Experience Performer | FAO Schwarz | New York City

Compensation: $19/hr plus commission
Union Status: Non-Union
Employment Type: Seasonal Part-Time with the ability to transfer to a core role in January

The Role

FAO Schwarz is seeking charismatic performers to bring our immersive retail experiences to life at our iconic New York City flagship at 30 Rock.

With multiple interactive experiences throughout the store, our Experience Performers step into playful, theatrical worlds where storytelling, character, improvisation, hospitality, and retail come together.

Depending on the experience, performers may become stylists, artists, inventors, chefs, explorers, experts, or entirely original characters. The world may change, but the goal remains the same: make the guest feel like they’ve stepped into something they couldn’t experience anywhere else.

This is not a traditional retail role, and it’s also not traditional stage performance. Experience Performers interact directly with guests, improvise in the moment, tell stories, demonstrate products, guide hands-on activities, and create memorable moments while delivering exceptional hospitality and driving sales.

The Experience

FAO Schwarz is home to a growing collection of immersive, interactive retail experiences.

Each experience has its own world, character, costume, story, and guest journey. Performers bring those elements together, transforming what could be a simple retail transaction into an engaging theatrical experience.

Every interaction is different because every guest becomes part of the story.

Responsibilities

Perform in character throughout immersive guest experiences.
Bring different characters, stories, and experiential concepts to life.
Improvise naturally and confidently with children and adults.
Use storytelling, humor, conversation, and play to engage guests.
Guide guests through interactive activities, demonstrations, and product selections.
Adapt performances to different guest personalities, ages, energy levels, and pacing.
Learn and maintain character direction, scripts, product knowledge, and experience standards.
Create spontaneous, memorable moments while keeping the core experience consistent.
Deliver exceptional hospitality and premium guest service.
Use established selling techniques to generate strong sales.
Maintain energy and theatricality throughout repeated guest interactions.

Ideal Candidates

We're looking for performers with experience in areas such as:

Interactive or immersive theatre
Children's theatre
Theme parks
Character performance
Immersive entertainment
Comedy or improv
Experiential hospitality

Retail experience is welcome, but not required.

We're Especially Interested In

Strong improvisational ability
Character range and versatility
Excellent people skills
Warm, energetic personalities
Confident vocal presence
Strong comedic and conversational instincts
Ability to create connections quickly
Comfort engaging guests of all ages
Ability to take direction and adapt character choices
Ability to sustain energy across repeated interactions
Performers who can make a structured experience feel spontaneous, personal, and new for every guest