Polar Express Production Assistant

Description

Division/Department: Special Events

Job Title: Polar Express Production Assistant

Reports To: Special Events & Entertainment Manager

Type of position: Non-Exempt / Hourly 

Employee Classification: Seasonal (Polar Express; Late August - Early January)

Location: Bryson City, NC

Compensation: $15-18/hour 

Job Summary: The Production Lead will be working closely with the Special Events & Entertainment Manager in order to sustain the valuable THE POLAR EXPRESS? Train Ride theatrical experience! This is a flexible learn on the job setting. We will provide ample opportunities to sharpen your skill set in the Back of House operations of the theatrical show onboard a moving train.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with wardrobe planning and consistent scheduled maintenance for all acting positions.
• Assist with props, to include consistent repair, maintenance and inventory.
• Takes a collaborative role in selection of direction, stage management, and design of production.
• Lead a team of special events actors, ensuring effective leadership, delegation of tasks and commodore within team.
• Works closely with Stage Assistant with training of event staff and other assigned duties.
• Assists with the ins and outs of lighting design along track line.
• Assists with the ins and outs of sound design along track line.
• Must work with train car set for each train car on consist, understanding that each train car is its own theatre. This includes, but not limited to actor placement, decoration of cars, maintenance of car decorations, etc.
• Works closely with Special Events Manager to decorate/de-decorate train cars.
• Assists with inventory of all event items throughout event on a weekly basis.
• Assists Polar Warehouse Assistant with daily warehouse duties and responsibilities, throughout course of event.
• Assists Special Event Manager with daily event set-up and maintaining day-to-day events.
• Knowledgeable with Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s policies and procedures.
• Knowledgeable with Special Events Department’s Standard Operating Procedures and protocols to include core pillars, position specific procedures and event protocols. 
• Work closely with other departments as part of a team to provide passengers/guests with positive memories.
• Other duties as requested by GSMR & AHR management.

Requirements

Education, Skill, and Work Experience Requirements:

• Basic knowledge of MacOS and Microsoft OS. 
• Experience with theatrical shows, specifically prior work in live entertainment production, casting, writing, and choreography.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to ride and walk/move comfortably throughout a moving train.
• Must possess organizational skills with the ability to multi-task while prioritizing workload with a practical, flexible, and innovative approach to work and school. 
• Ability to communicate successfully with a variety of personalities and function effectively as a member of a team.
• Fairly open schedule during weekends and major US holidays.
• Must be able to pass a background check. 
• Valid Driver License and must be able to pass a DMV check.

Work Environment:

• Work on and off the train in varied terrain in all weather during both daylight and dark hours during event operations. 
• Varied schedule throughout the year dictated by train schedule. 
• Extended and irregular hours including evenings, nights, around major US Holidays and weekend work required.
• Work environment may include strobe lights, darkness, enclosed spaces, loud music, and sound effects.
• Time spent around the property and event spaces where uneven surfaces and extreme weather conditions may exist.

Benefits Offered:

• Competitive pay
• Fun work environment
• Southern Highlands Attractions pass
• GSMR’s pass exchange program
• Food and Retail merchandise discounts
• Train passes for you, your friends and family monthly