Seasonal Scare Actor

SeaWorld is hiring a Seasonal Scare Actor for Howl-O-Scream 2026 at Busch Gardens Tampa in Tampa, FL. This role puts performers on the floor of a large-scale live horror event production, working within a structured scare acting ensemble to deliver character-driven guest scares across themed haunted environments running September through November 2026. It suits performers with a background in physical theatre, stunt performance, costumed character work, or live event entertainment who are comfortable executing high-repetition character work under production direction.

About the Role

Scare actors operate within the Howl-O-Scream live entertainment department, performing on event nights across indoor and outdoor scare zones and haunted attractions with shifts running from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. A typical night involves clocking in, receiving direction from senior production staff, and executing assigned character performances in sustained two-hour blocks with physical demands comparable to a live stunt or physical theatre call. Auditions are scheduled most Fridays and Saturdays through August 2026, making this an accessible entry point into structured live entertainment performance work.

Key Responsibilities

• Performing as a scripted or original scare character within designated haunt zones, delivering consistent startles and physical character beats across multiple repetitions per shift.
• Executing strenuous physical performance including sustained standing, walking, climbing, bending, and overhead reaching while in full costume or character makeup.
• Taking and implementing real-time direction from production supervisors and event leads to adjust character intensity, timing, and placement.
• Maintaining safe and tidy performance areas throughout the event night, consistent with live entertainment production safety standards.
• Working within a costumed ensemble alongside a diverse crew of performers, with some positions requiring masks, helmets, wigs, or specialty headpieces provided by Busch Gardens Tampa.
• Supplying personal base costume elements including black pants, black socks, black shoes, and a black shirt for all rehearsal and event nights.

What You Bring

• Must be at least 18 years of age with availability across the majority of event nights September through November 2026.
• Prior experience in costumed character performance, physical theatre, live haunt production, or similar live entertainment formats is a plus.
• Ability to perform a single character for up to two-hour continuous blocks, including under strobe lighting, dim lighting, and varying outdoor weather conditions.
• Comfort working in environments with chemical fumes, dust, odor, and atmospheric lighting effects common to large-scale haunted attraction production.

Why This Role

Howl-O-Scream is one of the largest seasonal haunt events in the Southeast, drawing significant crowds across its full run and giving performers real volume experience in a produced live entertainment environment. SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment offers free park admission, park discounts on food and merchandise, scholarship opportunities, and exclusive employee events. Compensation starts at $15.00 per hour for first-year performers and $15.50 for returners, with an incentive rate adding $1.00 per hour on event nights starting September 24 for any shift logging five or more productive hours after 6:00 PM.

Apply now for the Seasonal Scare Actor role with SeaWorld at Busch Gardens Tampa and lock in your audition slot before the season fills.