Plimoth Patuxet Museums
This is a Paid position.
Position: Public History Performer
Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a living history museum of the 17th-century that provides engaging and experiential outdoor and indoor learning environments on its main campus, and at Mayflower II on Plymouth’s waterfront, and at the Plimoth Grist Mill. Our permanent exhibits tell the complex and interwoven stories of two distinct cultures – English and Wampanoag.
Operating on a remarkable property overlooking Cape Cod Bay, Plimoth Patuxet brings the story of the United States’ early foundation to life for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year since its founding in 1947. The main exhibits are enhanced with an exciting array of special events, public programs and workshops that offer a rich and diverse exploration of the 17th-century.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.
POSITION SUMMARY
Public History Performers (PHPs) use immersive theater techniques to create engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for museum guests of all ages. PHPs perform a semi-scripted, semi-improvised interactive “show” that incorporates hands-on 17th-century daily life activities, storytelling, and scripted encounters. The “show” is performed in a large outdoor “set” – a recreation of 1620s Plymouth Colony – and is based on extensive historical research. PHPs portray actual residents of 1620s Plymouth Colony, and will be trained in all necessary historical background information.
We are casting roles to portray both men and women. Actors must be able to realistically portray Mayflower passengers and other known early inhabitants of Plymouth Colony. We are casting roles to portray ages late teens and above.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Engage guests in conversations about the history of the 17th-century Atlantic world by meeting guests where they are, and thoughtfully guiding their learning.
- Create a hands-on learning environment by involving guests in demonstrations, activities and programs.
- Perform daily in a timed, semi-scripted, semi-improvised immersive experience.
- Portray a resident of 1620s Plymouth Colony, including wearing historical reproduction clothing, speaking in an Early Modern English dialect, and demonstrating 17th-century English lifeways.
- Memorize lines and blocking, and learn relevant historical information in a timely manner.
- Run non-scripted, timed programs demonstrating 17th-century lifeways.
- Provide a friendly and welcoming presence for all guests and coworkers throughout the Museum.
- Attend rehearsals, training sessions and meetings as requested.
- Take and implement notes given by the Museum Theater Manager or Assistant Manager.
- Collaborate with other Public History Performers as part of an ensemble cast.
- Participate in additional performances/shows including but not limited to one-person shows, dining experiences and online performances for schools and other groups.
- Properly use and care for all museum owned materials including but not limited to historical reproductions, historical clothing, training materials, uniforms, voice amplification devices, and tools.
- Assist in daily maintenance of the sites including basic gardening and woodworking and cleaning, etc.
- Adhere to the policies of Plimoth Patuxet Museums as outlined in the Museum Employee manual and current job description.
This description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of key responsibilities of the job as it is at present, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description may be reviewed by management at any time either to ensure that it relates to the job currently being performed, or to incorporate changes. Management reserves the right to change a job description; and if/when doing so will discuss with the employee so that any changes are understood by the employee.
REQUIRED SKILLS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Flexible, resilient, growth mindset
- Have an understanding of or desire to learn immersive theater, improvisation, and the theatrical process as a whole.
- Ability to read and understand a variety of historical and educational sources.
- An interest in history and learning and performing 17th-century lifeways, music and dances.
- An engaging and creative personality with the ability to communicate clearly and engagingly with guests and colleagues.
- Fluency in English & ability to pick up on/learn dialects.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate skillfully with a wide range of people from different cultural and social backgrounds and diverse learning styles.
- Ability to deliver an engaging, consistent performance multiple times a day
- Ability to perform in an outdoor environment, in all weather
- Great at problem-solving in the moment
- Have a positive attitude and sense of humor
- Reliability, dependability and punctuality
- Courtesy and honesty
- Ability to work independently, without direct supervision as well as part of a team
- Skilled at using Google Suite, Zoom and other computer applications
