Character Interpreter Position

Mount Vernon, George Washington’s Estate has an exciting upcoming character interpreter position within MVLA’s Interpretation & Events Division, office of Character Interpretation. Please find information detailing the requirements below.


Position: Character Interpreter
Department: Interpretation & Events Division, Office of Character Interpretation
General Description:
Mount Vernon’s Office of Character Interpretation produces educational and entertaining experiences by authentically portraying persons from George Washington’s world, including family members, close friends, enslaved workers, colleagues, and other noteworthy contemporaries. Character Interpreters engage guests through improvisational dialogue and staged/scripted performances. Both approaches aim to grow guests’ knowledge of George Washington and his lasting legacy as well as life at Mount Vernon in the 18th Century.
Mount Vernon’s Office of Character Interpretation seeks a professional character interpreter to portray an enslaved person who lived and worked on George Washington’s Estate (Possible historical figures include: Frank Lee, enslaved butler; Billy Lee, enslaved valet; Caroline, enslaved house servant; or Charlotte, enslaved seamstress).

Essential Duties:
- Thoroughly research and portray at least one personality from Washington’s world
- Engage a diverse audience in impromptu conversation, targeting pre-determined interpretive/educational goals.
- Research, write, and perform (multiple times daily) 10-20 minute dramatic vignettes
- Regularly adapt presentations for numerous unique occasions and various internal programs
- Maintain appropriate appearance for the person portrayed; follow all standards for 18th-century etiquette/deportment
- Assist Director in developing and implementing specialized interpretive performances and programs including extensive research, writing and taking on new responsibilities

Special Requirements:
- Position requires standing/walking for long periods of time and being exposed to all weather conditions as most performances are outdoors
- Dressing in 18th Century appropriate attire required (concealing modern styles/ accessories etc…)
- Frequent weekend and evening work is required

Qualifications:
• Professional acting experience - ability to perform formally and informally in a variety of settings and conditions to a diverse audience
• Knowledge of and interest in George Washington, Mount Vernon, and 18th-century America
• At least 2 years of relevant experience
• Strong research and writing skills
• Well developed interpersonal communication skills
• A bachelors degree in a relevant field of study preferred

Please forward a resume, cover letter and salary history/requirement by email to hrmail@mountvernon.org, by fax to 703.780.8320 or by US Mail to POB 110, Mount Vernon, VA 22121.

Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer