Actor Interpreter, Full Time (Manufacturing)

OVERVIEW:

The Actor/Interpreter is a key member of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis' world class Interpretation department's performance team. The incumbent engages in presentations by providing the highest quality immersive and interactive experiences for children and families.  The A/I researches and delivers a full range of interpretive programs including: informal interactions, first- and third- person characters, tours, museum created mascots, costumed characters, storytellers, and dramatic presentations.  He/she consistently supports and cooperates with colleagues as well as assists with gallery maintenance. 

The Children's Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. We cannot transform the lives of children and families unless we embrace all families. Together we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences. 

REPORTS TO:
Director of Actor Interpretation & Theater

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plays an integral role in the establishment of a resident interpretive troupe exemplifying the best performance standards in the field of museum theater and interpretation.
2. Studies, practices and is able to perform consistently to the standards of excellence in interpretation. Attends on-going interpretive training sessions. Is consistently physically and vocally prepared for rehearsals and performances.
3. Prepares for the presentation of programs by researching subject matter, memorizing scripts and honing presentation techniques and skills. Consistently learns and presents interpretive programs by researching, memorization, and honing presentation techniques.
4. Presents programs and interacts directly with visitors daily, including set up and take down of sets, props and seating, gathering audiences and conducting post performance discussions.
5. Engages in on-going research and information collection to assist in maintaining relevant scripts and to facilitate post show discussions.
6. Participates in evaluating staff and audience response to interpretation presentations.
7. Maintains cleanliness of costumes and uniforms, performs minor repairs, and notifies Interpretation Operations Manager of larger needs. Maintains daily audience attendance records.
8. Performs museum created mascots on site.
9. If portraying a specific character, makes every reasonable effort by means of makeup and hair style to resemble character being portrayed.
10. Conscientiously adheres to schedule. Prioritizes museum commitments and informs manager of any known conflicting outside commitments to rehearsals or performances well in advance.

The Children's Museum is open six to seven days per week.  Actor/Interpreters are required to work a flexible and varying schedule, which may include 2-3 evenings a month for special events.  Call time for the first performance of the day is 60 minutes prior to start of the first show.  Call time for rehearsals is 30 minutes prior to start of the rehearsal with the Director of Interpretation or the appropriate gallery manager.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. A bachelor's degree in Theater, formal training in Theater arts, or equivalent performance experience. Two years presentation or interpretation experience strongly preferred.
2. One year of experience working with children and youth in formal and informal environments.
3. Strong performance skills, a demonstrated commitment to educational Theater.
4. Availability to work a flexible weekday, weekend, evening and some holidays schedule, including 2-3 evenings per month.
5. Ability to interact with visitors and co-workers in a professional, supportive, positive, and friendly manner.
6. Capacity to work collegially within a fast-paced professional environment that highly values diversity and inclusion. Maintain professional behavior, acceptable to co-workers and the general museum culture.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be able to perform extensive work in indoor environments, to perceive space, to read documents and diagrams and to view computer monitor.
2. Must be able to communicate through projecting voice and varying tone. Team and group dialog required for communication of plans and concepts.
3. Must be able to sit, stand, squat and kneel for long periods of time frequently in costume or uniform.  Must be able to negotiate pedestrian travel throughout the museum physical plant and campus.
4. Must be able to lift objects up to 45 pounds of weight and tolerate dust in the environment.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

See job description