The posting
Compensation: $19/hr plus commission Union Status: Non-Union Employment Type: Seasonal Part-Time (20–29 hours) with the ability to transfer to a core role in January
The Role
FAO Schwarz is seeking current or former performers, as well as individuals interested in developing performance skills, to bring our immersive food experiences to life at our iconic NYC flagship at 30 Rock.
Opportunities are available with Pizza by Dana’s Bakery and Sushi by Dana’s Bakery, two brand new experiences that combine real food preparation with character performance, storytelling, improvisation, humor, hospitality, and guest interaction.
As part of the interview process, candidates will have the opportunity to indicate which experience most interests them.
Pizza by Dana’s Bakery
Step behind the counter of a playful neighborhood pizzeria where making a candy pizza becomes part food preparation, part performance.
The character possibilities are inspired by the personalities you might find in a classic neighborhood pizza shop — from the seasoned pizza maker who knows every trick of the trade to the enthusiastic foodie with an opinion on every topping or the larger-than-life local who treats every guest like a regular.
Sushi by Dana’s Bakery
Step behind the counter of an immersive candy sushi experience where food preparation and performance come together.
The Sushi performer takes on the role of an in-world sushi expert, guiding guests through their experience while bringing personality, storytelling, humor, and improvisation to each interaction.
No Performance Experience? We’ll Train You.
Performance experience is welcomed, but not required.
All Experience Performers receive paid training specific to the experience they are cast in. Training includes character development, storytelling, guest engagement, product knowledge, food preparation and handling, and the performance and experience standards needed to succeed in the role.
We’re looking for people who are willing to play, learn, take direction, and develop a character, whether you’ve been performing for years or have never stepped on a stage.
Responsibilities
- Perform in character throughout an immersive food experience.
- Prepare and serve products according to established recipes, presentation standards, and food safety procedures.
- Improvise and interact naturally with children, families, and adults.
- Use humor, storytelling, conversation, and play to make each interaction feel personal.
- Learn and maintain the character, story, scripts, food preparation procedures, and standards for your assigned experience.
- Adapt interactions to different guest personalities, ages, and energy levels.
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards.
- Deliver exceptional hospitality while supporting sales goals.
- Maintain character, energy, and consistency across repeated guest interactions.
Requirements
- You may have experience in areas such as:
- Current or former performance
- Theatre, improv, comedy, or character work
- Working with children, families, or groups
- Wearing a costume or portraying a character
- Theme parks, attractions, or immersive entertainment
- Hospitality or guest-facing roles
- Food preparation, food service, or food handling
- Retail or experiential retail
- Flexibility to work across days, evenings, and weekends, with the ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds.
Benefits
- $19.00/hr + Commison
- Employee discounts
- Telehealth
- Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
- Retirement Plan (401k + Match)
- Time-and-a-half pay for Holidays worked
- Paid + Unpaid sick time
This job description should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by this role. Employees are required to perform other related functions as assigned.
FAO Schwarz is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, military or veteran status, arrest or conviction record, predisposing genetic characteristics, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
- $19.00/hr + Commission (Annual salary estimated based on average hours worked)
- Employee discounts
- Telehealth
- Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
- Retirement Plan (401k + Match)
- Time-and-a-half pay for Holidays worked
- Paid + Unpaid sick time
This job description should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by this role. Employees are required to perform other related functions as assigned.
FAO Schwarz is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, military or veteran status, arrest or conviction record, predisposing genetic characteristics, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
