Public History Performer

Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Plymouth, MA
US

CONTACT NAME

Donna Gagne

Job Details

DESCRIPTION

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.

This is a full-time, seasonal position beginning on June 1, 2026 and concluding on November 29, 2026. Here at Plimoth Patuxet Museums we offer actors the unique ability to have two consecutive days off each week, work generally consistent hours, and receive a full slate of benefits.

We are casting roles to portray both men and women. Actors must be able to realistically portray specific Historical Mayflower passengers and other known early inhabitants of Plymouth Colony from 1620. We are casting roles to portray ages late teens and above. To ensure historical accuracy and an immersive visitor experience, we are looking for someone whose gender, age range, and general appearance align with the documented details of that individual.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Public History Performers must be able to accurately 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.

● 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.

● 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 Specialist

● 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.

Dress Code for Public History Performers:

To support both historical authenticity and a respectful, inclusive workplace, the following guidelines apply to all performers. These standards are designed to reflect the spirit of the period while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, including the Massachusetts Wage Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Law.

The Museum will make reasonable accommodations for medical, religious, or other legally protected reasons. If the use of medical devices is necessary, staff will work with you to explore options for maintaining historical accuracy while ensuring your health, safety, and comfort.

Corrective Eyewear

● If corrective eyewear is medically required, contact lenses are preferred for historical accuracy.

● If contact lenses are not an option due to medical or other protected reasons, Plimoth Patuxet Museums will provide sources for historically appropriate frames for work use. Employees may submit for a stipend that is applied towards the cost of the frames.

● Prescription lenses are considered a personal medical item and remain the responsibility of the employee.

Hair and Facial Hair

● Hair and facial hair should be maintained in a natural color and styled in a manner consistent with the historical period being portrayed. Guidance—and, where appropriate, styling assistance—will be provided by PPM to help ensure accuracy and consistency.

Cosmetics and Fragrances

● To preserve historical authenticity and ensure the comfort and safety of all guests—including those with allergies or sensitivities—performers may not wear fragrances of any kind while in costume. This includes perfumes, colognes, scented sprays, or fragranced personal care products.

● Cosmetics and false features (such as false eyelashes) should not be worn while in costume.

Fingernails

● Fingernails should be kept short and in a natural appearance while in costume.

Tattoos, Piercings, and Jewelry

● Visible tattoos must be covered while in costume.

● Piercings must be removed while in costume unless removal is medically inadvisable or violates a sincerely held religious belief, in which case accommodations will be considered.

● Jewelry cannot be worn while in costume unless specifically approved for historical interpretation purposes.

Undergarments and Additional Layers

● Staff are responsible for providing their own base undergarments. The Museum will provide supportive garments as needed for female characters.

● Staff may wear ankle-length or no-show socks, thermals, orthotics, or other additional layers beneath their issued costumes, provided that modern garments or accessories remain invisible from the outside.

Clothing Care

To preserve the quality and authenticity of historical garments, staff are expected to:

● Submit laundry regularly and on schedule.

● Monitor the condition of issued clothing and promptly notify the wardrobe department of any repair or care needs.

● Keep dressing rooms organized, with all costumes properly hung and stored.

● Rotate garments to prevent excessive wear on individual pieces.

● Oil shoes at least once per month.

This outline description focuses on the primary duties of the position. 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 accurately portray a 1620 Plymouth Colony resident in costume.

● 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.

● Ability to demonstrate 17th-century lifeways and engage guests in historical interpretation.

● 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.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

● A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

● College courses or a degree in Education, History, Public History, Indigenous Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, or Theater strongly preferred.

● Some college or professional level training in acting or performance is preferred.

● Experience with improv, immersive theater, and devised theater is helpful but not required.

● Experience playing an instrument, singing, and dancing is helpful.

● Experience in theater education and passion for history preferred.

● Interest in and at least two years’ experience working with the public is essential, experience working with children in a professional educational setting is strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Duties may include:

● Working while sitting, standing, bent over or kneeling.

● May involve some lifting and moving of objects; must be able to lift 25 pounds.

● Standing for extended periods.

● Climbing stairs, ladders, companionways, and/or gangways.

● PHPs wear historically accurate costumes made of linen, wool, and sometimes leather, while working outdoors in a non-climate controlled environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

● The workplace is not climate controlled.

● This position requires outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions.

● When outdoors, it can sometimes be in adverse weather conditions.

● Work may be performed in dusty and smoky environments; in poorly lit areas; near open fires.

● The noise level in the workplace varies from quiet to loud.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Museum is open 7 days a week mid-March through the end of November. You must be available to work Saturdays, Sundays and some holidays, including Thanksgiving Day. Typical hours during the Museum’s Open Season (March-November) are 9:00am - 5:00pm, five days a week through the end of November. Flexibility in work hours and days off is required. Depending on the season, this position may include working additional night/weekend hours or days as needed.

DURATION

Apr 15, 2026

SALARY

$16.25 – $16.25 per hour

NON-UNION

HOW TO APPLY

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