Indianapolis Zoo Seeks Holiday Event Actors/Actresses

Posted by Indianapolis Zoo/White River Gardens ; Posted on 
Indianapolis Zoo Seeks Holiday Event Actors/Actresses
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If you are an avid storyteller that enjoys performing and bringing a character to life – this is an amazing opportunity you do not want to miss!  Halloween comes alive at ZooBoo, the Indianapolis Zoo’s festival of all things spooky, scary, and creepy!  Throughout the month of October our Bicentennial Pavilion is transformed into “Pumpkin Town”.  They are currently looking to cast Holiday Event Actors/ Actresses to star as the main storytellers of Pumpkin Town and to create a magical experience for guests of all ages.

The main roles of Pumpkin Town include Mayor Jack, Professor Pumpkin, Caretaker Chris and Terra Leeward.  They are also seeking actors/actresses to play Santa’s Elves and Caribbean Santa at the Indianapolis Zoo’s biggest holiday event of the year, Christmas at the Zoo!  All roles require working outside in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions (heat, rain, cold, wind, etc.). Prior work-related experience is highly desired but not required. Actors must have the ability to perform both scripted and improvised material in an immersive atmosphere.

These positions require the ability to remain in a position for long durations of time and to move from area to area frequently. Availability to work Wednesdays- Sundays, afternoon and evening shifts is a requirement. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to stay on after the event ZooBoo concludes to portray a Holiday character for Christmas at the Zoo. Compensation starts at $15 .00/ hr. and will be determined based on experience.

 

ZooBoo Characters

Mayor Jack:

This character enthusiastically welcomes everyone to Pumpkin Town and encourages our guests to visit the local businesses in Pumpkin Town; Bewitching Bites, Pumpkin School, and Jack’s Barn.  This character is the unofficial DJ or emcee of Pumpkin Town and may be asked to speak to large crowds with a microphone.  Mayor Jack is quite the entertainer! Actors/ Actresses can be creative with this role offering our guests fun, but safe tips about Pumpkin Town.

Caretaker Chris:

No one knows more about the animals of Jack’s Barn than good olde’ Caretaker Chris.  Quite the storyteller, Caretaker Chris weaves wild (true!) tales about weird and fascinating animal facts.

Professor Pumpkin:

Pumpkin School’s Professor Pumpkin loves science and sharing whacky experiments with children of all ages! Professor Pumpkin leads small groups of guests through two or three fascinating 10-minute science presentations of prepared experiments.

Terra Leeward:

Terra is the oldest and wisest of the Leeward Sisters.  As her name suggests, she is the most “grounded” of the three.  She is truly an earth mother who exudes kindness.  Terra will converse with guests and take photos with them, sharing the story of Pumpkin Town and the Leeward family.

 

Christmas at the Zoo Characters

Caribbean Santa:

Everyone likes to go on vacation including Santa!  This fun, hip Santa enjoys bringing the warm vibes from the Caribbean islands.   Styling in eccentric Caribbean/ Hawaiian themed wear (possibly sandals!) this Santa has no worries and brings a relaxing but fun atmosphere to the Zoo’s guests and children.

Santa’s Elves:

What would Santa be without his handy helpers?! Santa’s Elves enjoy making the children laugh by taking silly photos and helping guests navigate Santa’s village.  This is a creative role where the actors/ actresses can be inventive in describing what it’s like to be the best and brightest toy makers as well as life at the North Pole.

 

Interested candidates must schedule an audition, auditions are by appointment only. 

 

To schedule an audition please email Gabby DiMartin at gdimartin@indyzoo.com.  Each audition will be virtual and take approximately 10 minutes.

 

For the audition, please prepare to perform a comedic monologue or funny story (2 minutes maximum), participate in improvisational activities and, perhaps do a cold reading from one of the scripts.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of an employment application and pre-employment testing including a criminal history and a drug test. The Indianapolis Zoo is requiring all Zoo employees and volunteers to be Covid-19 vaccinated unless individuals require a medical or religious belief accommodation.

 

The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to be a Smoke-Free/ Drug-Free/ Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)/ Child Safe Work Environment.