Portland, ME: The Polar Express™ Train Ride (Paid Seasonal Performers)

Make holiday magic aboard a real train! The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad (licensed Warner Bros. live event) is holding open auditions for paid seasonal performers. Hires may list the Warner Bros. credit on their resume.

Quick Facts

• Where: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum, 65 Thames St., Portland, ME 04101

• Performances (2025): Nov 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 • Dec 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27

• Pay: $16–$21/hr (DOE)

• Local hire: Reliable transportation; multiple departures per day

Roles

• Car Host (Onboard): Seat guests, interact, serve “hot, hot chocolate!”, lead sing-alongs, support narration/Santa, tidy between runs. Big holiday energy + kid-friendly improv.

• Conductor (Onboard): Greet/board, manage lines, ensure comfort/cleanliness, assist cocoa service, coordinate with crew, keep operations smooth.

• Prologue Conductor/Greeter (Stationary): Welcome guests and deliver a scripted ~2-minute pre-boarding monologue with SFX/lighting; guide groups to the train.

Previous acting is a plus, not required. Confidence, leadership, humor, love of performing for kids, and improv skills strongly preferred.

Physical & Availability

• Comfortable in narrow aisles; repeated boarding/deboarding

• Indoor + outdoor winter conditions; follow railroad safety

• Preference for performers who can commit to all performance days

How to Audition

• Email: ******@MaineNarrowGauge.org (Attn: Matt Levy, General Manager) to request an audition

• Prepare: A brief (≤30s) comedic or nostalgic monologue inspired by The Polar Express (book/film). Improv exercises included.