We're hiring all kinds of people for the nation’s premier Halloween event and are committed to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion where staff of varying backgrounds can thrive.
The 2022 season of Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary will once again feature a variety of attractions and experiences including haunted houses, immersive walkthroughs, themed bars, opportunities to learn about the penitentiary's history, and more! All proceeds from Halloween Nights support the preservation and interpretation of Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark.
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary runs select nights from September 23 through November 12, 2022 and employs a variety of people to fill more than 200 positions. Available positions include actors, dancers, singers, circus and specialty performers, retail staff, line control staff, parking attendants, costumers, makeup artists, educators, tech crew and more. These jobs are demanding but FUN! Pay starts at $15.00 per hour and more for management positions.
All staff must be 18 years old or older and must successfully complete a background check. All employees must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Below you will see the categories of available jobs. Click on the category that interests you to learn more about those positions and to download the appropriate application form (when applicable.) Please print the appropriate application form in one-sided format and fill it out before you arrive! By doing so, you will save the hiring managers time, and you will also be placed ahead of applicants who haven’t completed an application in advance.
Read all information carefully. Each of the following pages contains DIFFERENT information about interview or audition dates, paperwork and required skills based on the specific position. 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 or submitting your materials early. Auditions and interviews run RAIN OR SHINE.
Acting & Specialty Performer Roles
Applicants must audition for acting, dancing, singing, circus performer and specialty performer roles. Performers entertain and scare visitors as they explore Halloween Nights. Performers are required to wear a costume and special FX makeup, which will be provided by penitentiary. You do not need to prepare a monologue; just come, have fun, give us your best scream, and show off your skills! No experience necessary. We're looking for passionate performers of all levels. There are no upcoming auditions, but check back soon as roles may open up periodically throughout the season. Learn More >
Customer Service Positions
Applicants must interview for these roles. Positions include Retail, Guest Services, Parking Lot Attendant, Line Control, and Custodial. These positions require a lot of customer interaction. A positive attitude and a commitment to exceptional customer service are required. Most of these jobs do not require wearing a costume or makeup, just a uniform. There are no upcoming interviews, but check back soon as positions may open up periodically throughout the season. Learn More >
Education Team
The Education Team is responsible for facilitating all educational and historic programming during Halloween Nights. You are a great fit for this job if you are a natural at leading conversations, enthusiastic about engaging in open, respectful, and non-judgmental dialogue, willing and able to learn and share knowledge with a wide range of people, and exceptional in providing customer service in a fast-paced environment. There are no upcoming interviews, but check back soon as positions may open up periodically throughout the season. Learn More >
Guest Support Assistants (All Positions Filled)
Guest Support Assistants assist the Senior Manager, Group Sales and Events with administrative and customer service duties to support the Halloween Nights and daytime prison tour programs. This is a seasonal position from September 6 to November 12, 2022. Weekend availability is a must. All responsibilities are via phone and email. This is an office based role. All Guest Support Assistant positions for the 2022 season have been filled.
Special FX Makeup Team (All Positions Filled)
It takes a team of nearly 20 makeup artists about three hours to prepare a cast of more than 200 performers each evening. This is a fast-paced, fun environment, and the timing of the makeup team is essential. Applicants must be proficient and possess skills in basic and intermediate special FX makeup. This includes knowledge of and hands-on experience with airbrush makeup application, prosthetic application, Skin Illustrator, latex, gelatin and silicone appliances, and Pros Aide transfers. All Special FX Makeup Team positions for the 2022 season have been filled.
Costume & Props Team (All Positions Filled)
The Costume & Props Team is made up of talented costumers who dress and aid the cast of 200 performers each evening. Applicants must be people-oriented problem solvers who can think on their feet. They must be proficient sewing both by hand and with a machine, have basic painting, repairing, and fabricating skills, be able to lift at least 50 lbs., and have the ability to take initiative and work independently. All Costume & Props Team positions for the 2022 season have been filled.
Tech Crew (All Positions Filled)
ldeal candidates for Build Crew, Show Techs, and Project Techs possess one or more of the following skills: set building, carpentry, metalworking, welding, electrical controls, electronics, PLC and other controller programming, pneumatics, theatrical lighting/DMX, audio installation, read technical prints and drawings. Tech Crew members must routinely carry loads of up to 50 lbs. All Tech Crew positions for the 2022 season have been filled.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.