Ships Cook Costumed Ambassador Role

Casting an actor for the role of Ship’s Cook Costumed Ambassador for Brunel's SS Great Britain, Bristol's tourist attraction.

Production states: "As the character of the Ship’s Cook you will be the friendly face of our summer programming. You will take part in a series of live and recorded promotional activities in the run up to the school summer holidays and the first weeks up to the 7th of August. These will include off-site public engagement events inviting the public to sample Victorian food items at various locations in and around the Bristol region, including during the Harbour Festival. You will also participate in a photo/video shoot to produce a range of images and video clips for use in our summer advertising campaign and for online digital content.

In addition, you may be required for media in-studio appearances or photoshoots.
The successful candidate will be provided with background information on the SS Great Britain and Victorian foods, along with assistance in developing their character based on the evidence from the Trust’s collection.

When undertaking publicity events you will always be accompanied by an SSGB staff member.

Main Tasks:

1. To promote the SS Great Britain and our Summer 2022 Food Tasting Activity through a series of live public events
2. Being the “face” of the summer advertising campaign across a range of online content including social media

The Role:

The successful candidate must be a lively, self-assured, and passionate communicator able to inhabit the character with warmth, energy, and authenticity. Outstanding public engagement skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of audiences is essential. A sense of fun and a willingness to learn about the history of food aboard the SS Great Britain is vital.

Candidates must be comfortable interacting with the public in character. The ability to improvise and adapt your performance to the public’s responses is essential. Experience in improvised performance, street theatre, costumed interpretation or brand promotion will be an advantage.

An interest in history and museums, and knowledge of the SS Great Britain is desirable.

Person Specification:

1. A positive, outgoing performer who can create and sustain the character of Ship’s cook in a variety of public settings.
2. You must have excellent communication skills, including being proactive in engaging the public, experience in storytelling, improvisation and product promotion.
3. You should have a sense of fun and enjoy interacting with members of the public, especially children.
4. The ability to “read” the public and tailor the nature of your interaction according to their needs will be an advantage.
5. You need to be resilient, resourceful and proactive to cope with the varied demands of
working in a high profile, public-facing role.

Experience

1. Previous acting, performance or promotional experience is essential.
2. Outstanding customer service skills a necessity including interacting with children.
3. A passion for history, Brunel or cooking is an advantage."