Sesame Place To Hold Auditions For Team Members

Sesame Place team members have a unique opportunity not just to gain professional theater experience, but to make children’s dreams come true. Energetic and bubbly PJ Schweizer, who serves as Associate Manager of Entertainment at the park in Langhorne, said he’s looking for people prepared to do just that when they join the Sesame Place family.

Schweizer has been an instrumental aspect of the park for nearly 10 years, first starting as a performer and evolving through the ranks. Schweizer, come January 10, will oversee a string of auditions – where people throughout the community will get a first-hand look at what it takes to be a singer, dancer, actor or puppeteer at the park.

The auditions, which begin January 10, will test locals on not only their talent and technicality but their personalities, to see if they’re prepared for the thrilling experiences a position at Sesame Place can bring. Schweizer, who has dressed in full costume for children at dining events and even children at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, has called those moments “moving”.

“Of course we’ll be looking at the technique of those who come to audition, we’ll be looking at all of that, but we’re also looking for someone who is fun and energetic, who has a big personality and isn’t afraid to have fun, because as performers having fun is why we started performing in the first place,” said Schweizer.

Kristen Edwards, who works for human resources in the park, has said the job requires a lot of passion and an understanding of the weight behind each character.

“Team members need to understand that their is a vibe and personality that goes with each character, and it’s important that when children visit the park they get that same vibe from the people inside the costumes,” she said. “You may be the character that the child cuddles up with at night.”

Puppeteers, Female Singers, Dancers, and Actors: Audition Information Here

“If you’re cast as a dancer one year, you’ll be cast as a dancer the next year,” said Schweizer. “You’re skills will just be reassessed each year to see what your role will be for any upcoming shows.”

Schweizer, who helped organize a new show premiering next year, and the 35th Birthday celebration, Halloween, and Christmas parades, has said the beginning processes for a new cast member can be stressful, but not to worry.

“It may seem elementary, but the biggest thing is smiling. We want our process to be easy and smiling really can make all the difference,” said Schweizer. “We as team leaders are very understanding of the fact that this is new and that not only are you jumping in with a bunch of seasoned performers but with people that have had months to bond. We do lots of ice-breakers and get-to-know-you games that make everything a little more comfortable.”

Those auditioning should be prepared not only to learn choreography, but to go through a one on one interview, pass a drug test, and meet the commitments that rehearsals will require. Performing cast members begin said rehearsals in February.

“If you’re on the fence about auditioning, just do it,” said Schweizer. “Anytime I’ve ever been reluctant to audition for something, it’s been one of my most rewarding theatrical experiences. You have nothing to lose by trying.”