Nation Builder – Patrick Henry

Description

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on-site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

Summary:

Research and portray a prominent leader in Virginia’s Patriot cause, was the first governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a lawyer, and member of Virginia’s ratifying convention for the federal constitution, where he was a noted opponent of ratification. Utilize extensive primary and secondary source research, sophisticated presentation techniques, and interpretive themes to develop, produce, and perform meaningful programming that sparks insight and understanding of Williamsburg’s—and America’s—founding-era history.

Essential Functions:

1. Research and analyze primary and secondary sources to gain an extensive and in-depth knowledge and understanding of Patrick Henry, his diverse 18th century world, and the themes/universals that defined his existence.
2. Portray Patrick Henry, and other historical figures when needed, in scripted scenes, outlined presentations, and impromptu interactions. Engage with guests possessing various levels of pre-existing knowledge in a variety of settings in and outside of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area.
3. Develop, produce, and perform meaningful, thought provoking, engaging programming based on primary resources, contemporary research, and general historiography all tied to relevant topics for modern audiences.
4. Work with historians, marketing, development, digital, special event staff, and other departments to advance the mission of Colonial Williamsburg through onsite, online, and special programming.
5. Provide elevated donor engagement and represent the Foundation as requested, including developing and presenting programming for specific audiences, both in character as well as out.
6. Contribute as an active member of the department and work collaboratively across the Foundation to create dynamic, inspiring, educational experiences for guests and a healthy and positive work environment for staff.
7. Perform with positivity, flexibility, and resiliency in a changing work environment, and perform other related duties as required.

Supervision to be Exercised:

Direct: None

Indirect: None

Position Type:

Regular/FT; 40 hours/week

Required and Preferred Education and Experience:

Required: Professional acting, presenting, or performance experience. Research experience. Writing, storytelling, interpretation, or teaching experience. Guest service experience. Combination of education and experience comparable to a four-year college degree and five years of related experience

Preferred: Experience developing historical and theatrical programming. Experience presenting and discussing sensitive topics such as slavery, racism, religion, politics, American Indian experience, and gender issues.

Qualifications:

• Able to credibly portray Patrick Henry in the period between 1765 and 1777 through appearance, deportment, and mannerisms.
• Interpretive skills- including ability to research and synthesize information, to think critically regarding storytelling and education, to present programming on sensitive topics, and to make relevant connections for guests
• Knowledge and understanding of American history
• Acting skills- including improvisation and ability to work from a memorized script, good sense of timing and blocking, excellent projection and vocal skills, and versatility to adapt to variable performance environments
• Possess strong writing skills to develop credible and engaging programming.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated consistency in establishing and maintaining cordial, positive, and productive relationships with co-workers and guests.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative within guidelines and procedures
• Ability to multitask; organizing and recalling vast amounts of information, including preparation and presentation of upcoming programs and details of scheduled events.
• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment and perform effectively and professionally under pressure.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays.