Get your Actor’s Equity card.

Sometimes, depending on the park, you might be offered an Actor’s Equity card. Actor’s Equity is a union that protects the interests of its members by making sure that all theatres that work with Equity members maintain safe working conditions; AE also guarantees that if a performer is injured on the job, they’ll have worker’s compensation to cover any medical expenses. Performers who are members of Actor’s Equity are protected by the contracts that theatres and theme parks have with the organization. A performer who signs a contract with any of these establishments receives:

• minimum salaries and per diem (for touring shows)
• safe and sanitary working conditions
• pension, health
• supplemental workers compensation (if you’re injured on the job)
• bonding protection (guaranteeing payments to the performer if the producer fails to do so)

Here’s some advice from performer Andrea Canny, a professional singer and actor in Orlando, FL: “When I was hired as a performer at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, I was given the option to join the Actor’s Equity Union. I chose to join so I could have my Equity card, which would enable me to audition in NYC for Broadway shows. Even though I did not expect to work at Disney for 24 years, it was Disney offering me this option to join that has provided me with my 24 years vested pension. I am grateful! There have been many times the union has protected me and other performers as far as onstage and backstage safety, video/photo and recording compensation, proper shoes for dancing, etc.”

Count on a flexible schedule and a great source of income.

Though performing in regional theatre and being cast in nationally touring shows is a wonderful experience and great for some actors, working in a theme park can provide a sense of stability to your income as well as your schedule. Most theme parks offer seasonal, part-time, or full-time positions. Theme park jobs are great roles for actors with multiple jobs and college classes (flexible schedules based on your availability) and/or a family (disposable income). Additionally, since theme parks offer full-time work based on performance, in time, you may be awarded a full-time position. Working full-time as an actor at a theme park will allow you to pay your bills, buy groceries, and start saving money you’ll need later in life. Plus, if you have any other shows you’re involved in, you can work around your schedules to be involved in both!

Health benefits may be offered depending on your role.

If you are a full-time performer, you may be offered health benefits from your theme park employer. These offer the minimum coverage requirements for the United States healthcare system. They may include doctor’s and specialist’s visits, dental check-ups, and medication plans. Health insurance is offered to most full-time employees and, in some cases, it is also offered to part-time employees.

Get free admission to the park.

When you are an employee or cast member of a theme park, you receive free admission for as long as you are an employee. You can use this opportunity to travel to other venues and watch other actors perform in roles you may be interested in auditioning for. Additionally, if you have friends who act at the same theme park, you can attend their shows or sets and support them in the process.

If you are a full-time performer, you may be offered health benefits from your theme park employer. These offer the minimum coverage requirements for the United States healthcare system. They may include doctor’s and specialist’s visits, dental check-ups, and medication plans. Health insurance is offered to most full-time employees and, in some cases, it is also offered to part-time employees.

Take advantage of your network.

You’ll meet other employees, both in operations and entertainment, who come from different walks of life and may be great resources. Get out there and network! For example, if you’re interested in making a short film, you may meet other actors who are interested in helping you out with your production. Or, if you become friends with a director, you may learn valuable information from them regarding the steps you should take to improve your directing skill. Consider all the people you could meet and the potential positive relationships you could foster: theme park work doubles these possibilities.

Create memories for families from around the world.

There are times when your job will be very difficult; you’ll be catcalled on stage at 10AM, your shoe will trip you up at 1PM, you’ll miss your lunch because you had to sign paperwork for another audition at 2PM, and your makeup will smear when it rains at 4PM. However, these things will be overshadowed by the couple from France who cheered when you spoke to them in their native language. You’ll remember the hugs that children give you when they get to meet their favorite character on the street. You’ll look back and laugh when you remember the family who wore matching sombreros in your audience participation show. Acting at a theme park isn’t just about the tangible benefits; it’s also about creating positive and meaningful memories for guests and for yourself.