We are looking for passionate performers of all levels of experience to entertain our visitors! Actors, dancers, singers, circus performers, and other specialty performers work in a variety of attractions and experiences throughout Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary. Acting and performance departments include, but are not limited to, haunted houses, live performance spaces, and themed bars and lounges.
Positions will be filled on a rolling basis. Early applicants have a greater chance at early hiring, and roles will continue to be filled throughout the season.
Acting Role Requirements:
Job responsibilities for acting and performance roles include:
- Attending all training and staff meetings
- Performing your assigned role as outlined on your character sheet
- Remaining in character, full costume, and makeup at all times when in view of the public
- Assisting with nightly set-up and breakdown procedures for your department as needed
To Apply for an Acting Role:
1. First, complete an online acting application. (Application link will be available soon.)
2. Then, attend an in-person acting audition at one of the following times:
- Tuesday, July 2, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Thursday, July 18, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday, August 20, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Please wear closed-toe shoes, and please bring water to the audition. Acting auditions are held at Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia. You do not need to make an appointment. Late arrivals will not be permitted.
During the acting audition, you’ll get a chance to show off your talents and skills. No experience required; however, all of our acting roles require a very high level of energy, stamina, sense of urgency, and positive attitude.
Applicants with special talents (stilt walking, superhuman tricks, break dancing, the ability to make strange noises, willingness to change your appearance, immersive theater experience, etc.) should inform hiring managers of those particular talents at the audition session.
Singing Role Requirements:
- Singers must have singing experience and be comfortable singing to tracks.
- Singers must also be comfortable creating a character, improvising within that character, and mingling with visitors to create a creepy, elegant, and fun atmosphere.
To Apply for a Singing Role:
1. First, complete an online singing application. (Application link will be available soon.)
2. Then, attend an in-person singing audition at one of the following times:
- Thursday, July 11, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Thursday, July 25, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Singers must prepare a track and come prepared to perform. Styles include jazz, big band, lounge, and soul. We will provide bluetooth speakers that applicants can connect to for their music/backing track.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, and please bring water to the audition. Singing auditions are held at Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia. You do not need to make an appointment. Late arrivals will not be permitted.
Alternatively, singers may attend any general acting role audition (listed above) and let us know you are interested in singing.
Dancing Role Requirements:
- Dancers must have experience and be comfortable dancing on pavement.
- Dancers must also be comfortable creating a character, improvising within that character, and mingling with visitors.
- Dancers must be able to follow and learn choreography. We welcome dancers of all styles!
To Apply for a Dancing Role:
1. First, complete an online dance application. (Application link will be available soon.)
2. Then, attend an in-person dance audition at one of the following times:
- Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 5:45 pm (Doors will close at 6:00 pm sharp.)
- Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 5:45 pm (Doors will close at 6:00 pm sharp.)
During dance auditions, a choreographer will teach several 8-counts. Applicants should also have a 60- to 90-second dance piece ready to showcase as well. We will provide bluetooth speakers that applicants can connect to for their music.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, and please bring water to the audition. Dance auditions are held at Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia. You do not need to make an appointment. Late arrivals will not be permitted.
Alternatively, dancers may attend any general acting role audition (listed above) and let us know you are interested in dancing.
Circus / Specialty Performer Role Requirements:
- We're seeking extraordinary talents capable of entertaining and drawing audiences' attention, including, but not limited to, circus performers, stilt walkers, stunt street performers, and other physical actors; object manipulators; flow and movement artists; LED, UV, glow, and light-benders; puppeteers; magicians; character actors; interactive entertainers; and fire and aerial performers.
- Specialty performance applicants must be excited to work in a collaborative and immersive environment where performers interact closely with guests.
To Apply for a Circus / Specialty Performer Role:
1. First, complete an online specialty performer application. (Application link will be available soon.)
2. Then, attend an in-person specialty performer audition at one of the following times:
- Thursday, July 11, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Thursday, July 25, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Please wear closed-toe shoes, and please bring water to the audition. Specialty performer auditions are held at Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia. You do not need to make an appointment. Late arrivals will not be permitted.
Alternatively, specialty performers may attend any general acting role audition (listed above) and let us know you are interested in circus / specialty performance opportunities.
Interested in a different kind of role? Return to the overview page to explore other open Halloween Nights positions.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment. ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.