Casting Call and Job Description

Job Title: Spellbound Cast Members

Department: Guest Experience

Reports To: Visitor Program Coordinator

Supervises: N/A

FLSA Classification: Seasonal / Part-time / Non-Exempt

Revision Update: July 28, 2026

Availability: Must be available for four out of the following nine dates, plus a mandatory rehearsal:

• Wednesday October 21
• Thursday October 22
• Friday October 23
• Saturday October 24
• Sunday October 25
• Wednesday October 28
• Thursday October 29
• Friday October 30
• Saturday October 31

Casting Call: Spellbound in the Garden

Huntsville Botanical Garden is seeking dynamic performers to bring Spellbound in the Garden to life this October. Now in its second year, this immersive nighttime experience transforms the Garden into a mysterious world where guests encounter ethereal spirits, silent guardians, and uncanny moments around every turn.

If you love physical theater, movement-based performance, and creating unforgettable guest experiences, we'd love to meet you.

Casting Call Date:

August 23rd from 2 PM – 4 PM

Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden in the Volunteer Classroom

Join the Cast:

Help create one of Huntsville's most unique fall experiences while becoming part of a team dedicated to creating memorable moments for thousands of guests.

Ready to step into the Phantom's realm? – If selected, you should be prepared to complete all required new hire paperwork before leaving, including tax withholding forms, direct deposit information, and Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification).

To complete the Form I-9, federal law requires employees to present original, unexpired documents verifying both identity and authorization to work in the United States. A list of acceptable I-9 documents is available from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Photocopies or expired documents cannot be accepted.

Completing all required onboarding documentation at the event will help ensure you can begin work as quickly as possible if selected. Please arrive prepared with all required documentation.

The Experience

Spellbound in the Garden is not a traditional haunted attraction. This is not a jump and scare experience. Through atmospheric storytelling, movement, music, lighting, and immersive environments, performers become living elements of the Garden's mysterious landscape. Rather than relying on dialogue, these roles use expressive movement, stillness, timing, and guest interaction to create moments of wonder and suspense.

Position Summary:

This position works collaboratively with the Guest Experience department supervisors and Visitor Program Coordinators to become living elements of the Garden's mysterious landscape through atmospheric storytelling, movement, music, lighting, and immersive environments. Spellbound Cast members create moments of wonder and suspense using expressive movement, stillness, and timing rather than dialogue or jump scares.

Essential Functions:

Cast Members are assigned one of the roles below:

• Guardians (2) – Ember Gateway – Become the first mysterious figures guests encounter as they cross from the ordinary world into the Phantom's realm. Through synchronized movements and commanding presence, you'll mark the beginning of their journey. Some improvisational movement is expected.
• Drifters (4) – The Shrouded Marsh – Move through layers of fog with fluid, dreamlike motion, creating fleeting spectral encounters that leave guests questioning what they just saw. Some improvisational movement is expected.
• Sentinel of the Veil (1) – Phantom's Bridge – Serve as the silent guardian between worlds. Through stillness, posture, and presence, you'll reinforce the psychological shift deeper into the experience.
• Waltzing Spirits (5) – The Phantom's Waltz – Join an ensemble of performers in an ethereal choreographed movement experience that serves as the emotional and visual centerpiece of Spellbound in the Garden. Some improvisational movement is expected.
• Watchers (2) – Watchful Fields – Create an unforgettable finale by becoming imposing silhouettes that quietly observe guests as they make their way through the final landscape. Through still watchful presence they leave a lasting impression.
• All roles have the opportunity to perform other duties as assigned.
• All roles must be comfortable being dressed in theatre make-up, costume, and performing outdoors on mixed terrain in dim lighting, with some strobing effect.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years of age. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required. Candidates must have completed at least 6 months of acrobatic arts or another movement-based training program and have prior experience in dance, theatre, gymnastics, or a similar acrobatic arts discipline. Candidates must also have participated in at least one live performance or production before an audience.

Success Factors:

• Exemplify Core Values – A commitment to, and ability to effectively convey, the Garden’s mission of connecting people with plants with genuine passion that also embraces and exemplifies the Garden’s core values.
• Knowledge of coordinated, time-based performance.
• Knowledge of various dance techniques.
• Ability to maintain focus and remain in character while interacting with or performing around guests.
• Skilled in live performance that is a mix of coordinated and improvised movement
• Proven experience as a dancer or performer.
• Ability to maintain balance on uneven terrain.
• Ability to perform in outdoor weather conditions at night.

Preferred Qualifications:

Completion of a dance certification program from an accredited school, equivalent education, or two years of stage or media production experience.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Physical Demands: This position requires good coordination and stamina. Must be able to stand and perform continuously with constant movement and use of limbs.
• Work Environment: Continuously works in evening, outdoor conditions that can include inclement weather, heat, humidity, and poor lighting. Noise level may be loud at times with continuous use of audio equipment such as speakers and strobe lighting.

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize essential functions and responsibilities of a job and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At Huntsville Botanical Garden job descriptions are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 20% of your duties may change annually.

Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden supports a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Garden is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.