Professional Storyteller Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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