escorting skills
  • At least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds
  • Availability to work varying shifts or hours based on park hours; i.e. be able to work opening and closing shifts, as well as after hour rehearsals
  • Ability to move and dance in full costume at a standard consistent with creative intent
  • Ability to maintain character integrity
  • Willingness to participate in regular internal performance assessments
  • Previous costume character and/or dance experience preferred
  • Previous guest experience in a high-volume capacity preferred
  • Previous experience in the fields of dance, theater, athletics, or other performance arts preferred.
  • Be able to positively interact with guests and co-workers of all ages, different ethnic/cultural backgrounds and/or language, and individuals with special needs.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • Stand, walk and/or sit for prolonged periods of time.
  • Audition requirements may include dance, movement, script memorization, role playing, comedic improvisation, and miming as necessary.

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
  • Perform cleaning duties, including use of cleaning chemicals
  • 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
  • Must be able to participate in an in-person audition at a pre-determined time

Compensation:

  • Pay rate is $15.50 per hour.

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.