BZ Wildlife Theater Performer

Job Description

Bronx Zoo Wildlife Theater Performer 2026

Job Title: Wildlife Theater Performer

Location: Bronx Zoo

Department: Education

Reports to: Manager of Live Interpretation

Type: Seasonal

Pay rate: $21 per hour; returning performers are eligible for a higher hourly rate, which increases based on years of service, up to a maximum of three years

Schedule:

Duration of role: May 2026-January 2027

Summer Season

Rehearsals: May 3- May 17

Performances: Daily, May 18- September 7

Performers can expect to work an average of 2-4 days a week based on individual availability and program needs. The typical shift time is approximately 10am-5:30pm

Fall Season

Rehearsals: September 12-September 25

Performances: Weekends, September 26-November 1

Performers can expect to work an average of 1 shift per week for this shorter season. The typical shift time is approximately 10am-4pm

Winter Season

Rehearsals: November 2-November 16

Performances: Evenings, November 17-January 3

Performers can expect to work 3-4 days a week for the season. The typical shift time is approximately 3-9pm

Typical shift length is 5-7 hour

Holiday and weekend availability mandatory

Must be available for all rehearsal dates prior to the launch of each season

POSITION SUMMARY

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking talented performers to work in a part-time, seasonal capacity as a valued member of the Education Department at the Bronx Zoo. Our Wildlife Theater program inspires participants to learn and care more about animals and the natural world through storytelling, original music and song, puppets, and dancing. You will reach thousands of zoo visitors through thematic wildlife-oriented performances and activities scheduled throughout the day. This is a great opportunity for those interested in seeking to practice theater techniques and learn more about informal environmental education. Bilingual actors with Spanish language fluency are strongly encouraged to apply.

WHO WE ARE

WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world's oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.

WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo-based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science education, fostering the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and nature. We provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world. The Live Interpretation team, within the Education Department, is seeking energetic individuals with experience in theater, dance, and customer service to educate wildlife.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• SUMMER SEASON 2026: Perform as a costumed, non-verbal, full-body mascot character

• Appropriately represent characters featured in PBS Kid's animated series Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

• Perform dances, skits, and routines; engage with guests during photo ops and meet & greets; and maintain costume & equipment

• This role requires high energy, expressive body language, and endurance to manipulate a large costume while working in high-temperatures and physically demanding conditions

• Attend rehearsal dates and learn multiple shows in a quick period

• Perform utilizing acting, singing, and puppets in outdoor spaces across varying weather conditions

• Setup, reset, and breakdown stage and sound equipment throughout the day

• Maintain sound equipment, props, costumes, puppets, and other materials

• Work with various teams and departments across WCS to ensure programming is high quality, effective, and safe

• Be a friendly face in the park for visitors between performances to provide frontline customer service and wayfinding assistance

• Implement interpretation best-practices to help visitors make connections between exhibits, wildlife conservation, and their daily lives

• Support zoo events and other education programming

• Utilize multiple languages, sometimes taught phonetically, in performances

• Participate in the upkeep of a fun and lively learning environment

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