There are no upcoming auditions for Acting & Speciality Performer Roles, but roles may open up periodically throughout the season. Check back here for additional interview dates, and sign up to receive hiring updates via email below.
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, immersive walkthroughs, and themed bars.
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
Interested performers must attend a group audition where they’ll get a chance to show off their 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. All employees must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Positions will be filled on a first come, first-considered basis – meaning that you have a better chance of getting a role by attending an earlier audition/interview. Auditions and interviews run RAIN OR SHINE.
Interested in a different kind of role? Return to the overview page to explore other open Halloween Nights positions.
All auditions are held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Eastern State Penitentiary, unless otherwise noted below. Late arrivals will not be permitted. You do not need to make an appointment. Please bring your COMPLETED Acting Role Application with you to audition.
2022 General Acting Role Auditions
Monday, July 11Monday, July 18Saturday, July 23 (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm)Monday, August 1Saturday, August 6 (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm)Wednesday August 10Saturday, August 13 (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm)Tuesday, August 16Thursday, August 18Tuesday, August 23Wednesday, August 24Thursday, August 25Tuesday, August 30Saturday, September 3 (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm)Saturday, September 17 (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm)Tuesday, October 4Monday, October 10
2022 Singing Role Auditions
We’re seeking singers for The Speakeasy at Al Capone's Cell. 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. Singers must prepare a track and come prepared to perform. Styles include jazz, big band, lounge, and soul.
Tuesday, July 12Tuesday, August 9
Or attend any general acting role audition (listed above) and let us know you are interested in singing.
2022 Dancing Role Auditions
We're seeking dancers to join our Skeleton Crew. 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!
Tuesday, July 12Tuesday, August 9
Or attend any general acting role audition (listed above) and let us know you are interested in dancing.
2022 Circus / Specialty Performer Role Auditions
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, and interactive entertainers; fire and aerial performers. Specialty performance applicants must be excited to work in a collaborative and immersive environment where performers interact closely with guests.
Thursday, July 14Friday, July 15Thursday, August 11Friday, August 12
Or attend any general acting role audition (listed above) and let us know you are interested in circus / specialty performance opportunities.
In addition to completing an application, all interested specialty performers are encouraged to fill out this Google Form where you can share links showcasing your talents and anything additional about your abilities. If your act requires extra equipment or prep time (e.g. fire, aerial, etc.) and an open casting call does not make sense for your skills, please provide us with that information in the form so we can help arrange a time for your audition.
There are no upcoming auditions for Acting & Speciality Performer Roles, but roles may open up periodically throughout the season. Check back here for additional interview dates, and sign up to receive hiring updates via email below.
For all acting, singing, dancing, and circus / speciality performer roles please bring your completed Acting Role Application. 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.
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.