What are the responsibilities and job description for the Performer - Event Assistant position at Seattle Christmas Market?
CASTING NOTICE
SEATTLE CHRISTMAS MARKET 2026
The Seattle Christmas Market is returning to Seattle Center for its fourth year and is casting its first season of in-house performers. Performers will portray Market characters who reinforce the Market’s theme, surprise and delight guests, and help bring an immersive holiday world to life. This is a hybrid Performer-Event Assistant role. If you’ve ever worked at a Renaissance Faire or amusement park, and you absolutely LOVE CHRISTMAS, this is the job for you!
We are casting for all ages, all types, and all genders, and specifically seeking performers with strong improv and audience interaction skills. We are especially looking for multi-disciplinary artists with special skills such as singing, dancing, musical instruments, juggling, circus, etc.
Performer Commitment: Nov. 12 through Dec. 31.
Rehearsals and Training begin Nov. 12 and run every day, although performers may not be scheduled every day.
Market runs Nov. 20-Dec 27. Dark days are Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Performers will be scheduled for 35 - 40 hours a week and are overtime eligible.
General Scope of Work:
This is a full-time, temporary position, W2. Performers will be scheduled to work on the Market grounds, either interacting with guests in their cast role or assisting with special events as a helper elf (previously known as Merry Mischief Makers, and other duties as assigned.
Location and Working Conditions:
The Seattle Christmas Market is located at Seattle Center, with full grounds in the South Fountain Lawn, Fisher Pavilion, and Fisher rooftop. Performers will be expected to work indoors and outdoors in most types of weather. Character costumes will be designed and built to withstand the elements of a Seattle holiday season. Performers will have access to green room space and production offices to store personal items.
Characters:
The following characters are still in development. Performers will play an active role in the development of Market characters.
Chriskin – (Femme Presenting) the Queen of the Christmas Market, she is benevolent and kind, with a fairy-like angelic quality. Donned with wings and a crown, she is a gift-bearer and an important figure to the Market. She loves all children, no matter the age, and grants wishes to those with goodness in their hearts.
Jack Frost – (Masculine Presenting) – A mischief maker of the Market, Jack Frost is a spritely merry maker who is obsessed with ice and all things chilly. Can be seen around the market playing tricks on unsuspecting market guests.
Humphry, the Nutcracker’s Brother – (Masculine Presenting) – Humphry lives in the shadow of his elder brother, the actual Nutcracker. Will attempt to convince anyone who will listen that he should have gotten the role. A self-defined ladies man, he tells the worst jokes, and is tragically afraid of mice.
Skadi – (Feminine presenting) - A fierce giantess and goddess of winter, mountains, hunting, and skiing. She wears heavy fur, carries a bow, and can drink anyone under the table.
Holly and Jolly – (Gender Non-Specific) Two identical twin gingerbread people. Non-speaking roles. Please note: These are full body mascot costumes that performers will wear, not to exceed 30 minutes at a time. When not in costume, these two performers will assist through the Market at special events as generic elves.
Mother Hulda – (Feminine Presenting) A kindly, winter-making matriarch from German fairy tales. When she shakes out her feather beds, it causes it to snow down on Earth. Has a crooked nose and some may call her a witch. Loves to decorate cookies.
Dee Liver das Poste, the Postmaster Elf – (Gender Non-Specific) Dee oversees all North Pole mail operations and is obsessed with punctuality. Gets overwhelmed easily by the number of letters in the mailbox.
Fao Shortz – (Gender Non-Specific) Head of the Department of Fun at Santa’s Workshop – Fao is Santa’s official Production Manager in the Department of Fun, charged with ensuring all toys that come out of the workshop are fun to play with. They know a lot about toys and how they work (and isn’t shy to share), but seem to have a hard time grasping whether they’re fun.
Hubschen Frech – (Gender Non-Specific) Naughty/Nice List Inspector Elf – Hubschen roams the market with Santa’s Naughty or Nice List, interviewing guests to determine where they belong. Taboo behavior is completely unacceptable to them, and they must know every. detail.
Bell Snickel – (Masculine presenting) A ragged wanderer clad in fur, they carry a switch to gently correct naughty behavior and pockets filled with nuts and sweets to reward good behavior. He may challenge mischief-makers to complete a task or two to make amends!
Farmhand Rupert (Gender Non-Specific) -- Santa's human-like farmhand who manages the household and the barn where the reindeer are kept. They wear brown hooded robes and are a slightly grumpy but harmless North Pole groundskeeper. Loves all animals, especially the doggos.
Red Redmond (Gender Non-Specific) – Red is the head of the Security and Clearance for Kringle team, aka S.A.C.K. They keep Santa safe. They are Santa’s S.A.C.K.
TO AUDITION:
Please submit a headshot and resume and include a very brief introduction to your experience and why you think you’d be a good fit. Please email hr@seattlechristmasmarket.com and include “2026 MARKET CAST” in the subject line.
Auditions will take place on October 17 from 11am to 4pm. Auditions will consist of a short interview and improvisation. Please come dressed to move.
If you cannot attend either the audition but would like to still be considered, please submit a short (no more than 5 minutes) video introducing yourself, your favorite thing about Christmas, and a short, improvised conversation with a guest as a character of your choosing. Please link the video as a Google drive, Vimeo, or YouTube link to hr@seattlechristmasmarket.com.
Compensation, Incentives and Bonus
- USD 25 / Hour
- Completion Bonus eligibility for finishing the SCM season – Based on Hours Worked.
- Free SCM Tickets for friends and family
- Discounts on SCM Food and Beverage
- Fun SCM beanie and other merchandise
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Seasonal
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours outside, rain or shine, during event season?
Experience:
- Improvisation: 2 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Seattle, WA 98109 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25