Seasonal Event Principal Performer

Position Summary           

Under the Direction of the Manager of Entertainment, the Seasonal Event Principal Performer will function as a Featured Performer and will appear in and facilitate the operation of Entertainment programming in the Atrium, Galleries, and the Plaza. This will primarily be in support of seasonal Special Event Activations such as Haunted Seas, Holidays at Georgia Aquarium and the Glow Nights Summer Nighttime Spectacular. The Seasonal Event Principal Performer will take on the lead role of Host/Emcee for productions, appear as a Named/Branded character, or in other featured speaking roles. This role requires the Performer to have excellent acting, public speaking, character development and improvisational skills, and the ability to memorize multiple scripts and maintain performance-readiness for a variety of performance tracks /roles during a concentrated and compressed rehearsal process. The performer must be able to sustain performances for long-form presentations over an extended period. The Seasonal Event Principal Performer may be required to learn choregraphed dance or movement sequences, function as a puppeteer or parade balloon pilot, or appear as an atmosphere performer for a particular production. The Seasonal Event Principal Performer will serve as an Operations Coordinator and will support all Entertainment and Guest programing as required. This will include, but is not limited to, liaising with Aquarium Partners and External Clients, supervising third-party Vendors, and hosting Performance Groups. This may also include overseeing set-up and operation of basic technical elements for various programming and serving as a day-of coordinator for certain aspects of Guest Programming or Special Events. The Seasonal Event Principal Performer will help ensure the proper operation of the Entertainment programming and adherence to all established schedules. They will maintain the artistic direction for all programming as set by the creative team and will comply with all standards, policies, and procedures required to maintain a safe and engaging Guest Experience. Due to the nature of Character/Mascot performing, this position may require the Performer to work in close-fitting, multi-layered costumes with enclosed head pieces that may have limited vision. Some elements of the costume may be supported by the back, head, and/or shoulders. The ambient temperature inside the Mascot costume will often be warmer than that of the building. Appearances may also require exaggerated movement while in costume that may contribute to a notable level of physical exertion. The position requires schedule flexibility and open availability which may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities:

1. Appear as a Principal Performer in entertainment facilitations in the Atrium, Galleries, and the Plaza at Georgia Aquarium as scheduled. May serve as a host/emcee, Named/Branded character, featured speaking role or as an atmosphere character, dancer, or puppeteer.
2. Appear as a Principal Performer, as scheduled, and assist with special event activations and seasonal offerings such as Haunted Seas, Holidays at Georgia Aquarium and the Glow Nights Summer Nighttime Spectacular, and other Production/Entertainment facilitations as needed, which may include appearing as an Ensemble atmosphere character, Principal character, or assisting with the operation of the event as a Production Coordinator.
3. Appear as a featured/lead performer in the Production Presentations in both the Sea Lion and Dolphin venues as
4. Learn show scripts quickly and be able to improvise in the moment as necessary during performance.
5. The Seasonal Principal performer will be scheduled to appear as an Ensemble member during certain performances to facilitate an efficient staffing rotation.
6. Collaborate with designers and staff to execute vision of entertainment facilitations as directed.
7. All performers will be required to manipulate, steer, wear, perform with, and otherwise operate puppets of varying sizes and build materials.
8. All performers will be required to assist with show operations, including, but not limited to pre-setting, assisting with costume/apparatus changes, assisting other performers with their act, and prepping spaces to return to daily operation.
9. Must perform for long stretches of time while standing, moving, dancing, and puppeteering.
10. Assist with the care, handling, basic upkeep and maintenance of costumes, props, set pieces, and dressing room spaces, as directed.
11. Learn multiple show tracks quickly within a short amount of time and be able to cover assigned tracks at any time.
12. Attend and participate in scheduled rehearsals and creative program/content development
13. Comply with established schedules for all facilitations and perform daily duties as directed. Assist in ensuring facilitations are performed on schedule.
14. Provide accurate and thorough information to guests about the
15. Assist in keeping a clean, safe, and working office
16. All Performers may be required to work as a mascot or puppeteer performers.
17. Occasional appearances may require work occurring at an off-site location.
18. Maintain a clean, safe, and working office
19. Must be able to follow through with operations and coordination with limited supervision.
20. Perform other duties as assigned/workload necessitates.

Qualifications:       

1. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent theater, music, or film experience
2. Previous 2 years of theatre, film, or music/live performance experience required.
3. Preferred experience in theater settings (i.e., auditoriums, arenas, ) or high-volume visitor settings such as festivals, Renaissance Faires, or theme parks preferred.
4. Previous experience with live entertainment or special event production is preferred.
5. Previous 1 year of customer service experience in a fast paced, high-volume setting preferred.
6. Theatrical improvisation, juggling, ability to play a musical instrument, tumbling, clowning, singing, mascot experience, mime, dance, or up-close magic experience preferred.
7. Effective leadership skills.
8. Effective problem analysis and resolution
9. Superior verbal and written communication skills essential.
10. Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:                 

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must have good hand/eye coordination and balance. The employee must be able to lift 25 pounds over head and lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Commitment:                    

I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:

Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide. 

Vision:  To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.

Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion