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Dinner Theater Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Chanhassen, MN ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is committed to fostering and cultivating a culture of inclusion that celebrates diversity and promotes equity. Our human capital is the most valuable asset we have. The ...

Cook

Chanhassen, MN ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is committed to fostering and cultivating a culture of inclusion that celebrates diversity and promotes equity. Our human capital is the most valuable asset we have. The ...

Cardiology job in Wytheville VA

Wytheville, VA ยท On-site

$345K - $389K/yr

Entertainment lovers enjoy the state-of-the-art, German-themed Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theater, and the Chautauqua Festival. Educational opportunities are available through Wytheville Community College ...

Showing results 21-40

Dinner Theater information

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$5

$14

$19

How much do dinner theater jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dinner theater in the United States is $14.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is dinner theater?

Dinner theater is a form of entertainment where guests enjoy a meal while watching a live theatrical performance. The experience typically combines a multi-course dinner with a play, musical, or comedy show, creating a unique and immersive evening for attendees. Dinner theaters can range from small, local venues to larger, more elaborate productions. This format offers a social and interactive atmosphere, often featuring audience participation or themed events.

What are some unique challenges dinner theater performers face compared to traditional theater actors?

Dinner theater performers often interact directly with guests in a more informal and dynamic environment, which requires strong improvisational skills and adaptability. Unlike traditional theater, where the audience is focused solely on the performance, dinner theater actors must maintain character while guests are eating and moving around, sometimes responding to interruptions or unexpected situations. This setting demands excellent communication, multitasking abilities, and a high level of professionalism to ensure both entertainment and guest satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dinner theater performer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dinner Theater Performer, you need strong acting, singing, and sometimes dancing abilities, often supported by formal training or a background in performing arts. Familiarity with stage production tools, sound systems, and possibly microphones is common, and some venues may require food safety certification if performers assist with serving. Excellent interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a strong stage presence help you engage diverse audiences and respond to unexpected situations. These skills are essential to deliver memorable, seamless performances that enhance the overall guest experience and ensure the show's success.

What is the difference between Dinner Theater vs Actor?

AspectDinner TheaterActor
Required CredentialsMinimal formal education, acting experience preferredFormal training or acting degree often required
Work EnvironmentLive performances combined with dining, often in themed venuesStage or screen productions, various venues
Industry UsageEntertainment venues offering combined dining and performancesPerforming arts industry, theater, film, TV
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While Dinner Theater involves performing in a setting that combines dining with live entertainment, actors focus solely on performing in various productions. Dinner Theater roles often require acting skills but emphasize the ability to engage audiences in a unique venue, whereas actors may work in a broader range of performance settings, including stage and screen. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the entertainment industry.

More about Dinner Theater jobs

What job categories do people searching Dinner Theater jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Dinner Theater jobs are:

Infographic showing various Dinner Theater job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Full Time, and 78% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,391 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Cook

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Chanhassen, MN โ€ข On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description


Line Cook Job Description

Summary

Cook accurately and efficiently, meats, fish, vegetables, soups and other food products as well as prepare and portion food products prior to cooking. Also perform other duties in the areas of food and final plate preparation including plating and garnishing of cooked and ready-to-eat items and preparing appropriate garnishes for all menu item plates.

Essential Responsibilities and Job Duties:

  • Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables and other food items for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers and a variety of additional kitchen equipment.
  • Assumes 100% responsibility for quality of products served.
  • Knows and complies consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and kitchen rules, policies and procedures.
  • Stocks and maintains sufficient levels of food products at line stations to assure a smooth service period.
  • Portions food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications.
  • Maintains a clean and sanitary work station area including tables, shelves, grills, broilers, fryers, pasta cookers, sauté burners, convection oven, pizza oven and refrigeration equipment.
  • Prepares item for broiling, grilling, frying, sautéing or other cooking methods by portioning, battering, breading, seasoning and/or marinating.
  • Follows proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishes.
  • Handles, stores and rotates all products properly.
  • Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed.
  • Closes the kitchen properly and follows the closing checklist for kitchen stations. Assists others in closing the kitchen.
  • Attends all scheduled employee meetings and brings suggestions for improvement.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by the Executive Chef or manager-on-duty.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • A minimum of 1 year of experience in kitchen preparation and cooking.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly with managers, kitchen and dining room personnel.
  • Be able to reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 9 hours).

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate and can vary with the show titles.

Diversity Commitment:

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is committed to fostering and cultivating a culture of inclusion that celebrates diversity and promotes equity.

Our human capital is the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and company’s achievement as well. We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our staff, artists, and patrons.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required. All employees are responsible for following Chanhassen Dinner Theatres policies and procedures as defined by their manager or Employee Handbook.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.