Jobs | Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary

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 mid-September through mid-November 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, listed in every job posting, 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.

Key Character Roles

Key Characters will help narrate the overarching story for Halloween Nights and serve as the “face” of the festival. Key Characters must be comfortable interacting with guests throughout the festival and will be highly photographed. They must also have a vast knowledge of the festival to help guests find their way around the site.

Applicants must (1) complete an online application, and then (2) attend the in-person Key Character open audition on June 3rd anytime between 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Acting & Specialty Performer Roles

We are looking for passionate performers of all levels of experience to entertain our visitors including actors, dancers, singers, circus performers, and other specialty performers.

Applicants must (1) complete an online application, and then (2) attend an in-person audition. Performers are required to wear a costume and SFX makeup, which will be provided by Halloween Nights. 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.

Customer Service Positions

As the nation’s premier Halloween event, we pride ourselves not only on providing high quality entertainment, but also exceptional customer service. We need friendly and energetic employees to make all of this possible!

Applicants must (1) complete an online 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. These positions require wearing either a uniform or a costume. Some costumed positions also require wearing SFX makeup.

Education Team

The Education Team is responsible for facilitating all educational and historic programming during Halloween Nights including engaging with visitors in The Fair Chance Beer Garden, assisting visitors with the self-guided highlights audio tour, and leading guide-led flashlight tours of the penitentiary's hospital.

Applicants must (1) complete an online 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.

Special FX Makeup Team

It takes a team of nearly 20 makeup artists about three hours to prepare a cast of more than 200 performers each evening.

Applicants must (1) complete an online 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.

Costume & Props Team

** Not hiring for 2025. ** 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.

Seasonal Guest Support Assistants

** Not hiring for 2025. ** Seasonal Guest Support Assistants assist the Coordinator, Group and Member Sales with administrative and customer service duties. All responsibilities are via phone and email. This is an office-based role.

Tech Crew

** Not hiring for 2025. ** 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 (will provide training if needed). Tech Crew members must routinely carry loads of up to 50 lbs.