Wild Fall Improvisational Performer

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do.

The Wild Fall Improvisational Performer works with the Guest Operations team to facilitate learning through the implementation of conservation-based improvisational experiences and engagement with guests during Wild Fall. This position facilitates experiences for diverse audiences (including but not limited to students/children in grades preschool through high school, families, community groups) and various group sizes. This temporary position will work directly on zoo grounds with the general public. Staff in this role will be entertaining guests and sharing conservation action through improvised activities inspired by DZCA’s conservation field program work. This position will be focused on learning through hands-on experiences, activity delivery and enthusiastic interaction with guests. This position has a final date of 10/31/24. 

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests.  If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you!  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Priority 1 - Active Guest Engagement

• Facilitate on-grounds atmosphere and enhancement for guests through dynamic presentation of improvised materials. Duties will include personal and public performances welcoming and speaking with Zoo guests, encouraging guests to discover the Wonder elements of Wild Fall.
• Primary function for this role will be to act in one of 4 “stock character” roles, being the:
  • Cryptozoologist
  • Secret Agent
  • Zoo Psychic
  • Park Ranger 
• Leading guests to discover habitat-based interpretation focused wonderous creatures, and increasing conservation awareness among Denver Zoo guests. This role will consist of substantial daily public interaction. Staff will work throughout Denver Zoo at both outdoor and indoor locations.

Priority 2 - Program Support

• Create experiential atmosphere though character improvisation and individual performance.
• Prepare, maintain and clean-up daily performance materials and supplies

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Completion or in pursuit of a or high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.  
• Experience in public engagement, including theater with a focus on improvisation. Substantial experience in long form improvisation required.
• Exposure to working with multigenerational audiences or students of varied ages in a professional setting preferred; outstanding group management skills.
• Experience providing outstanding customer service to diverse audiences.
• Must be a highly-skilled and confident improvisational actor.
• Comfort and confidence in presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations.
• Affinity for animals and nature.
• Comfortable in nature; experience engaging children in natural spaces preferred.
• Ability to work by oneself and in a team setting.
• Proactive, positive, and flexible attitude; willingness to learn.

Compensation

Hourly rate for this position: $40/hour

A pay differential will be paid for staff with bilingual fluency in Spanish/English.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.

• This position requires to work up to 35 hours per week:

  • On-site guest work regularly from 9/27/24 - 10/31/24

  • Rehearsal schedules through August and September

• Flexibility to support programs as scheduled, including a mix of weekday, weekend and evening assignments with notice.
• A certain amount of minimum days of rehearsal will be required and established based on group availability between 8/13/24 and 9/26/24, time is TBD.

Benefits

This is a seasonal/temporary position and as such is not eligible for benefits at this time; however sick time is accrued.

Application Process and Timelines

Review of applications will begin immediately.  Candidates will be contacted about possible auditions. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. 

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role. 

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org

Salary : $40