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. We are looking to fill many different Key Character roles with specific character descriptions below.
Goblin
Prop: Slider
Gender: Masculine presenting / Any gender identity
Goblin is a sneaky and opportunistic creature with a knack for finding hidden treasures and secrets. Goblin thrives on the fringes of the realm, collecting trinkets, gossip, jokes, and cheap scares. They prey on unsuspecting guests, offering tantalizing rumors and tips in exchange for whatever amuses them in the moment.
Margrave, Master of Revels
Gender: Male-identifying
Playing age: 25-45
Margrave is a loquacious and devoted servant of the kingdom. He is the head of the newly formed Office of Revels and acts as an entertaining ambassador to Halloween Nights. His tasks include conducting the festival's nightly opening ceremony, greeting and entertaining guests, and explaining the rules of the event to newcomers.
This is the ideal role for someone who is comfortable speaking to large groups, has strong improv skills, and is quick-witted and funny.
Lord Chamberlain Vespera
Gender: Female-identifying
Playing age: 30-60
Overseer of order and tradition within the court, Vespera maintains appearances and protocol with grave elegance. Cold, eloquent, and exacting, Vespera is the highest-ranking official in the Queen’s court, entrusted with carrying out her will with precision. She keeps a close watch on Margrave and steps in when she finds him faltering in his duties. Vespera works closely with him to ensure new guests understand what they will experience by entering Halloween Nights and distributes Glow to those brave enough to opt in.
This is the ideal role for someone who is comfortable speaking to large groups and has strong improv skills. A quick-wit and good sense of humor is a plus.
Nightstalker
Prop: Large Sword
Gender: Male-identifying
Playing age: 25-40
Nightstalker is a supernatural hunter, a grisly and brooding figure whose name is only whispered behind closed doors. Absent from the kingdom for several autumns, he has finally returned, and everyone is fearful of why that might be. His presence deepens the growing sense of unease within the realm. There were once whispers of a bond between him and Lady Lucent, but with her rise to power, even that may have faded.
Keeper of the Veil
Gender: Female-identifying
Steward of the barrier that separates the earthly plane from the spirit realm, the Keeper of the Veil is an otherworldly being bound to the crown and exploited for her powers. Though she serves the kingdom unwillingly, she is prepared to use guests to regain control of her abilities, no matter the cost.
Exegete
Gender: Gender non-conforming / Any gender identity
Exegete is a cosmic entity summoned to oversee and adjudicate a grand vote that guests will be asked to engage with at the festival. They ensure each offering is recorded without bias or interference. Their presence on the mortal plane underscores the significance of the events unfolding at Halloween Nights. They are an unsettling and grand force, balancing authority and helpfulness.
Hallow Queen Lucent
Gender: Female-identifying
Playing age: 18-25
The newly crowned young queen struggles to maintain the appearance of regal authority while keeping a fragile balance over her realm and her mind. Once defined by defiance, she seized everything she thought she wanted but now faces a series of harsh truths that threaten to bring it all crashing down.
Captain Curio
Prop: Stilts
Gender: Any gender identity
Captain Curio is fiercely loyal to the realm. As the final representative of Her Majesty before visitors leave the kingdom, they play a vital role in ensuring guests depart with a positive experience. Curio relentlessly patrols the festival's exit, searching for traitors to the kingdom and making sure newly knighted guests receive the respect they deserve.
Responsibilities:
- 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
- Being the “face” of Halloween Nights
- Taking photos with guests
- Having a full understanding of Halloween Nights and where things are located within the festival
- Must feel comfortable on radio
- Must be able to wear SFX theatrical contacts and SFX fangs/dentures
To Apply:
1. First, complete an online application.
2. Then, attend the in-person Key Character open audition on June 3rd anytime between 6:00 pm - 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 Key Character audition, you’ll get a chance to show off your storytelling and improv skills. We are looking for actors with previous haunt acting experience, improv experience, and/or theater experience. These roles require a very high level of energy, stamina, a sense of urgency, and a positive attitude.
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.
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