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Overview - Read This Page First!

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.

Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary runs select nights from September 20 through November 9, 2024 and employs more than 200 people each year. 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 $16.00 per hour, and more for management positions.

All staff must be 18 years old or older and must successfully complete a background check. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. See Equal Opportunity Employer Statement below for more information.

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.

Below you will see categories of available jobs. Click on the category that interests you to learn more about those positions and to access the appropriate application form. Each of the following pages contains DIFFERENT information about interview or audition dates, application requirements, and required skills based on the specific position. Please read the instructions carefully.

Acting & Specialty Performer Roles
Applicants must (1) complete an online acting application, and then (2) attend an in-person audition for acting, dancing, singing, circus performer and specialty performer roles. Performers entertain and scare visitors. 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. Learn More >

Customer Service Positions
Applicants must (1) complete an online customer service application, and then (2) attend an in-person 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. Learn More >

Education Team
Applicants must (1) complete an online education application, and then (2) attend an in-person interview for these roles. 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. Learn More >

Special FX Makeup Team
Applicants must (1) complete an online makeup application, and then (2) bring their portfolio to an in-person interview. 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. Learn More >

Costume & Props Team
Applicants must complete an online costume application. 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. Learn More >

Guest Support Assistants
Guest Support Assistants assist the Senior Manager, Group Sales and Events with administrative and customer service duties. This is an office-based role. Learn More >

Tech Crew
Ideal candidates for Build Crew and Show Techs possess the following skills: carpentry, general tool knowledge and use (drills, saws, screw guns, ladders, levels), OSHA 10 certification (ESPHS will provide this training if needed). Tech Crew members must routinely carry loads of up to 50 lbs. Learn More >

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.