Kennywood - Performance Lead

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave-and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with over 40 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.

While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service-what we call Heartspitality®-the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.
Kennywood is a National Historic Landmark with over 125 years of experience in fun! Kennywood has an unmatched mix of more than 40 modern attractions and one-of-a-kind classic rides, including eight roller coasters, a Kiddieland with pint-sized thrills for the little ones, and more. Kennywood's rich history spans generations of good times and extends beyond the traditional summer season with popular Halloween and Holiday events.

We are currently looking for a:

Kennywood - Performance Lead

Roles & Responsibilities:

The Performance Lead assists with ensuring that all costumed events are successfully executed to deliver outstanding guest satisfaction. This position focuses on leading and directing hosts to provide scary and realistic character performances that meet the set standards and intent of the event.

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, managing a team of actors and make-up artists, supervising, monitoring, and assisting with various park attractions, as needed.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Supervisory Duties:

• Lead and motivate a team of scare actors to successfully execute an event
• Lead by example, attitude, and as a representation of Kennywood's core values
• Act as an approachable mentor and coach to all assigned hosts
• Ensure compliance with company and industry best practices, policies, and procedures to create a safe and productive environment for colleagues and guests.
• Become knowledgeable of performing the essential duties of all performance-related positions and backfill these positions when needed
• Participate in new-hire orientation and training activities for all assigned employees
• Ensure that all required meal and other breaks are being given in accordance with Pennsylvania law
• Comply with all federal and state labor laws (e.g. Child Labor laws)
• Assist with team scheduling and timekeeping activities

Departmental Duties:

• Delight each guest by providing exceptional customer service, conveying a positive and friendly attitude, and engaging with guests in a fun and exciting manner!
• Monitor hosts during performance time to ensure that their costumes and make-up is suitable for the event
• Train a team of scare actors in acting techniques that will bring realism and excitement to the event's theme
• Perform as a scare actor to provide a hauntingly good time for all guests
• Consistently remain in character throughout the entirety of their scheduled shifts, which could include using noises and changing posture and walk
• Interact with guests while performing in a professional and creative manner
• Continuously monitor the event to identify any potential threats or hazards escalate any issues to the proper park authorities in a timely manner
• All other duties assigned by leadership

Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Education and Experience:

• No education required just a passion for scaring!
• 1+ year of previous haunt experience high desired

Requirements:

• Must successfully pass an audition and/or character training for this role
• Must be at least 16 years of age to comply with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work 20+ hours per week, when needed
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift
• Must comply with all grooming standards, uniform and/or costume requirements
• Ability to immerse in role and remain in character throughout the performance
• Must possess strong cardio endurance, physical story-telling abilities, and performance energy
• Must be playful, outgoing, friendly, and convey a positive, guest-centric attitude
• Must possess effective verbal and non-verbal acting and communication skills
• Ability to follow direction, multi-task, and work as part of a fast-paced team

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for majority of the workday
• Ability to wear assigned costume for extended periods of time
• Ability to frequently stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders
• Ability to perform in costumes that may have limited sight lines
• Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 30 pounds or more

Working Conditions:

• Frequent exposure to outdoor and indoor areas of the park
• Subject to extreme warm or cold temperatures during the autumn months
• Frequent exposure to the variable outside temperatures (both in and out of costume), including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions
• Subject to frequent interruptions, constant repetitive motion, high noise levels, flashing lights, strobe lights, dark and shadowy environments, and heavily populated areas

Team member benefits:

Working at Kennywood is about making people happy! It's about being independent and having fun, making new friends and earning extra money while doing so. As a Kennywood employee, you can be the smiling face that makes a great first impression for incoming guests, a cook that serves up tasty treats and culinary delights, or a ride operator that keeps guests coming back for more thrills! There are many exciting seasonal job opportunities available to take your summer job to new heights!

Perks & Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Ability to cross-train and learn unique skills across various departments
• Free admission to Kennywood and other parks on your days off
• Invitations to exclusive company-sponsored employee events throughout the season

We've got great jobs for people just starting out in the workforce, looking for a second job or staying active after retirement. If you want a fun, flexible job with an innovative company, look no further than Kennywood . Apply today!

Do not miss the chance to spark your career now!