Kennywood - Performance Lead; Phantom Fall Fest

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family‑held themed attractions company, with over 40 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide. While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose:
Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. We strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. All individuals are treated equally with respect.

Kennywood – Performance Lead (Phantom Fall Fest)

The Performance Lead assists with ensuring that all costumed events are successfully executed to deliver outstanding guest satisfaction. The position focuses on leading and directing team members to provide scary and realistic character performances that meet the set standards and intent of the event.

• Lead and motivate a team of scare actors to successfully execute an event
• Lead by example, attitude, and as a representation of Kennywood’s core values
• Act as an approachable mentor and coach to all assigned team members
• Ensure compliance with company and industry best practices, policies, and procedures to create a safe and productive environment for colleagues and guests
• Become knowledgeable of performing the essential duties of all performance‑related positions and backfill these positions when needed
• Participate in training activities for all assigned employees
• Comply with all federal and state labor laws (e.g., Child Labor laws)
• Assist with team scheduling and timekeeping activities

• Delight each guest by providing exceptional customer service, conveying a positive and friendly attitude, and engaging with guests in a fun and exciting manner
• Monitor team members during performance time to ensure that their costumes and make‑up is suitable for the event
• Train a team of scare actors in acting techniques that will bring realism and excitement to the event’s theme
• Perform as a scare actor to provide a hauntingly good time for all guests
• Consistently remain in character throughout the entirety of their scheduled shifts, which could include using noises and changing posture and walk
• Interact with guests while performing in a professional and creative manner
• Use a variety of props or noise makers to enhance the scare experience
• Scare guests as they move through the scare zones throughout the park
• Greet all guests in the scariest way possible
• Demonstrate control, restraint, and awareness to minimize the escalation of situations in which a guest may get overly scared
• Maintain a safe environment by keeping at least an arm’s distance between self and the guests, keeping escape routes clean, and following any other safety standards
• Continuously monitor the event to identify any potential threats or hazards; elevate any issues to the proper park authorities in a timely manner
• All other duties assigned by leadership

Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English;
Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

• No education required; just a passion for scaring!
• 1+ year of previous haunt experience highly desired

• Must successfully pass an audition and/or character training for this role
• Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays (including Halloween, if open)
• Ability to work 20+ hours per week, when needed
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift
• Must comply with all grooming standards, uniform and/or costume requirements
• Ability to immerse in role and remain in character throughout the performance
• Must possess strong cardio endurance, physical storytelling abilities, and performance energy
• Must be playful, outgoing, friendly, and…