For anyone who has dreamed of smiling in front of hundreds of people, hungered for that enthralled and delighted audience and always wanted to cheer on a seven-ton whale, this is the chance of a lifetime.
SeaWorld is hosting open auditions for performers and interviews for technicians Saturday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SeaWorld Adventure Camp, 500 SeaWorld Drive.
SeaWorld is looking for show hosts, costume characters and musicians along with people to work backstage, such as lighting and video crew.
All applicants must be over 18 except for costume character applicants, who must be at least 16. Applicants should bring a nonreturnable headshot and résumé, and those vying for a performance spot need to prepare a two-minute, family-friendly audition.
“We are looking for energetic and charismatic people,” said Nadia Perez, supervisor of talent operations in the entertainment department for SeaWorld.
Because of the physical demands on the costumed characters, SeaWorld requires that applicants be between 5 and 6 feet tall, able to lift 50 pounds, most important, able to have fun performing.
For the audition, applicants will be able to slip on a costume and learn a simple dance routine for the tryout. Those auditioning should be comfortable entertaining children, as costume characters are expected to walk around the park and pose for pictures with park visitors, along with other tasks. Pay starts at $9.25 an hour.
For show host positions, SeaWorld is searching for applicants that radiate confidence in front of crowds. Applicants will be required to perform and demonstrate that they can really shake it onstage.
There are also spots open for comedic actors, and tryouts will require applicants to perform a two-minute comedic monologue.
For show hosts and comedic actors, pay starts at $25 an hour.
The aquatic park is also seeking percussionists and electric guitarists. Drums will be provided for individuals who show up on Saturday with a one-minute piece for a marching snare drum, marching tenor drum and/or drum set and are ready to demonstrate their ability to successfully move about onstage.
Rock guitarists who know their stuff when it comes to classic and contemporary rock and can play both lead and rhythm should be prepared to illustrate not only their technical ability but also their showmanship and style.
Musicians frequently perform in front of crowds of 5,000 and must be able to read chord changes. Pay for musicians varies between $18 to $25 an hour.
SeaWorld is also accepting applications for specialty performers, such as jugglers and magicians. Interested applicants should be prepared to perform a two-minute audition. Photos and promotional kits are appreciated. Same rules apply if you have a band or any performing group that would like to audition to perform regularly at the park.
Stage crew and technician positions are also available, with pay ranging from $9 to $17 an hour.
Applicants are also allowed to apply for more than one position.
“We recommend everyone shows up at 11, in case it runs late,” Perez said.
Performers that aren’t able to attend the Saturday tryout can send a video of a performance. All résumés, photos and promotional kits will not be returned.
“Rehearsals will start in late April through May. Hours will vary by job and park attendance, but it’s mostly an evening job,” Perez said.
Working at SeaWorld includes a number of job perks, including free admission to Anheuser-Busch parks, complimentary tickets for friends and family and discounts on food and merchandise. SeaWorld employees are subject to a drug test and a background check.
For more information got to www.seaworldsandiegoauditions.com.