Mascots and Puppeteers

Description

Mascots and Puppeteers are responsible for bringing SkyPark characters to life through movement, performance, puppetry, storytelling, and interactive guest engagement. Performers may portray year-round or seasonal characters and may be assigned to mascot, puppeteer, mascort, or Santa's Elf duties based on department needs, training, and qualifications.

The position requires performers to create fun, engaging, and family-friendly experiences while maintaining character integrity, Show Quality Standards, and SkyPark protocols.

Year-Round Characters: Arrow; Ani and Agi (Mushrooms). Seasonal Characters: Jack O Lantern; Happi the Easter Bunny; Twinkle the Tree; Comet the Reindeer; Frosty the Snowman; Snap and Crumbles the Gingerbreads.

This is a part-time position. Availability requirements vary by assignment and season and may include weekends, holidays, and peak-season dates.

Responsibilities

• Follow wardrobe protocols and properly care for assigned costumes, mascots, puppets, and accessories.
• Review the daily entertainment schedule and arrive prepared for assigned duties.
• Maintain assigned character's personality, presentation, and interaction standards.
• Engage guests through approved character interactions, photos, performances, parades, special events, and other entertainment activities.
• Use expressive body language, movement, and non-verbal storytelling to communicate while performing in mascot characters.
• Learn and properly operate assigned puppets and puppet props.
• Learn and perform assigned puppet shows, scripts, routines, and character interactions.
• Follow Mascot Protocols, Puppeteer Protocols, Show Quality Standards, and other Creative & Performing Arts policies.
• Work effectively with other performers and maintain appropriate timing and coordination.
• May perform as a mascort, assist with mascot performances, or perform Santa's Elf duties when assigned.
• May assist with special events, ceremonies, and other entertainment activities.
• Attend all required training, rehearsals, and meetings.
• Report safety concerns, guest concerns, costume or equipment issues, or other problems to management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Character & Professional Conduct

• Maintain character while performing and interacting with guests in designated guest-facing areas.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with guests, particularly children.
• Follow SkyPark guidelines regarding guest interaction, physical contact, photography, and character interactions.
• Use appropriate judgment when interacting with children and families.
• Do not make inappropriate, offensive, or unapproved comments, gestures, or behavior while representing a character or SkyPark.
• Break character when necessary for safety, emergencies, or as directed by management.
• Notify management of unsafe, inappropriate, or difficult guest interactions.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Safely wear assigned mascot, character, or Elf costumes and accessories, which may affect visibility, hearing, ventilation, or movement.
• Be able to perform safely in large or close-fitting costumes.
• Stand, walk, dance, bend, and perform repetitive movements for extended periods.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and temperatures.
• Work in crowded, noisy, and highly interactive guest environments.
• May perform in costumes for extended periods with required meal and rest breaks.
• May be required to handle puppets, props, and other entertainment equipment.

Qualifications

• Energetic, flexible, and comfortable performing for guests of all ages.
• Strong guest service and communication skills.
• Ability to use movement, body language, and character expression to communicate effectively.
• Ability to learn and consistently perform character routines, scripts, storylines, and performance standards.
• Ability to work comfortably and appropriately with children and families.
• Ability to follow direction, protocols, and safety procedures.
• Strong teamwork, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous mascot, puppetry, acting, dance, entertainment, or similar performance experience is a plus.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work assigned weekends, holidays, and peak-season dates as required.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Duties may be modified based on operational needs.