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Puppet Theater Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SeaWorld

Perform as a Costume Character, Host, Character Escort, DJ, Dancer, and/or Puppeteer as assigned ... Previous experience in dance, theater, athletics, communications, or other performance arts ...

Seaworldentertainment

Perform as a Costume Character, Host, Character Escort, DJ, Dancer, and/or Puppeteer as assigned ... Previous experience in dance, theater, athletics, communications, or other performance arts ...

United Parks and Resorts

Costume Character

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as ... Previous experience in the fields of dance, theater, athletics, or other performance arts preferred.

NoBS

Observability Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$57.25 - $78.50/hr

You don't get meetings about meetings, approval chains for config changes, no Jira theatre, or ... Expertise in log processing and automation, with tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or Salt.

Seaworldentertainment

Costume Character

Busch, AR

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as ... Previous experience in the fields of dance, theater, athletics, or other performance arts preferred.

NoBS

Observability Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$57.25 - $78.50/hr

You don't get meetings about meetings, approval chains for config changes, no Jira theatre, or ... Expertise in log processing and automation, with tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or Salt.

United Parks & Resorts

Costume Character

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as ... Previous experience in the fields of dance, theater, athletics, or other performance arts preferred.

SeaWorld

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 ... Previous experience in the fields of dance, theater, athletics, or other performance arts preferred.

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Puppet Theater information

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$5

$44

$80

How much do puppet theater jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for puppet theater in the United States is $44.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $58.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Puppet Theater vs Puppet Maker?

AspectPuppet TheaterPuppet Maker
Primary RolePerforming arts involving puppets in theatrical productionsCreating and designing puppets for performances or display
Work EnvironmentStage, theater, performance venuesWorkshop, studio, craft spaces
Required SkillsActing, puppetry techniques, storytellingSculpting, sewing, craftsmanship, design
Industry UsageEntertainment, education, cultural eventsManufacturing, arts and crafts, entertainment

While Puppet Theater involves performing with puppets on stage, Puppet Makers focus on designing and creating the puppets themselves. Both roles require creativity and some overlapping skills, but Puppet Theater emphasizes performance and storytelling, whereas Puppet Makers concentrate on craftsmanship and design.

What is a puppet theater?

A puppet theater is a form of performance art where puppeteers use puppets to tell stories to an audience. These theaters can range from small, portable stages to large, elaborate venues. Puppet theater often combines elements of drama, music, and storytelling, and can be aimed at both children and adults. Performances may use a variety of puppet types, such as marionettes, hand puppets, or shadow puppets, to bring characters and stories to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Puppet Theater Professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Puppet Theater Professional, you need strong skills in puppetry techniques, storytelling, stagecraft, and often a background in theater arts or performance. Familiarity with puppet construction materials, stage lighting, sound systems, and sometimes video recording equipment is typically required. Creativity, manual dexterity, collaboration, and audience engagement are essential soft skills that set performers apart. These abilities ensure captivating performances, effective teamwork, and the ability to adapt to diverse audiences and production environments.

What are some common challenges faced by puppeteers working in a puppet theater, and how can they overcome them?

Puppeteers in a puppet theater often face challenges such as perfecting synchronized movements, maintaining vocal variety for different characters, and adapting to various stage setups. Collaborating closely with other performers and technicians is essential to ensure smooth scene transitions and effective storytelling. Rehearsing extensively, seeking feedback from directors, and continuously refining performance techniques are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and delivering engaging shows.
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What cities are hiring for Puppet Theater jobs? Cities with the most Puppet Theater job openings:
What states have the most Puppet Theater jobs? States with the most job openings for Puppet Theater jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Puppet Theater jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Puppet Theater jobs are:
Puppet Theater jobs near you
Infographic showing various Puppet Theater job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 16% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,429 per year, or $44.9 per hour.
Sesame Place Auditions - Costume Character/Hosts/DJ | 7/3 & 7/10 @ 9:30AM

Sesame Place Auditions - Costume Character/Hosts/DJ | 7/3 & 7/10 @ 9:30AM

SeaWorld

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

SEASONAL POSITION

Join us at Sesame Place and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Come and play an important part on our incredible team today!

🎭 Sesame Place San Diego Entertainment Auditions - Costume Characters, Hosts & DJs

All interested individuals should submit an application prior to auditioning!

🎭 IN-PERSON AUDITIONS!!!

Can you tell me how to get... to an audition? If you've got talent, energy, and a love for making people smile, then Sesame Place San Diego wants YOU to join our Entertainment Team!

🌟 Roles We're Casting🎭 Costume Characters

Bring Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends to life through movement and character interaction.

🎤 Hosts

Engage guests through live entertainment, stage presentations, games, and interactive experiences. Hosts should have strong stage presence, excellent communication skills, and a fun, outgoing personality.

🎧 DJs

Create an energetic atmosphere by providing music, leading dance parties, engaging guests on the microphone, and helping deliver unforgettable entertainment experiences.

📅 Audition Information

Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Friday, July 10, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Location:
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute
2595 Ingraham Street
San Diego, CA 92109

🗓 Audition Schedule

Check-In: 9:30 AM

Dance/Movement Audition: 10:00 AM

Monologue/Interview Portion: 12:00 PM

Audition Requirements🎭 Costume Characters
  • Come prepared to move and participate in a character movement evaluation.
  • Wear comfortable, work-appropriate athletic clothing (shorts, sweatpants, leggings, or a plain shirt with minimal or no designs).
  • Wear sneakers or athletic shoes suitable for movement.
🎤 Hosts & DJs
  • Prepare a one-minute, family-friendly monologue that showcases your personality, stage presence, and ability to engage an audience.
  • Be prepared to participate in an interview and improvisation exercises.
📝 What to Bring
  • Current resume
  • Headshot (preferred)

Don't miss your chance to bring Sesame Street to life! We can't wait to see YOU shine!

What You'll Get to Do
  • Bring beloved Sesame Street characters and entertainment experiences to life for guests of all ages.
  • Enthusiastically represent Sesame Place San Diego by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy, and commitment to quality.
  • 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 entertainment offerings.
  • Interact with guests while maintaining character integrity and creating memorable experiences.
  • Lead games, activities, dance parties, and audience participation experiences as assigned.
  • Serve as an expert performer for multiple assigned characters, with the ability to perform all characters within your assigned height range.
  • Perform duties as a Character Escort, facilitating communication between characters and guests while ensuring a safe and engaging experience.
  • Execute pre-show and post-show backstage duties.
  • Assist with rehearsals, character training, costume care, laundry, and maintenance projects as needed.
  • Follow all entertainment, safety, and operational procedures.
  • Accept performance feedback and adapt accordingly.
  • Maintain a positive, professional, and flexible attitude while interacting with guests and fellow ambassadors.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
What It Takes to Succeed
  • Personable, animated, and outgoing personality.
  • Strong guest service and communication skills.
  • Ability to openly accept performance feedback and adapt accordingly.
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions while performing in costume.
  • Demonstrated strong costume performance and character escorting skills.
  • Ability to maintain character integrity.
  • Ability to move and dance in costume.
  • Willingness to participate in regular performance assessments.
  • Previous costume character, dance, theater, hosting, DJ, or live entertainment experience preferred.
  • Previous guest-facing experience in a high-volume environment preferred.
  • Previous experience in dance, theater, athletics, communications, or other performance arts preferred.
  • Ability to positively interact with guests and fellow ambassadors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

Audition requirements may include dance, movement, script memorization, role-playing, comedic improvisation, miming, and audience interaction as necessary.

📏 Costume Character Height Requirements
  • ABBY CADABBY - 4'9"-5'1"
  • BIG BIRD - 5'10"-6'2"
  • BERT - 5'6"-5'9"
  • COOKIE MONSTER - 5'8"-5'11"
  • COUNT VON COUNT - 5'7"-5'10"
  • ELMO - 4'11"-5'2"
  • ERNIE - 5'4"-5'6"
  • GROVER - 5'5"-5'9"
  • JULIA - 5'0"-5'2"
  • OSCAR (Walkaround) - 5'1"-5'3"
  • OSCAR (Full Body) - 5'6"-5'8"
  • PRAIRIE DAWN - 5'0"-5'2"
  • ROSITA - 5'4"-5'7"
  • TELLY - 5'9"-5'11"
  • ZOE - 5'1"-5'3"
📅 Availability
  • Must have 3 days of unrestricted availability, including at least one weekend day during non-peak seasons.
  • Must have 4 days of unrestricted availability, including at least one weekend day during peak seasons.
  • Must be available to work opening, closing, evening, weekend, holiday, rehearsal, and special event shifts based on business needs.
What Else Is Important
  • Ability to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Extensive walking and standing throughout the workday.
  • Ability to kneel, squat, bend, reach overhead, climb when necessary, and perform repetitive physical movements.
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat.
  • May be required to perform cleaning duties, including the use of cleaning chemicals.
  • Flexible work locations based on business needs.
  • Must be able to participate in an in-person audition at a scheduled date and time.

Compensation: 17.50 USD Hourly

Starting Base Pay:

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.

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