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Calling All Entertainers: Tweetsie Railroad to Hold Auditions for Season Entertainment Positions Jan. 24-25

By Madison Fisler Lewis

Jan. 16, 2015. Calling all High Country entertainers! If you can dance, sing, act, ride horses or perform any other kind of unique performance act, Tweetsie Railroad is looking for you.

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Photo courtesy of Tweetsie Railroad.

On Jan. 24-25, Tweetsie Railroad will hold its annual auditions for the theme park’s 2015 season. Open positions for this year’ season include positions for singers, dancers, actors, equestrians, magicians and unique acts. Those interested in working at North Carolina’s first and longest-running theme park should attend the auditions with registration beginning at 9 a.m. both days. Advanced registration is not required except for those auditioning for equestrian positions.

“Acting, singing, dance, and movement are not required but are given special consideration,” said Leah Knepper, PR representative for Tweetsie Railroad in a previous interview.

The auditions will be held starting at 10 a.m. at the Tweetsie Palace Saloon located inside the Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park.

“We usually hire between 240 and 255 employees each season,” said Kathy Robbins, marketing director at Tweetsie Railroad.

“We will be hiring approximately the same number of employees as last season.”

All those who wish to be considered for employment must attend the auditions, including those who have been previously employed by Tweetsie Railroad. Shows this year include the Wild West Train Adventure, Diamon Lil’s Can-Can Revue, Country Flogging Jamboree, Hopper and Porter’s Musical Celebration, Miner’s Mountain Magic and the Sunset Show.

Audition requirements are as follows:

  • Cloggers: Cloggers should prepare a brief demonstration showcasing their most proficient styles. Cloggers will be required to learn and perform a routine on site during the audition.
  • Magicians: Magicians will be expected to perform two or three illusions demonstrating skill in close-up magic. Magicians must provide their own props for their audition.
  • Equestrians: Acting equestrians will receive an interview on a separate date and location to determine equine knowledge. Those selected to return at a later date will be asked to demonstrate their riding skills. Equestrian auditions are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 828-264-9061 ext. 169.

If you are unable to be present for the auditions, Tweetsie Railroad will also accept video audition submissions. Submissions should include a monologue, an accompanied song and video clips showcasing movement and dancing skills. Audition videos may be mailed to:

Tweetsie Railroad Entertainment
300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln.
Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Those selected should expect to work through the performance season which runs from April 10 through Nov. 1. According to a press release, Tweetsie provides “steady work, competitive pay and valuable experience, including other benefits like complimentary passes to Tweetsie and other area attractions.”

For those interested in working in areas of the park that are not performance-based, Tweetsie Railroad will host the annual job fair on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Tweetsie Palace Saloon. Positions include ticket sales, accounting, entertainment, ride operations, food service, retail sales, security, grounds maintenance, first aid and the Deer Park. Other positions are also available.

“An example of new acts is if someone comes to the audition with a unique act, we will see if it fits into the Tweetsie theme,” Robbins said. “We had a balloon artist show up to our auditions one year and we hired him, because we thought families would enjoy his balloon sculptures. This was several years ago, and he is still employed at Tweetsie. We’ve also had people who were experienced with horses and trick horse riding.”

To download the Tweetsie Railroad employment application, click here. For more information about employment opportunities or to contact Tweetsie Railroad regarding employment for the 2015 season, click here.