Costume Performer

JOB DESCRIPTION - Performer – Walking Dinosaur Costume

SITE: W5 part of the Odyssey Group
LOCATION: Queen’s Quay, Belfast, BT3 9QQ
REPORTING TO: Visitor Experience Manager
RESPONSIBLE TO: Duty Manager
TERMS: Fixed term (June-August). Weekends only in June moving to a 7-day rota in July & Aug.
SALARY: £13.25 per hour
DATE: May 2025

PLEASE NOTE: We will be holding interviews on Tuesday 13th May

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
About Dinosaurs Survive - W5’s Exciting New Summer Adventure!
Does the idea of interacting with prehistoric creatures in an immersive show make you smile? Can you see yourself engaging with diverse audiences and bringing the incredible story of dinosaurs to life?
If so, we’d love you to join us, for W5’s exciting new summer experience – Dinosaurs Survive! This thrilling adventure will breathe life into awe-inspiring dinosaurs using large-scale animatronics, puppetry, projections, immersive soundscapes and fully themed environments. It’s a magical experience designed to create unforgettable memories for the whole family.

About the role
We’re seeking enthusiastic and passionate individuals to help bring this epic dinosaur journey to life. In this role, you’ll morph yourself into a realistic dinosaur by stepping inside our extremely detailed walking costume, controlling its actions and interacting with visitors of all ages. This role is centred around elite visitor interaction, so strong improvisational skills and a flair for engaging audiences are essential!

MAIN DUTIES:

• Assist the public to have an enjoyable and engaging visit, by interacting with customers while in costume as a walking Dinosaur.
• As the Dinosaur, perform on stage as part of the Dinosaurs Survive experience and in subsequent promotional events/photo opportunities.
• React appropriately to the public by controlling a wide range of motions and actions in what is a remarkably life-like interactive costume.
• Reading customer reaction to the character and interacting appropriately.
• Undertake duties to prepare for customer visits 
• Adhere to our safeguarding policy for children and adults
• Undertake a range of training activities to ensure quality interaction with customers 
• Any other duties as requested by your Line Manager

Essential Criteria

• A positive, fun, can-do attitude; with a willingness to go the extra mile for a diverse range of customer groups.
• To enjoy working in a busy team, taking pride in a job well done.
• To be comfortable operating and controlling a, 2 metre tall x 3 metre long costume from the inside.
• Due to the size limits of the dinosaur costume, your height must be within the following range: 5’9" to 5'11", a level of strength is also required to move around and operate this costume
• A flair for improvisation, with the ability to read social cues, to judge the level of interaction customers want.
• Ability to stay in character while in public areas of W5
• Reliable timekeeper
• Excellent personal hygiene
• Flexible approach, this role will have a rota includes evenings, weekend and holiday.